HOUSTON - On a wet, cold November night inside historic Rice Stadium, the Second Baptist School Eagles were all smiles.
Second Baptist School defeated district-rival Fort Bend Christian Academy 14-13 to advance to the TAPPS Division II State Championship game next week in Waco. It was a defensive bout all night long for each team, while Eli Smith and JD Crisp scored the two touchdowns for SBS.
VYPE's Bradley Collier was on hand, check out his best photos from the night.
However, they haven’t claimed the crown since and are eager to change that after dominant playoff victories over St. John XXIII (6-1), St. Pius X (8-7), and St. Thomas (2-1).
Guided by Coach Bartholomew Valerios, Central Catholic leans on its experienced core, including first-team all-state selections Andres Bacho (Sr. MF), Brandan Thomas (Sr. MF), Albert Arzola (Jr. D), and Jaime Heeren (Sr. GK).
Ranked No. 7 in Texas by MaxPreps, the Buttons enter as early favorites.
But Parish Episcopal won’t go down easily.
Coach Craig Savage’s squad just stunned defending champion John Paul II with a commanding 3-0 semifinal win, improving to 10-4-1.
Parish Episcopal's Brian Luna
After an early playoff exit last year, the Panthers have made a remarkable turnaround. Key contributors include second-team all-state honorees Gael Garza (Jr. F) and Brian Luna (Sr. D), along with standout midfielder Ryder Sherman (Jr.).
History is on the line when these teams clash at 9:30 AM in Round Rock—Central Catholic seeks to reclaim its championship pedigree, while Parish Episcopal looks for validation.
The stars of 2024-25 Second Baptist Girls Soccer
Under the guidance of TAPPS-II District 4 Coach of the Year Geoff Brooks, the Eagles have thrived behind a deep and talented roster.
One of the biggest surprises has been freshman Bailey Ultis, who leads the team in goals and has showcased versatility as both a forward and midfielder. She’s joined by key contributors like first-team all-district selection Syriah DeBakey (Jr. MF/D) and second-teamer Amy Menendez (Sr. F), both instrumental in the attack.
In goal, freshman Jeanne Hollingshead has been a standout, while Berkley Blount (So. MF), Willa Levine (So. F), Carson Patterson (So. D), and Sophie Nicholson (Fr. F/MF) have all played pivotal roles in the Eagles’ success.
Despite reaching the State Final Four three times in program history, Second Baptist has yet to claim a championship. With their current momentum, this could be their moment.
However, All Saints Episcopal has other plans.
Led by Coach Gilbert Richardson, the Saints enter the final fresh off a hard-fought 1-0 semifinal victory over defending TAPPS-II champions Grace Community. Their playoff journey also included dominant wins over Bishop Dunne Catholic (7-1) and 2024 semifinalist Regents School of Austin (1-0).
After missing the playoffs last season, All Saints Episcopal’s resurgence has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Veteran leadership has been a driving force, with senior defender Hope Monk (2024 second-team all-district), junior midfielder Lilianna Chavez (honorable mention), and sophomore goalkeeper Shyanne Bailey (honorable mention) setting the tone.
This marks just the second State Final appearance in program history for the Saints, the first coming in 2000 when they captured the TAPPS-4A title before the league’s playoff restructuring.
With both teams chasing history, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Second Baptist secure its long-awaited first championship, or will All Saints Episcopal complete its remarkable turnaround with a title?
Find out Wednesday at 2:30 PM in Round Rock.
Led by Coach Josh Dolan, St. Agnes features a talented roster highlighted by first-team all-state selections Kaydee Amorosa (Sr. MF/Texas Tech commit) and Samantha DeCuir (Jr. D). Second-teamers Madison Taylor (Jr. F) and Grace Rossetti (Sr. D) have also played key roles in the team’s success.
After falling in last year’s state semifinals, the Tigers are determined to cap off their stellar season with the program’s first TAPPS title since 2020.
Standing in their way is a familiar powerhouse.
Defending back-to-back champions Ursuline Academy is back on the big stage, aiming for their third straight after edging past Bishop Lynch in a dramatic semifinal shootout (1-1, 5-4 PKs). The Bears, now 20-2-1, also rolled past Liberty Christian-Argyle (13-0) and John Paul II (5-0) earlier in the playoffs.
Guided by Coach Darrin Hedges, Ursuline enters the final as Texas’ No. 4-ranked team, according to MaxPreps.
First-team all-state forward Audrey Bryant (Sr./Texas-commit) spearheads the offense, supported by second-team selections Laila Nieto (Sr. MF), Makenzie Majors (Jr. F/TCU-commit), and junior playmaker Lily Marquez.
On defense, second-team honoree Ellie Teachout (Sr. D) and standout junior Ryan Fogel have helped limit opponents to just 12 goals all season.
With both teams showcasing dominance throughout the winter, this championship matchup promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Will Ursuline cement its dynasty with a third straight title, or will St. Agnes play spoiler and reclaim the crown? The answer awaits Wednesday morning at 9:30 AM at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex.
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