GAMES
RANKINGS
Some of the stars of 2024-25 Second Baptist Football
THE GRAND FINALE: Examining the 2024 TAPPS Football State Championships
...
Liberty Christian-Argyle vs. Parish Episcopal-Dallas (TAPPS-D1)
The Liberty Christian Warriors
Just as it was detailed a week ago, in the TAPPS State Semis Preview, Liberty Christian has been an absolute juggernaut on the private school football scene over the span of the past three seasons.
This team already conquered TAPPS-D2 in 2023 (14-0), and now has its sights on taking the D1-crown, following their 63-0 trouncing of St. Thomas last Saturday to improve to 11-1 on the year.
Naturally, it stands to reason that the Jason Witten-led Warriors is loaded with talent, as they feature a laundry list of imminent collegiate athletes.
They had a lengthy Signing Day, with running back Chase Garnett (South Florida), WR Jaylon Hawkins (San Diego State), LB C.J. Witten (Rice), WR Quinton Brown (Boise State), and DB Nick Blevins (Army-West Point) all putting pen to paper Thursday morning.
Of course, Liberty Christian's star-power isn't limited to those who have already signed.
Junior QB Quinn Murphy (Baylor-commit) has been an architect behind-center, to the tune of 2,779 passing yards and 39 touchdowns through the air, while adding on 196 more yards and 4 scores on the ground.
Liberty Christian's defense (14.7 points allowed/game) is further-bolstered by the likes of Madox Sekyere (Sr. LB), Cade Violi (Jr. LB), Andrew Michaels (Sr. DL), and Cooper Witten (So. DB), among others.
...
While the Warriors did defeat them earlier in the season (35-27), that won't stop the five-time reigning TAPPS Champs, Parish Episcopal, from putting up a fight in the ultimate rematch.
The Panthers (9-4), under the direction of coach Daniel Novakov, have climbed their way to the top by way of high-scoring affairs -- defeating St. Pius X (76-27), Prestonwood Christian (61-55), and most recently Legacy Christian (42-7) to reach this point.
Purdue-signee Sawyer Anderson (Sr. QB) has performed brilliantly as the team's signal-caller.
Having thrown for 4,830 yards with a whopping 47 touchdowns, and rushing for 415 more with 6 TDs, Anderson has been a genuine difference-maker in Parish Episcopal's hot-streak this Fall.
Of course, he has trio of studs in the receiving corps -- namely Michigan-commit Jaylen Pile (59 rec, 1,312 yards, 19 TDs), Ouachita Baptist-commit Carson Darby (72 receptions, 1,556 yds, 16 TDs), and 2023 first-team, all-state recipient Bryson Fields (67 rec, 1,052 yds, 6 TDs).
While the run-game isn't always the primary focal point of the offense, junior tailback Marcus Hanish (1,284 all-purpose yards, 15 total scores) has a more than dependable weapon for coach Novakov to utilize.
Defensively, senior DBs Drayson "DC" Crane (120 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks) and Nick Wheeler (116 tackles, 11 TFL, 2 INTs, 2 sacks) have proven their versatility as athletes and leaders for the group.
Additional key figures for Parish's defense include Guy Stern (Sr. DB), Adam Roth (Sr. LB), Landry Sattler (Sr. DL), Juju Mayfield (Jr. DB), and Jesse Richardson (Jr. LB).
...
These battle between these two TAPPS heavy-weights will take place at Waco ISD Stadium, this Saturday at 7:00 pm.
The Parish Episcopal Panthers
Second Baptist vs. All Saints Episcopal (TAPPS-D2)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
They're back!
After being denied entry to the big game over the past few seasons, Second Baptist is returning the TAPPS State Final for the first time since 2021, on the heels of their 35-16 win against district rival FBCA last weekend.
Now, can they win it all, just as they did back in 1999 when the Eagles won their first-ever title?
Don't put it past coach Beck Brydon and company to do so.
In his second year with the team, former Regents HC Brydon has turned a traditional state power into something more.
Their resiliency throughout the Fall has been palpable, as SBS has battled through injuries, criticisms, and doubters in order to advance to this stage.
We discussed who the stars of this group were in last week's preview, and it's time to reiterate the impact they've had.
Houston-signee RJ Lee (Sr. LT) bulks up the integral foundation that is the offensive line, which also features the talents of Mac Northup (Jr. C), Lucas Mensing (Sr. RG), TJ Walker (Sr. RT), and sophomore H-Back Cash Franz.
This has allowed junior QB Canon Toon to work his magic, whether that be with his arm or his legs.
On the defensive side, juniors Kelvin Baptiste and Isaiah Broughton, as well as senior Gray Gilbert form a solid trio on the D-Line, while Bryce Butler (Sr. LB), Cash Harris (Sr. LB), Ethan Dishman (Sr. DB), and Adam Vessel (Jr. DB) take care of the rest.
...
Meanwhile, All Saints has yet to face defeat in 2024.
With coach Aaron Beck at the helm, the Saints have routed Brook Hill (49-21), Fort Worth Christian (49-20), and Regents (42-26) throughout the postseason, bringing their record to 13-0 entering the state championship.
Their offense, which is averaging 44 points a game, can hurt you from any angle.
Senior signal-caller Gavin Parkhurst (Texas State-signee) has been incredibly efficient, both through the air and on the ground, evidenced by his exceptional stat-line (3,203 passing yards--46 TDs, 787 rushing yards--11 TDs).
Joining him in the back-field, behind an imposing O-Line, is senior RB Cole Palfreeman, who has toted the rock 159 times for 771 yards (4.8 ypc) and 11 scores.
Furthermore, Parkhurst has dished the ball to a number of capable hands throughout the Fall -- primarily, Boise State-signee Qumonte Williams (63 receptions, 1,227 yards, 24 TDs), Connor McCurdy (28 rec, 548 yds, 3 TDs), Hudson Reasor (27 rec, 535 yds, 5 TDs), and Bryce Anderson (28 rec, 431 yds, 7 TDs).
The All Saints defense is just as remarkable.
While they've held opponents to just under 20 points per contest, the unit has also registered 33.5 sacks, 24 forced turnovers, and 3 defensive scores this year.
Edge rusher Dalton Knapp (Kansas State) is the rock of the group, with 75 tackles (29.5 for loss) and 12 sacks to his name.
Senior linebacker and Army-West Point-signee Jacob Mainord (100 tackles, 15.5 TFL, 3 sacks) has been equally crucial, alongside TCU-signee Blake Robinett (63 tackles, 17 TFL, 7.5 sacks), Keyon Adkins (96 tackles), and Dean Watkins (67 tackles).
...
SBS and All Saints will meet this Saturday (12:00 pm) at Waco ISD Stadium.
The All Saints Episcopal Saints
CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE TAPPS STATE BRACKETS
The stars of 2024-25 FBCA Football
PRIME-TIME: Previewing Key Match-Ups in the 2024 TAPPS Football State Semis
...
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.
...
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.
...
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.
...
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.
...
In a heated rematch, SBS and FBCA will go head-to-head this Saturday (1:00 pm) at Sheldon ISD Stadium.
2024-25 FBCA Football
Doug Brown (VYPE)