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After winning three straight state titles, Carthage was promptly dispatched in the first round of last year’s playoffs by eventual champion Aledo.

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The 2002 Blueboys haven’t forgotten as they take on Aledo again Friday morning for the Class 2A title at Memorial Stadium in Champaign.

“There is a redemption factor,” Carthage coach Jim Unruh said. “Not that Aledo knocked us off, but that we were knocked off in the first round. That set these kids in motion for a great year.”

Ashton Gronewold and Cody Grotts have each scored 28 touchdowns to pace Carthage to its 13-0 season. The backfield tandem has also combined for 2,973 yards rushing.

Quarterback Joe Reed, a three-year starter who was at the helm for Carthage’s 2000 state title, directs a wing-T attack that has averaged 47.5 points a game. The senior has only thrown only 48 passes this season, but completed 30 for 628 yards and 11 TDs.

Grotts doubles as a linebacker and has a team-leading 104 tackles for a defense that has held opponents to 101 points all season.

Unbeaten Aledo, aiming for its third state title in five years, is similarly matched with Carthage. The Green Dragons average 40 points a game while holding opponents to just seven.

Quarterback Brett Lee’s 1,538 passing yards and Chris Dixon’s 30 TDs lead Aledo (13-0). Fullback J.J. Dunn has 1,062 all-purpose yards to go with 18 touchdowns.

“Dixon is incredible,” Carthage’s Unruh said about Aledo’s senior running back. “Quick and capable of breaking big plays.”

Probable starters

ALEDO                 POS.    CARTHAGE
OFFENSE
Jordan Clark         SE-WR    Jon Dickinson
Barry Olson            LT     Skyler Mckinley
Mike Steele            LG     Tyler Neill
Mark Hessman            C     Michael Harrell
Brian Greer            RG     David Primmer
Thomas Harrison        RT     Chris Boston
Robby Rice           TE-RB    Ashton Gronewold
Ryan Thirtyacre      FL-WR    Mitchell Nealy
Brett Lee              QB     Joe Reed
Chris Dixon            RB     Blake Smith
J.J. Dunn              FB     Cody Grotts
DEFENSE
Josh Bigham            DE     Tyler Neally
Brian Greer            DT     Lamar Kelly
Mike Steele          DT-NG    David Watts
Robby Rice           DE-DT    Jon Dickinson
Aaron Willits        LB-DE    Mitchell Neally
Matt Randall           LB     Jack Rogers
Cody Welge             LB     Cody Grotts
J.J. Dunn              CB     Joe Reed
Brad Franks            CB     Blake Smith
Sam Salmon             FS     Tyler Carlisle
Chris Dixon            SS     Ashton Gronewold