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TAPPS STATE PREVIEW: Parish Episcopal in search of fourth straight title
Parish Episcopal Panthers Football has only one game left this season- the one for all the marbles. The biggest stage in TAPPS football is set and the Panthers are no stranger to making their appearance and presence known. This season, the team is in search of their fourth-straight state title as they take on Prestonwood Christian Academy. VYPE DFW breaks down the match-up below:
Parish Episcopal
After setting an incredible legacy over the last few years, establishing a name for themselves, and demanding excellence in order to be beaten, the Parish Panthers have made their way back to the state championships. Going 11-1 overall this season (4-0 in district play), the Panthers hit the field and never hit the brakes. The team finished at the top of their district after defeating Bishop Lynch, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic, Trinity Christian Academy - Addison, and Prestonwood Christian Academy.
Using their preseason play to sharpen their abilities and gain advanced knowledge, Parish proved that they have what it takes to compete amongst the best in the area- including defeating strong UIL teams who are consistently UIL State contenders in their respective classifications like Aledo and Austin LBJ. Showing that the are more than just "hype" athletes like Tre Williams, Maddux Reid, Cedric Mays, Seth Scott, Sawyer Andreson, Daniel Demery, and more have been determined to get right back to this point and close out another season with a crown.
Prestonwood Christian
The Prestonwood Christian Lions are also no stranger to the biggest stage in TAPPS football. Five-time state champions, Prestonwood has made it back to the state finals with every intention to bring home gold. The team has had an incredible season while posting a 9-2 overall schedule (3-1 in district play) and finishing second in their district standings- just behind Parish Episcopal. The defense has been alert and able to provide opportunities for the offense to head back out onto the field each game.
After a season-opening loss to Argyle Liberty Christian, the Lions went on a seven-game win streak defeating the likes of Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal School, Houston Second Baptist, Trinity Christian Academy - Addison, Bishop Lynch, and more. Their only other loss this season? A 42-14 loss against Parish Episcopal during their final game of the regular season. Led by AJ Sibley, Luke McGary, Hudson Lunsford, Carter Stoutmire, and more, Prestonwood is fired up and ready to get the job done on Friday.
What To Expect:
This, by no means, is going to be a quick and easy match. Both of these teams have rich history in the playoffs and at the state title game; athletes that comprise both of these teams' rosters are willing to lay it all on the line in order to add another ring to their collection. Having already seen each other this season (only three weeks ago), they know what holes and blind spots to attack during the biggest game of the season.
A revenge match unlike any other, fans can expect to see Prestonwood continue to be smart on their feet. Known for running the ball well, the Lions are going to try to set the tone early as soon as their offense steps on the field. Panthers fans can expect impactful play on both ends of the ball. Parish is known for being a force on the field- able to bounce back after nearly any blemish.
Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, December 2nd and you aren't going to want to miss even a second of the action in a championship game that is anyones for the taking. If you can't make the game at Waco ISD Stadium, tune in on TAPPS.tv
TAPPS PLAYOFFS PREVIEW: Prestonwood vs. Fort Worth Nolan Catholic on CW33
TAPPS football playoffs is in full swing as teams head toward the state title game. This week, CW33 will broadcast the Saturday TAPPS matchup between two tough teams as the Prestonwood Christian Lions take on the Fort Worth Nolan Catholic Vikings. VYPE DFW takes a deeper dive into the Vikings' and Lions' programs to lay out just what fans can expect in this Saturday playoff game:
Prestonwood Christian Lions (8-2, 3-1)
The Lions have been having an extremely successful season this year. Although the team started out rocky with a season-opening 28-7 loss to Argyle Liberty Christian, they quickly regrouped and bounced back to show the rest of their opponents exactly what they were made of. Through their regular season schedule, the Lions defeated the likes of Houston Second Baptist, Little Elm, Fort Worth All Saint's Episcopal, Bishop Lynch, and more with their only other loss coming against back-to-back-to-back state champions Parish Panthers in their final district game of the season. In playoffs, the Lions blanked Houston St. Pius X with a 49-0 victory to continue heading on their incredible path.
Led by senior running back AJ Sibley, senior tight end Luke McGary, senior quarterback Maguire Martin, and more, Prestonwood's offense has been powerful this season. Able to quickly read their opponents' defenses, the Lions have been able to set the tone of many of their games this season. The defense, led by McGary, senior corner back Carter Stoutmire, junior middle linebacker Hudson Lunsford, and more, has been able to come together cohesively to help create opportunities for their offense to make it back onto the field. This week, Prestonwood looks to continue reading their opponents as they take on the Vikings.
Fort Worth Nolan Catholic Vikings 4-8, 1-3)
Fort Worth Nolan Catholic has been in a bit of a rebuilding mode this season. The Vikings opened the season with a strong victory over Fort Worth All Saint's Episcopal School before dropping seven-in-a-row. Able to pull off a timely victory over Bishop Lynch, the Vikings entered the playoffs ready to make a statement. The team did just that as they ended the season of Tomball's Concordia Lutheran with an outstanding 42-6 victory before posting a 38-24 victory last week over San Antonio's Antonian Prep.
Led by senior running back DK Smittick, senior wide receiver Antonio Hall, senior quarterback Cole Matsuda, and more, the Vikings offense has been on a mission to score as much as possible this season. Playing hard until the final whistle, the team is usually able to keep pace with their opponents even if they aren't able to pull off the victory. Their wittiness matched with their heart continues to power them through each play on the field. The team looks to show the same heart against the Lions this week.
What To Expect:
Nolan Catholic is looking to pull off an upset victory over Prestonwood Christian this week. Using the strength of their defense to help power moments for the Vikings, Nolan Catholic is going to come into this game with a fight that we might not have seen all season. Prestonwood, however, is looking to continue their run towards the state title game. Backed by one of the best offenses in the area, the Lions are going to try to set the tone early in this playoff matchup.
Kick-off is set for 12:05 p.m. at Birdville Fine Arts/Athletics Complex, but if you can't make it to North Richland Hills for the game, be sure to catch all the action on CW33!