Carthage quarterback Jett Surratt throws a pass to wide receiver Junior Henderson against Krum in Thursday's 4A Division II Area playoff game in Melissa. (Addison Glaze/Panola Watchman)

MELISSA — KJ Edwards made his return, and the Carthage star running back wasn’t just back — he was an attraction.

Edwards rushed for 150 yards and four touchdowns on just six carries and finished with 214 yards of offense on seven touches as No. 1 Carthage blew past Krum 56-13 in a 4A Division II area playoff game on Thursday at Coach Kenny Deel Stadium in Melissa.

“First of all it’s so great to have KJ back,” Carthage Coach Scott Surratt said. “He looked like he was mad about not playing the last few weeks, and thank God that he healed him and he’s ready to go.”

Edwards — who missed the last two games with a groin injury — scored touchdowns on his first two rushes of the game — a 7-yard and 2-yard score — with the latter coming after a 64-yard reception.

“It felt great being back,” Edwards said. “My o-line did what they are supposed to do, and credit to (Jett Surratt), he got the job done.”

Jett Surratt was as efficient as he’s been all season as the junior threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns while completing 20 of his 23 pass attempts in just one half of play.

“We came out hot and it was nice to have (Edwards) back,” Jett said. “We saw what he can do; he had a ton of touchdowns and a ton of rushing yards.”

Surratt connected with Junior Henderson for all three of his touchdowns as the junior had a team-high 84 yards receiving on six catches.

Bryston Price had three catches for 45 yards, Cade Ross had three catches for 27 yards and Cale Preston had four catches for 15 yards.

“It starts up front with the line,” Jett said. “They protected great for me all day and I just gave my receivers a chance and they went up and fought for it.”

With Jett having limited throws throughout the week in practice, Coach Surratt like seeing the junior be as sharp as he was.

“I thought he played well,” Coach Surratt said. “He doesn’t get to throw much in practice, but that’s the way it is.”

Carthage (11-1), who shutout Spring Hill 49-0 last week, gave Krum and star quarterback Ty Taber fits.

The Bulldogs held Krum to just 56 yards of offense in the first half as Carthage took a 49-0 lead going into halftime.

Coach Surratt sat his starters the entire second half of the game.

“Defensively, we played really well,” Coach Surratt said. “We didn’t come out of the half very focused, and that’s my fault. With it being 49-0 at the half, but other than that it was a clean game. I’m excited to get to move on.”

Giving up yardage and holding teams to very little points has been a habit this season from Carthage’s defense, but Coach Surratt has been on them about forcing turnovers.

In the first half, Trey Gant and Jaydon Lewis each had an interception and Braylin Allison a sack.

“We’ve been challenging them to get takeaways,” Coach Surratt said. “We got some and had we had the mishap on the fumbled snap, but pretty much the only bad thing that happened in the first half. That was the only time they stopped us.”

Krum (9-3), who defeated Quinlan Ford 24-14 in their bi-district matchup, was able to get a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter.

Taber connected with Lane Larson for a pair of touchdowns, including a 33-yard touchdown and a 50-yard touchdown.

Taber threw for 144 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions on 6-of-26 passing.

Zee Pearley had the other interception for Carthage.

With the game in hand early, Carthage was able to soak in playing Melissa’s new $35 million stadium that was built just last year.

“It was a great atmosphere in this beautiful stadium,” Jett said. “It was nice to get the win.”

Carthage will now face a familiar foe in Pleasant Grove in a round three rematch from last year, once again taking place the afternoon after Thanksgiving.

Carthage and Pleasant Grove will face off at 2 p.m. at Lobo Stadium in Longview.

Pleasant Grove (10-2) blew out Farmersville 63-7 in their area round matchup.