The stars of 2024-25 FBCA Football
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St. Thomas-Houston vs. Liberty Christian-Argyle (TAPPS-I)
The St. Thomas Eagles
Despite going through a series of ups and downs this Fall, St. Thomas (7-5) now finds itself with the opportunity to make a State Final-return.
With coach Rich McGuire at the helm, the Eagles have triumphed over Trinity Christian (31-19) and, most recently, St. Michael's, in a revenge game that saw STH defeat their district opponent by the score of 21-7.
Senior Roy Thomas Jenkins has been efficient as the team's signal-caller, with over 1,500 passing yards and 12 TDs this season.
The one-two punch in the backfield of junior RBs Javaughn Waldron (417 rushing yards, 8 TDs) and Wells Granger (513 yards, 4 TDs) have been a handful for opponents to key in on, as they have split touches for the majority of 2024.
However, one of the biggest difference-makers on this offense has easily been Nate Tidwell. As it stands the junior receiver has tallied 55 receptions, for 967 yards and 7 scores through the air.
Of course, Derek Stevenson (Jr. WR // 33 rec, 543 yds, 6 TDs) and Logan Branting (Sr. WR // 41 rec, 521 yds, 4 TDs) have been reliable options for Jenkins as well.
Defensively, junior linebacker Liam McCarthy (111 tackles, 25 TFL, 3.5 sacks) is the rock of the group, while Jacob Quinlan (Jr. LB // 67 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 INT), Obinna Umeh (Jr. DL // 57 tackles, 19 TFL, 5.5 sacks), Berhane Linbeck (Sr. DB // 50 tackles, 2 INT), and Damarcus Batiste (Sr. DB // 42 tackles, INT) round out a scary good Eagles D.
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On the other sideline, we have Liberty Christian, who has been a dominant force throughout the Fall, just as they were a year ago when they claimed the TAPPS-II State Title.
The Warriors, led by Dallas Cowboys legend and, now, head coach Jason Witten, have steam-rolled past just about every opponent they've faced.
Most recently, they trounced Bishop Lynch 63-19, marking their 8th-straight win and improving their record to 10-1.
LC's offense is remarkably well-balanced, beginning with the ground attack, led by senior South Florida-commit Chase Garnett (1,244 rushing yards, 21 total TDs).
They're just as effective through the air, with junior gun-slinger and Baylor-commit Quinn Murphy (2,555 yards, 34 TDs) dispatching the ball to seniors such as San Diego State-commit Jaylon Hawkins (61 receptions, 970 yards, 16 TDs), Quinton Brown (52 rec, 716 yds, 9 TDs), and Brady Janusek (36 rec, 528 yds, 6 TDs).
Senior tailback Blake Brisker (523 yards, 7 TDs) has played a pivotal role as well.
Meanwhile, the Warriors defense -- which has allowed a mere 16 points per game -- features the talents of C.J. Witten (Sr. LB // 98 tackles, 13 TFL, 3 sacks, INT), Cade Violi (Jr. LB // 62 tackles, 2 TFL, INT), Madox Sekyere (Sr. LB // 59 tackles, 9 TFL, 4 sacks), Andrew Michaels (Sr. DL // 50 tackles, 5 TFL), and sophomore DB Cooper Witten (39 tackles, 4 INTs, 1 sack), just to name a few.
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This match-up goes down on Liberty Christian's home turf in Argyle, TX, this Saturday (11/30) at 5:00 pm.
The Liberty Christian Warriors
Second Baptist School vs. Fort Bend Christian Academy (TAPPS-II)
2024-25 Second Baptist Football
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
More often that not, it always seems to come down to these familiar rivals in the playoffs.
In a rematch of the 2022 TAPPS Semis -- a year in which FBCA won it all -- tensions will certainly be high this weekend.
Additionally, Second Baptist seeks to avenge their district loss (34-28) from earlier this Fall, which definitely makes this a must-see contest.
The Beck Brydon-led Eagles have been rolling this postseason, as they flexed against St. Joseph (42-7) and St. Joseph Academy (29-10) to reach this point.
Quarterback Canon Toon provides a dual-threat capability that opens up the entire play-book for the offense. He's joined in the back-field by speedy junior Langston Davis, behind a stout O-Line, anchored by Houston-commit RJ Lee.
Senior linebacker Bryce Butler continues to live up to the accolades he received in 2023 (first-team, all-state), as he commands a relentless SBS defense that's averaging just under 17 points allowed a game.
Fellow seniors Cash Harris and Max Bagwell are also ones to watch, considering the notable contributions they've made in 2024.
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Meanwhile, FBCA, under the direction of Jordan Black, claimed an undefeated district title prior to defeating St. Anthony (79-7) and TWCA (45-38) through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
As mentioned earlier, the Eagles (8-4) won their first match-up against SBS earlier this season, and now look to go 2-for-2 to punch their ticket to the Final.
Kole Whiddon (Jr. QB) has stepped up in a major way this Fall, as he has passed for 881 yards and 8 touchdowns, while adding 565 more yards and 11 scores with his legs.
Senior tailbacks Colton Popovich (601 yards, 4 TDs) and Darnell Smith (284 yards, 5 TDs) compose a scary duo in the rushing department, with Tompkins-transfer Blake Hamilton (Jr. WR/DB) making his presence felt on both offense (660 receiving yards, 8 TDs) and defense (28 tackles, 7 INTs).
On the other side of the ball, senior linebacker Nico Lara has been an absolute game-wrecker, having registered 129 tackles (15 for loss), 4 sacks, and 4 interceptions.
Trace Holster (So. DL // 9 sacks) and Jonah Kalu (Jr. DL // 8 sacks) keep the QBs in check, while Cannon Kampwerth (Sr. LB // 69 tackles, 5 TFL) and Tyler Currie (Sr. DB // 42 tackles, 5 INTs) have provided the palpable veteran leadership that has propelled the team thus far.
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In a heated rematch, SBS and FBCA will go head-to-head this on Saturday (1:00 pm) at Sheldon ISD Stadium.
2024-25 FBCA Football
Doug Brown (VYPE)
