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Dynasty in Dallas: Parish Episcopal wins fifth-consecutive TAPPS State Title
Continuing to add to their legacy of greatness, the Parish Episcopal Panthers secured a 40-29 victory over the St. Thomas Eagles on Friday to claim another trophy for their already decorated case. The victory marks the team's fifth-consecutive TAPPS State Title and polishes a dynasty status for the program.
Harvard commit Maddux Reid helped lead the team to the championship victory with 188 rushing yards and four touchdowns to his name at Waco ISD Stadium on Friday afternoon. Leading 12-7 at halftime, this Parish team knew exactly the kind of grit that was necessary to head into the second half of play and secure the title. "Our defense made quite a few big stops in the moments that we needed them to the most," said the Panthers' head coach Daniel Novakov. "Our offense did a great job running the game plan," he added.
Down 22-19 in the third quarter, Parish's defense kicked it into high gear as Kyle Hamburger came up with a timely interception helping Parish take a 26-22 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Continuing to hold strong, Parish dominated the fourth quarter, allowing only one touchdown from St. Thomas while scoring two more of their own for the 40-29 victory.
Sawyer Anderson scored one rushing touchdown for the Panthers while recording 63 rushing yards on 9 carries and a 66.67% pass completion rating for 143 passing yards and one passing touchdown. Bryson Fields was on Anderson's receiving end of the touchdown pass as he recorded 75 receiving yards on seven receptions.
As the team continues to build its legacy, fans can expect to see these athletes take to the offseason poised and focused on returning next season as strong as ever. Prepared to build a dynasty that won't soon be torn down, the Parish Panthers have been able to provide endless determination, grit, and power to their roster.
PREVIEW: Parish Episcopal working toward fifth consecutive title
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022... count them. Four consecutive state titles adorn this decorated team. Dominance is just one word that can be used to describe the Parish Episcopal Panthers' football program. The team sits at the top of the VYPE DFW Private School Preseason Football Rankings with good reason as they begin their run for a fifth-straight TAPPS State Title. What can fans expect from the Panthers this fall?
REWIND
Plano John Paul II (36-0, 2019), Fort Worth Nolan Catholic (42-28, 2020), Midland Christian (56-17, 2021), and Prestonwood Christian (38-14, 2022) have all fallen victim to Parish's TAPPS State Championship victories. Last season, the team was coming off of a then three-peat with the goal of securing a fourth consecutive state title. Opening non-district play against tough opponents, the team impressively downed Aledo (24-17), Bellaire Episcopal (24-17), and Austin LBJ (44-21) before putting up a strong battle against eventual back-to-back UIL 5A State Champions South Oak Cliff falling 31-28.
Learning from their time on the field during non-district play and continuing non-district with strong advances against their opponents, the Panthers finished out the rest of their season undefeated. Topping Nolan Catholic (42-7), Trinity Christian Academy - Addison (42-6), Prestonwood Christian Academy (42-14), and more, Parish Episcopal finished district play undefeated and headed into playoffs ready to get the job done. Taking out Bishop Lynch (56-14), Houston's St. Thomas Catholic (42-7), and Prestonwood Christian, the Panthers secured their fourth state title in four seasons.
LOOKING AHEAD
A roster full of seasoned athletes ready to secure a fifth title, the Panthers are returning strong, familiar faces. Recent Purdue commit quarterback Sawyer Anderson is prepared to help lead the squad consisting of other returners like D.C. Crane, Jaylen Pile, Hutch Crow, Bryson Fields, Taylor Pettit, Adam Roth, Caleb Bowers, Landry Sattler, and more.
This season, the Parish Panthers open non-district play on the road against Aledo on August 25th. From there, the team will go head-to-head against many of the same non-district opponents from last year before entering district play against Bishop Lynch on the Friars' turf. Looking for a strong start and the ability to prove that they are going to remain dominant for seasons to come, the Panthers' fans can expect big things from this crew. With another deep playoff run possibly resulting in a fifth-straight state title, Parish has high expectations for their football program this season.