Carthage High School enters 2026 with high expectations and lingering motivation after a memorable 2025 campaign. Under longtime head coach Jon Guidie (22nd year at the school, 191-57 record there), the Tigers went 12-2 overall and 5-0 in the COC West to claim the conference title. They won the district championship and advanced to the Class 5 state final, falling 28-34 in overtime to Platte County after playoff wins over Neosho (42-7), Republic (31-14), Capital City (36-17), and Cardinal Ritter (20-8). The program now owns one state title (2019) and seven conference championships.
Eleven starters and 15 lettermen return from that deep run, though 11 starters and 18 lettermen graduated, including several heading to college programs. Offense should again feature a balanced attack that averaged 37.6 points, 281 rushing yards, and 103 passing yards per game last season.
In the backfield, All-State running back Landon West returns after a 2,000-yard junior season marked by speed and power, alongside versatile H-back/linebacker Jett Dalton. Three offensive linemen who started all 14 games are back, led by Cooper Charleston (first-team All-District, second-team All-Conference), Ethan Roach, and Jeriah Bayless. Explosive wide receivers Tate Nichols and Malachi Dougless (also a reliable kicker) give the passing game big-play potential. A three-way quarterback competition among juniors Matt Cameron and Slade Stifler plus freshman Karter Manzer will decide the signal-caller.
Defensively, Carthage limited opponents to 18 points, 118 passing yards, and 160 rushing yards per game. Five starters return, including three in the secondary, providing experience at every level. Standouts include Dalton (second-team All-State linebacker), Nichols, Dougless, and physical defensive lineman Brady Garren.
Guidie emphasizes leadership and remembering the intensity required last year as the schedule toughens with added games against Lebanon and Kickapoo. Key rival Webb City looms large. Senior leaders such as Dalton, West, and Bayless stress a championship mindset, daily improvement, and representing Carthage football. With proven talent and a chip on their shoulder from the state final, the Tigers aim to contend again in one of Missouri’s strongest conferences.
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