A team of Carroll ISD student pitmasters smoked the competition at the 2025 High School BBQ State Championship, taking home the Reserve Champion title. Held in Granite Shoals, the event drew nearly 600 students from 109 teams across Texas, all vying for scholarship money and bragging rights.
The ‘O.G. BBQ Team’ clinched second place overall—just one point shy of first. They also took first in the Dessert category with a standout key lime cheesecake, 8th in the Chicken category and 6th in the Ribs category. Other Carroll teams also impressed: ‘7 Bones BBQ’ placed 6th in the Beans category, ‘Until We MEAT Again’ took 5th in Ribs and the 'O.G. Team’ also took 8th in Chicken.
"I am only in awe of what these kids go through during a day of competition BBQ," says BBQ coordinator and coach Ken Goodman. "With very little sleep they have to perfectly trim and prepare their proteins, desserts, beans etc. manage their fire and heat all day while constantly checking and adjusting their flavor profiles. Seeing the dedication and serious passion they have for what they do is inspiring."
Each O.G. team member earned $4,000 in scholarships. All four Carroll BBQ teams qualified for state by placing in the Top 10 at regional contests.
The season may be over, but this crew of Carroll cookers is fired up for fall.
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