After a decade of deep runs, Brock aims to get over the hump against Carthage
Since 2014, Brock has solidified itself as one of the most consistent Texas high school football powerhouses, winning at least 11 games every season.
That run includes a Class 3A Division I state championship victory in 2015.
Since that season, Brock has been a consistent championship threat, but has struggled to get over the hump. The following nine seasons featured three state semifinal runs, three state title appearances, a quarterfinal berth and a regional-round showing.
In the past four seasons, they made consecutive state finals and followed it up with consecutive semifinal appearances. Last season, after a bump to Class 4A, the Eagles continued their dominance, making a state semifinal before losing 45-17 to Carthage, the eventual state champion.
Now Brock has a shot at redemption. The Eagles (14-0) will face Carthage (14-0) again in the 4A Division II state semifinals at 7 p.m. Friday at Memorial Stadium in Mesquite.
Brock head coach Billy Mathis said the deep playoff runs have served as motivation for the Eagles to push themselves over the edge. For the past four seasons, the team that eliminated Brock went on to win the state championship.
“It fires us up,” Mathis said of the playoff history. “It gets us excited. It gets us going inside.”
How can Brock stay composed against a juggernaut like Carthage? To Mathis, taking a grounded approach and not making the situation bigger than it is can be the key.
“Carthage is the defending state champ,” Mathis said. “The 10-time state champs. They are what they are, but at the same time, they are just like every other football team made up of 17- or 18-year-old young men.”
For Brock to put its best foot forward, Mathis said he wants players to hyperfocus on doing their jobs.
“Not trying to do too much,” Mathis said. “And if things don’t go right at first or in the middle of the game, never panic. Play each play like it’s your last play. And don’t worry about what the scoreboard says until that final buzzer rings.”
Brock’s offense struggled to keep up with Carthage last season. But there is reason to be optimistic this season with Brock averaging 55.3 points per game.
Last season, the Eagles averaged 40.8 per contest. Mathis said the improvements weren’t sparked by anything fancy, just tightening up the offensive line play and simplifying a few things.
“We’ve done a good job of sticking to what we’re good at,” Mathis said. “That’s been the biggest thing for us. At times, us coaches can be our own worst enemy on both sides of the ball. We overthink things. … It’s a simple game. It boils down to blocking and tackling.”
Brock, Carthage players to watch
Leading the Eagles is senior athlete and two-way standout Colt Matlock, a UTEP signee. He is averaging 101.2 receiving yards per game and leads the team with 29 total touchdowns.
He also leads the team with four interceptions.
Mathis raved about his athleticism, competitiveness, leadership and selflessness, saying he could compete at a high level in any sport.
“He is the first guy on the practice field every day,” Mathis said. “… And he is competing so well at practice every day. His leadership is through selfless play. That’s why the guys love him.”
Getting him the football is Holt Frazier, a junior quarterback who took 4A football by storm this season. He has 49 TD passes and is extremely efficient with a 72.3% completion rate.
Mathis called him a special talent who has the utmost trust in the coaching staff and his teammates.
“What stands out about him is his calmness,” Mathis said. “He never gets too high, he never gets too low. And he takes coaching well.”
Setting the tone in the run game is junior Bryer McDonald, who has rushed for 105.6 yards per contest.
A well-rounded Brock defense will have a tough task in Carthage running back KJ Edwards, a four-star Texas A&M signee. He is rushing for an astounding 145.9 yards per contest.
Leading the Carthage offense is senior QB Jett Surratt, a three-star recruit with offers from Houston, Texas Tech, UTEP, UTSA and more.
This story was originally published December 11, 2025 at 11:20 AM.
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