The Carthage Tigers, coming off a strong 2024 season with a 9-2 overall record and an undefeated 5-0 run through the Central Ozark Conference (COC) West, are poised to defend their conference crown in 2025 under the leadership of veteran head coach Jon Guidie.
With 21 years at Carthage and a remarkable 179-55 record, Guidie’s Tigers are reloading after losing 14 starters to graduation but return a solid core of eight starters and a host of promising newcomers. As they gear up for another competitive season, Carthage aims to overcome early growing pains and compete for championships in a loaded COC.
The Tigers dominated the COC West in 2024, finishing as conference champions with a perfect 5-0 record. In the district playoffs, Carthage had a bye in Week 1, defeated Neosho in Week 2, but fell to Webb City in the District Championship. The team averaged 34.7 points per game offensively while allowing 18 points per game on defense, showcasing a balanced attack led by a potent rushing game (272 yards per game) and a stingy defense.
Senior Byron Reales (5’10, 245), a two-year starter at center, will anchor the offensive line and provide leadership. Senior MJ Martsolf (6’5, 340), will be a force up front. At quarterback, senior Zane Browning (6’1, 190) steps into the starting role, while junior Landon West (5’10, 175) is expected to lead the running game. Receivers Carson Kinder (Sr., 6’1, 165), Malachi Dougless (Jr., 5’10, 165), Carson Womack (Jr., 5’10, 165), and Tate Nichols (Jr., 5’10, 165) are among the newcomers expected to contribute in the passing game, which averaged 103 yards per game last season.
Defensively, the Tigers return significant experience with six full-time starters and eight players with starting experience.
Senior Landon Bland (6’4, 235), a first-team All-COC and All-District selection and third-team All-State honoree, is a standout defensive end committed to Oklahoma State. Bland will also play tight end, showcasing his versatility. Senior Jordan Brunnert (6’1, 215), last year’s leading tackler, is joined by senior Joshua Hill (5’11, 210), a smart and dependable leader, and junior Jett Dalton (6’0, 200), a first-team All-COC linebacker with great instincts.
In the secondary, senior Noah Norbury (5’9, 160), a three-year starter at safety and second-team All-COC selection, excels in run support, while senior Brody Jackson (5’9, 165) adds depth. Up front, senior Brayden O’Dell (6’2, 215) and junior Brady Garren (6’2, 245) will bolster the defensive line with speed and consistency
The biggest game on Carthage’s schedule is against archrival Webb City, a matchup that carries extra weight after the Cardinals defeated the Tigers in last year’s District Championship. Other key COC games include road trips to Joplin, Nixa, and Neosho, as well as a home clash with Republic. Coach Guidie notes, “Every week is big,” emphasizing the competitive nature of the conference.
CARTHAGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Week 1: vs. Waynesville (Home)
Week 2: at Ozark (Away)
Week 3: vs. Glendale (Home)
Week 4: at Nixa (Away)
Week 5: vs. Willard (Home)
Week 6: at Joplin (Away)
Week 7: vs. Republic (Home)
Week 8: vs. Webb City (Home)
Week 9: at Neosho (Away)