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FULL TIME: 2025 TAPPS-D1 Soccer State Final Preview – Central Catholic vs. Parish Episcopal
Central Catholic returns to the TAPPS-D1 State Championship with an impressive 16-1-2 record, having dropped just one game all season.
The Buttons are no strangers to this stage, reaching the final for the third straight year and previously establishing a dynasty with four consecutive titles from 2017 to 2020.
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.
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Drive for Five- Central Catholic Shoots for its 5th Straight State Title
Four years in a row, and looking to clinch the 5th TAPPS Division I State Championship title in 2021, the Central Catholic Buttons have already come out the gate with a bang. Heading into the North Texas Elite Showcase we anticipate to see some more wins on the season!
By Tim Cassler
TAPPS Soccer season started back in November, and the defending State Champions (x4) have already placed themselves on top of their district. Having already beaten San Antonio Antonian 3-0 and San Antonio Christian 5-0 the Buttons look to come out first in the district. Second round of district play will be late January, with playoffs starting early February.
By Tim Cassler
Coming off a 16-2 season last year, and returning several key players, Coach Edward Cartee said the team's keys to success will be, "Winning our 1v1 duels, and executing our game plan." He will look to seniors Sevastian Rodriguez, Bryan Jimenez, Carlos Melo, Jett Malone and goal keeper Benjamin Escobedo to help bring home the 5th straight title. Likewise, junior Erik Alvarado will be a key forward for the Buttons this year.
By Tim Cassler
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