GAMES
RANKINGS
FW Christian Hoops Continues March Towards Playoffs
The 2019-2020 basketball season ended with no crowned victors, but as it currently stands, the 2020-2021 season may not see the same fate. With only two games left in district play, the Fort Worth Christian Cardinals are fighting for a highly coveted playoff spot.
Having not seen the state title game since 1998 where Fort Worth Christian was the state runner-up for the second season in a row, the Cardinals are determined to make a name for themselves as they inch towards playoffs.
"Our main goal is winning a 5A state championship," said junior Nathan Bledsoe in an interview earlier this season. "We've got the right pieces, we've got the right work ethic. I think that's what we can do."
The Cardinals have posted a 15-9 record overall this season with a 4-1 district record and currently sit at the No. 2 position in TAPPS 5A District 1. They will face TAPPS 5A District 1 No. 1 Grapevine Faith Christian (15-7, 4-1) on Tuesday, January 26 with tip-off set for 7:30 pm.
HOUSE OF CROSS: Brothers Square Off in District Play
Occasionally, you'll come across a storyline for the ages. A Cinderella story, a comeback win in the final minutes of a game, one final push for security of the playoffs. Fortunately, in the world of Texas high school football, these stories are an ever-developing landscape. This particular stand-alone, however, is a unique one. It has all of these elements and more.
On November 6th, district rivals Grapevine Faith and Fort Worth Christian squared up underneath the bright Friday night lights. Fort Worth Christian celebrating a senior night and fighting hopes to extend towards postseason play with a shortened schedule. Grapevine Faith looking to secure a home field playoff game with another district win. One for the books?
No, there's more. Senior starting QB of 1-1 (district play) Fort Worth Christian, Carson Cross, faces off against rising sophomore QB younger brother, Chase Cross, of Grapevine Faith 2-1 (district play). A rivalry of rivalry games, brother against brother, with district playoff positions up for the winnings. A storyline due for a motion picture, produced by the genuine circumstance, and scripted by the outcome of competitiveness. Hold the phone, Hollywood's calling.
Kickoff ensued as Grapevine Faith was advantageous with an interception, putting points up early. Fort Worth Christian answered with 20 of their own, unanswered, before half, Carson paving the way with 3 TDs.
The second half routed for Grapevine Faith for a comeback win, 2 TDs to take the lead. One final drive in the final minutes of the game to secure the win was interrupted with a FWC interception and late drive to put themselves in a game-winning position for a field goal, down by one at 20-21. A botched snap led to the demise of FWC as Grapevine Faith knelt to secure the win, giving Chase the bragging rights in the house of Cross.
Footage by Brian Jones; Edits by Brian Jones and Jason West; Photography by Nick Weaver
VYPE caught up with the Cross brothers and coaches after the game.