RANKINGS
The stars of 2024-25 FBCA Football
PRIME-TIME: Previewing Key Match-Ups in the 2024 TAPPS Football State Semis
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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THE CRYSTAL BALL: Who advances in 5A, 4A, 3A TXHSFB playoffs?
Keys to Victory:
- Randle: The Lions rely on their dynamic backfield with QB Keilan Sweeny and 5-star RB Landen Williams-Callis, who averages nearly 143 yards per game. Defensively, Texas A&M commit Chase Sims and DB Sh’Rhod Revis are key to containing Brenham’s ground game.
- Brenham: RB Jacoby “Man Child” Dixon, averaging 187 yards per game, must shoulder the offensive load against a fierce Randle defense.
Prediction: Randle’s defensive dominance and Callis’ big game propel the Lions to a 14-point win.
Angleton
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FB Marshall vs. Iowa Colony (5A Regional Semifinal)
Iowa Colony (22-2 over two years) meets a familiar foe in FB Marshall, a rematch from earlier this season where the Pioneers triumphed.
Keys to Victory:
- Iowa Colony: Sophomore QB Carson White must distribute the ball effectively to playmakers like Jayden Warren. RB Aaron Tenner adds explosiveness on the ground, while Baylor commit Chris Johnson anchors the defensive line.
- Marshall: QB KK Johnson will look to his standout WRs Ja’kayden Ferguson and Andre Feast for big plays. Defensively, Texas commit Caleb Chester leads a secondary tasked with containing Iowa Colony’s versatile offense.
Prediction: Iowa Colony edges out Marshall late to move to the Regional Final.
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Bay City vs. Calallen (4A Regional Semifinal)
Bay City hadn’t won a district championship in almost two decades until this year where the Blackcats won the district out right. Posting an 11-1 record on the year, the Blackcats are on a mission to make it to Jerry’s world as one of the most slept on teams in 4A texas high school football. They play Calallen this week, and will need a big game from Sr. QB Alex Estrada who has thrown for 3,155 yards this year. Expect Estrada to get the ball to big play threat Sr. WR Xylan Williams to help open up the run game with Sr. RB Jada Andrews.
Prediction: Bay City continues its dream season, beating Calallen by 17.
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Other Predictions in 5A, 4A, and 3A:
- Angleton vs. College Station: Angleton wins a high-scoring thriller.
- A&M Consolidated vs. La Porte: Consolidated remains unbeaten with a narrow victory.
- Chapel Hill vs. Stafford: Chapel Hill’s potent rushing attack overwhelms Stafford.
- Hitchcock vs. Franklin: Hitchcock stuns Franklin in an upset.
- Columbus vs. Yoakum: Columbus powers through for a rematch with Hitchcock.
These games highlight the best of Texas high school football, with Thanksgiving week showcasing the grit and skill of the state’s top programs. Stay tuned as teams fight for a spot in the Regional Finals and beyond!
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