Championships are on the line at the TAPPS level, while for UIL schools a spot in the state semifinals is on the line. We've got rematches and intriguing matchups across the board. We take a look at 11 matchups happening across the Austin/San Antonio area.
HILL COUNTRY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL VS LOGOS PREP
Thursday, December 1st, 7:00PM | Waco ISD Stadium, Waco Texas
Hill Country Christian had it's closest win of the year since their win against Heritage Christian early in the season. They came away with a 4 point win over Emery Weiner and will now look to play Logos Prep who defeated Veritas 62-52 in the semifinals.
SHINER ST. PAUL VS LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN
Saturday, December 3rd, 12:00PM | Waco ISD Stadium, Waco Texas
The 5-peat is on the line against Lubbock Christian on Saturday after their 37-21 win over Sacred Heart last week. Lubbock Christians first year in TAPPS Division IV after being in Division III last season has seen them go 11-1 behind QB Bax Townsend who we have covered on our VYPE Recruit Spotlight show. The Cards will want to limit him if they want to win it all once again.
SHINER VS REFUGIO
Friday, December 2nd, 7:00PM | San Marcos' Rattler Stadium, San Marcos Texas
Don't be surprised to see the stands packed to capacity Friday in San Marcos. These teams almost seemed destined to meet year after year in the playoffs. This year, and next year too at least, they are also district foes. Refugio got the better of Shiner in that one 38-27 with a 19 point 4th quarter. Dalton Brooks will be looking to get one more title before leaving for College Station, while for Refugio they are looking to win a state championship for the first time since the 2019-2020 season.
POTH VS TIDEHAVEN
Friday, December 2nd, 7:00PM | San Marcos' Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos Texas
I've said it since the beginning, this Poth team has the chance to go all the way this year. Standing in their way now? Tidehaven. Poth came away with an impressive 55-13 win last season. This round last year saw their team come up short against Franklin, and now they will need to get past a good Tidehaven team to make the Semi's. Their defense will have to make some huge stops as Tidehaven comes in averaging over 35 points per game.
LLANO VS EDNA
Thursday , December 1st, 7:00PM | San Marcos' Rattler Stadium, San Marcos Texas
12-1 Edna squares off against undefeated Llano with a trip to the state semi-finals on the line. For Edna their were some tight games against Randolph and Blanco to get here while Llano has cruised fairly easily to get here. The key to this one will be making Llano uncomfortable. They have only been in a few close games this year so what happens if Edna can get up on them early.
WIMBERLEY VS LAGO VISTA
Friday, December 2nd, 7:30PM | Hutto's Memorial Stadium, Hutto Texas
In a rematch from Week 10 Wimberley and Lago Vista face off once again. This time with way more on the line. In the Texans 31-28 win over the Vikings in the regular season, Lago Vista had a lead heading into the 4th quarter before a touchdown by the Texans sealed that one. This one is a coin flip and I will look to how will Cody Stoever plays for the Texans. If he can play like he did against the Vikings last time I can see a state semi-final appearance in their future.
BOERNE VS CALALLEN
Friday, December 2nd, 7:30PM | Alamo Stadium, San Antonio Texas
Somebody is about to have their first loss of the season. Both of these teams have look great all season behind their quarterbacks. For the Greyhounds Sophomore Jaxon Baize has been phenomenal throwing for over 3,000 yards and 46 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions. Meanwhile, Senior quarterback Bryce Burrnett has gotten it done in the air on the ground with over 1,500 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. Whichever defense can hold the opposing quarterback in check will be the key.
LIBERTY HILL VS CORPUS CHRISTI FLOUR BLUFF
Friday, December 2nd, 7:00PM | Farris Stadium, San Antonio Texas
3 points. That is all Alamo Heights allowed from the Panthers in the first half of last weeks game between Liberty Hill and Alamo Heights. But that still wasn't enough as Liberty Hill would score 34 2nd half points to escape with a 37-32 win. As always the Panthers leaned on the trio of Juniors Joe Pitchford, Noah Long and Ben Carter. Meanwhile after a close game of their own in the area round, Flour Bluff rebounded last week with a 66-42 win over Veterans Memorial behind 7 touchdown passes from Sophomore quarterback Jayden Paluseo (22/33 for 325 yards). If you go off of similar opponents this one should be a barn burner that could come down to a final possession.
SMITHSON VALLEY VS COLLEGE STATION
Saturday, December 3rd, 2:00PM | The Pfield, Pflugerville Texas
Marquise Collins may have missed the entire season with an injury but that hasn't stopped College Station from getting back to the Regional Finals. Meanwhile Smithson Valley has continued it's dominate season by beating a really good offensive squad in Fulshear 31-13. The biggest question going into this game is the status of Senior Quarterback Chase Senelick who went down with an apparent shoulder injury early in the 4th quarter of their game against Fulshear. Junior Ryland Walker was great in replacement, but at that point the Chargers already had a comfortable lead. What's going to happen when it's 0-0. Good thing for the Rangers they have a whole week to prepare. Plus if the defense can play like they did last week it may not matter.
