Central Catholic returns to the TAPPS-D1 State Championship with an impressive 16-1-2 record, having dropped just one game all season.
The Buttons are no strangers to this stage, reaching the final for the third straight year and previously establishing a dynasty with four consecutive titles from 2017 to 2020.
However, they haven’t claimed the crown since and are eager to change that after dominant playoff victories over St. John XXIII (6-1), St. Pius X (8-7), and St. Thomas (2-1).
Guided by Coach Bartholomew Valerios, Central Catholic leans on its experienced core, including first-team all-state selections Andres Bacho (Sr. MF), Brandan Thomas (Sr. MF), Albert Arzola (Jr. D), and Jaime Heeren (Sr. GK).
Ranked No. 7 in Texas by MaxPreps, the Buttons enter as early favorites.
But Parish Episcopal won’t go down easily.
Coach Craig Savage’s squad just stunned defending champion John Paul II with a commanding 3-0 semifinal win, improving to 10-4-1.
After an early playoff exit last year, the Panthers have made a remarkable turnaround. Key contributors include second-team all-state honorees Gael Garza (Jr. F) and Brian Luna (Sr. D), along with standout midfielder Ryder Sherman (Jr.).
History is on the line when these teams clash at 9:30 AM in Round Rock—Central Catholic seeks to reclaim its championship pedigree, while Parish Episcopal looks for validation.