We're now in the closing stages of TAPPS contention, and the quality of competition has reached its peak.
With thrilling contests, such as St. Thomas v. Liberty Christian, and Second Baptist v. FBCA taking place this week, here is our break-down of the TAPPS Final-Four.
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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)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2024-25 Second Baptist Football
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 Saturday (1:00 pm) at Sheldon ISD Stadium.
Doug Brown (VYPE)
2024-25 FBCA Football