PREVIEW: No. 1 Prestonwood Christian Academy vs. No. 2 Parish Episcopal
It's a Texas High School Football Week 7 matchup between the top two ranked private schools in the DFW area. No. 1 ranked Prestonwood will host No. 2 ranked Parish Episcopal in what will likely be one of the best high school football games in Dallas on Friday night- a match-up that will also more than likely determine which team will be crowned as the district champion at the end of the regular season.
Prestonwood Christian Academy Lions
Prestonwood enters Friday's game 4-1 on the season and undefeated in district play (2-0). The Lions sit atop their district's standings, just ahead of Parish Episcopal. Outscoring their opponents 202-114, Prestonwood has posted incredible wins against Legacy Christian (56-10), Coppell (55-41), Fort Worth All Saint's Episcopal School (28-14), and Plano John Paul II (42-0). Their only loss has come against a strong Garland team who defeated the Lions by a score of 49-21 in week three.
The Lions are led by junior quarterback Maguire Martin who boasts offers from the likes of Baylor, North Texas, TCU, and more. This season, Martin has thrown for 1,072 yards and 14 touchdowns. Junior running back Tarris Murray has also been a huge impact on the Lions' offense this season. Murray has accounted for four touchdowns and 292 rushing yards on 41 carries.
Parish Episcopal Panthers
The Panthers enter Friday's game with an identical 4-1 overall record and undefeated district record (2-0). After opening the season with a 34-14 win over Bellaire Episcopal, Parish Episcopal's only loss came in a hard-fought, extremely close battle against Austin LBJ in which the Panthers fell 49-47. Since their week two loss, the Panthers have only improved as they have posted big wins against the likes of Malakoff (35-9), a Cowboy legend Jason Witten coached Argyle Liberty Christian (45-14), and Midland Christian (28-14). Coming off of a BYE week, the Panthers should be more than rested and ready to play against Prestonwood on Friday night. On top of all of that, the Panthers are looking for a third-straight TAPPS state championship and aren't willing to let anyone stand in their way.
The Panthers are led by an unlikely hero this season- freshman quarterback Sawyer Anderson. Anderson has already thrown for 1,226 yards and eight touchdowns on the season and has been praised as one of the best quarterbacks in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Senior wide receiver and Holy Cross commit Blake Youngblood has also been a strong, driving force for the Panters this season. Youngblood has accounted for four touchdowns and 350 yards on 24 catches. Moreover, senior running back Andrew Paul has been nearly unstoppable for the Panthers this season. Paul has scored 14 touchdowns while tallying 646 rushing yards on 112 carries.
What to Expect:
Fans will see an offensive-heavy game. Both teams are going into this with a strong offense that is quick and consistent when it comes to making big plays and scoring. The catalyst of the game will be as to whether or not Prestonwood's defense has what it takes to slow down the likes of Parish's Andrew Paul.
The game will take place Friday, October 8 at Prestonwood Christian Academy with a kick-off time set for 7 p.m.