DRIPPING SPRINGS VS VANDEGRIFT
Friday, December 2nd, 7:00PM | Gupton Stadium, Cedar Park Texas
This one has been on everyone's radar since Week 1. It was then that Dripping Springs won on a game ending field goal 23-20. But make no mistake, neither of these teams are the same as they were in Week 1. Both of these teams have played exceptionally well since then with both playing dominate football. A potential favor for Vandegrift though? They've played some tight playoff games, in bi-district against Bowie and last week against Harlan. They were actually down last week before having a stellar second half performance. Performing under pressure and having revenge on their mind has to favor the Vipers. But if you're asking me to pick against Austin Novosad, I don't know if I can at this point in the season.
BRENNAN VS WESTLAKE
Saturday, December 3rd, 2:00PM | The Alamodome, San Antonio Texas
Brennan made history last week by for a San Antonio team by beating Lake Travis something that hadn't been done in a long time (Lake Travis was 14-0 over the last few season as well against SA schools). Brennan relied on their defense which shut down Lake Travis for most of the game. They will need to do that against a team that hasn't lost in 53 games. The key to this one will be the Westlake offense against Brennan's defense. The Chaps offense has taken it's time in some games to find a rhythm. If the Bears defense can have one of those games and the Brennan offense can put up some points, the pressure will be on Westlake to respond. Ashton Dubose and Avron Carter will be key to making that happen as they were last week against the Cavs. This one may be a close one similar to the Chaps games against Dripping Springs and Lake Travis. Can the Bears do what the Tigers and Cavs couldn't?
Molly Steed of Legacy Prep
After narrowly losing in the State Championship last season, the girls' basketball team from Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy is back with a “State Title or Bust” mentality.
Winning a title could very well be in the Lions’ future.
This team returns leaders such as last year’s MVP Molly Steed, along with seniors MK Kloesel and Aubrey Davis. Watch out for senior Georgia Freeman, who is a constant inside the locker room.
“The girls have got a great legacy in front of them -- pardon the pun,” said coach Audra May. “They’ve seen how far we can go, and they know what’s possible. They’ll work hard to get there, and they know what our expectations are every single year.”
The team veterans will be supported by a talented group of younger players to include sophomores Charlotte and Ginger Freeman and freshman Ava Brieger.
May will also be bringing a newer look to Legacy Prep’s usual game plan.
“We’re installing a new offense to give us kind of a refresh,” May said. “It’s because the team is built a little differently than it has been in the past. But, defense will be the name of the game. It’ll be fast and furious.”
The Lions are back on the court this weekend at the Brentwood Christian Invitational.
Parish Episcopal Panthers Football has only one game left this season- the one for all the marbles. The biggest stage in TAPPS football is set and the Panthers are no stranger to making their appearance and presence known. This season, the team is in search of their fourth-straight state title as they take on Prestonwood Christian Academy. VYPE DFW breaks down the match-up below:
After setting an incredible legacy over the last few years, establishing a name for themselves, and demanding excellence in order to be beaten, the Parish Panthers have made their way back to the state championships. Going 11-1 overall this season (4-0 in district play), the Panthers hit the field and never hit the brakes. The team finished at the top of their district after defeating Bishop Lynch, Fort Worth Nolan Catholic, Trinity Christian Academy - Addison, and Prestonwood Christian Academy.
Using their preseason play to sharpen their abilities and gain advanced knowledge, Parish proved that they have what it takes to compete amongst the best in the area- including defeating strong UIL teams who are consistently UIL State contenders in their respective classifications like Aledo and Austin LBJ. Showing that the are more than just "hype" athletes like Tre Williams, Maddux Reid, Cedric Mays, Seth Scott, Sawyer Andreson, Daniel Demery, and more have been determined to get right back to this point and close out another season with a crown.
The Prestonwood Christian Lions are also no stranger to the biggest stage in TAPPS football. Five-time state champions, Prestonwood has made it back to the state finals with every intention to bring home gold. The team has had an incredible season while posting a 9-2 overall schedule (3-1 in district play) and finishing second in their district standings- just behind Parish Episcopal. The defense has been alert and able to provide opportunities for the offense to head back out onto the field each game.
After a season-opening loss to Argyle Liberty Christian, the Lions went on a seven-game win streak defeating the likes of Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal School, Houston Second Baptist, Trinity Christian Academy - Addison, Bishop Lynch, and more. Their only other loss this season? A 42-14 loss against Parish Episcopal during their final game of the regular season. Led by AJ Sibley, Luke McGary, Hudson Lunsford, Carter Stoutmire, and more, Prestonwood is fired up and ready to get the job done on Friday.
This, by no means, is going to be a quick and easy match. Both of these teams have rich history in the playoffs and at the state title game; athletes that comprise both of these teams' rosters are willing to lay it all on the line in order to add another ring to their collection. Having already seen each other this season (only three weeks ago), they know what holes and blind spots to attack during the biggest game of the season.
A revenge match unlike any other, fans can expect to see Prestonwood continue to be smart on their feet. Known for running the ball well, the Lions are going to try to set the tone early as soon as their offense steps on the field. Panthers fans can expect impactful play on both ends of the ball. Parish is known for being a force on the field- able to bounce back after nearly any blemish.
Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, December 2nd and you aren't going to want to miss even a second of the action in a championship game that is anyones for the taking. If you can't make the game at Waco ISD Stadium, tune in on TAPPS.tv
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