CARTHAGE -- Jarod Blissett followed up last week's six-touchdown performance by throwing three first-half scores in Carthage's 42-0 shutout of Palestine on Friday night, which clinched a playoff spot for the defending state champion Bulldogs.

Blissett, who passed for 185 yards on the night, had touchdown passes of 14, 37 and 34 yards to three different receivers -- Jakeldric Jackson, De'Airreus Hearn and Juston Clough, respectively.

Jackson finished with five catches for 41 yards and returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown as Carthage (4-5, 3-1 in District 9-4A Division I) built a 35-0 halftime lead.

Freshman Hunter Townsend added 81 total yards of offense, scoring on a 46-yard in the first quarter for the Bulldogs' first score of the night.

Mykel Gates and Brewster Griffith combined for 79 rushing yards with Griffith scoring Carthage's only touchdown of the second half -- a 3-yard run.

Devonte Mims led Palestine (0-9, 0-4) with 17 carries for 76 yards.

Carthage plays at Chapel Hill, while Palestine hosts Brownsboro next Friday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.

More From East Texas Sports Network