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THREEPEAT: Dallas Christian Chargers outplay Holy Cross for TAPPS Title
Quarterback Luke Carney and tailback Jaden Davis helped secure the victory with two touchdowns apiece during the TAPPS Division III State Championship showdown against Holy Cross. Setting the tone from the start of the game, the Chargers proved they showed up for a battle as Davis scored a 50-yard rushing touchdown on the team's first offensive play. Holding strong through the first quarter, Holy Cross did not allow the Chargers to score again until the second quarter when Carney found SMU commit William "Speedy" Nettles for a 63-yard touchdown pass. Holy Cross' Taylor Flores scored late in the half and the Chargers went into halftime ahead 14-7. "Our offense capitalized on opportunities to make big plays," said Dallas Christian head coach Mike Wheeler, "It paid off in the long run."
Jason Gilmore (VYPE Media)
With more big offensive plays through the second half-- like Carney's 35-yard touchdown pass to Decorias Taylor-- the Chargers were able to slowly pull away in the game. Not going down without a fight, though, Holy Cross continued to battle and would score one more time with a 1-yard run from AJ Williams followed by a missed extra point. With big defensive moments powering the Chargers to force turnovers, the defense contributed in timely moments: "Our defense stepped up and made plays when it was important," Wheeler said.
Jason Gilmore (VYPE Media)
Devontay High helped seal the deal when forcing a turnover on downs near the end of the game while Holy Cross had the ball on their own 25. Giving Carney and the offense the opportunity to end their season in victory formation and kneel to end the game. "It's a great feeling," Carney said following the game. "Winning three straight titles has been a huge accomplishment."
Jason Gilmore (VYPE Media)
Carney finished the game with 261 passing yards, an 80% pass-completion rating, and two passing touchdowns while Davis finished with 116 rushing tards on 18 carries for two touchdowns. Nettles finished with 153 receiving yards on 6 catches for one score and Taylor recorded 46 yards on five catches for one score.
This team isn't done getting settled, either. With plenty of star athletes building up stamina for the seasons ahead, Chargers fans can expect to see Dallas Christian continue to shine. As they gear up to head into the offseason, be sure to keep your eyes on the Chargers athletes. With more work to be done, the team can be expected to continue building their legacy on the field.
Dynasty in Dallas: Parish Episcopal wins fifth-consecutive TAPPS State Title
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.