Tigers Ready for their Second State Title Showdown in Program HistoryLauren BurgessFri, December 5, 2025 at 4:55 AM UTC·2 min readCARTHAGE, MO. — The Tigers look to make history once again as they prepare for their second-ever trip to the state championship.
In 2019, Carthage football shocked the state by claiming its first-ever state championship.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHead coach Jon Guidie said, “In 19, nobody knew what to expect. It was our first time ever.
Now, six years later, the Tigers return to the title game with a wealth of experience to draw from.
“This time around, we have some experience to look back on and try to do some of those same things and maybe change some things up a little bit,” Guidie said.
This campaign, the Tigers credited their deep postseason run to the strong support from the community.
“They’re a fun group of kids to coach, means so much to our school and our community.” Guidie said. “So many people support us each and every week.”
Junior running back Landon West said, “Allows us to keep going as hard as we can every day, day in, day out.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSenior tight end and defensive back Landon Bland said, “It means a lot to me. Born and raised in Carthage, so wearing the C’s has been a pleasure for me and getting to put on for the city is pretty special to me.”
The challenge ahead is the 13-0 Platte County, led by quarterback Rocco Marriott, who committed to the University of Central Florida.
Guidie said, “It starts with their quarterback, he’s really good, both in the passing game and in the run game, but also the ability to extend plays with his legs. He likes to get out of the pocket and put a strain on our defense, particularly on our defensive backs.”
Bland, an Oklahoma State commit, is prepared to go head-to-head with Marriott in this matchup and again in college.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“They have a couple more guys than just Rocco, but it’s going be pretty fun just to play against all of them,” Bland said.
With the town behind them, the Tigers are ready for their final game of the season.
Carthage football is 12-1 so far this season.
The Tigers will play the Pirates this Frida, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. in St. Joseph, Missouri.
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