Ezekiel Jurado leads the charge up front
The Woodlands Christian Academy has had an ultra-successful year across the board! VYPE ventured out to catch the Warriors in action. Enjoy the Photo Features!
Ashley Darilek
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.
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