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PREVIEW: Parish Episcopal working toward fifth consecutive title
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022... count them. Four consecutive state titles adorn this decorated team. Dominance is just one word that can be used to describe the Parish Episcopal Panthers' football program. The team sits at the top of the VYPE DFW Private School Preseason Football Rankings with good reason as they begin their run for a fifth-straight TAPPS State Title. What can fans expect from the Panthers this fall?
REWIND
Plano John Paul II (36-0, 2019), Fort Worth Nolan Catholic (42-28, 2020), Midland Christian (56-17, 2021), and Prestonwood Christian (38-14, 2022) have all fallen victim to Parish's TAPPS State Championship victories. Last season, the team was coming off of a then three-peat with the goal of securing a fourth consecutive state title. Opening non-district play against tough opponents, the team impressively downed Aledo (24-17), Bellaire Episcopal (24-17), and Austin LBJ (44-21) before putting up a strong battle against eventual back-to-back UIL 5A State Champions South Oak Cliff falling 31-28.
Learning from their time on the field during non-district play and continuing non-district with strong advances against their opponents, the Panthers finished out the rest of their season undefeated. Topping Nolan Catholic (42-7), Trinity Christian Academy - Addison (42-6), Prestonwood Christian Academy (42-14), and more, Parish Episcopal finished district play undefeated and headed into playoffs ready to get the job done. Taking out Bishop Lynch (56-14), Houston's St. Thomas Catholic (42-7), and Prestonwood Christian, the Panthers secured their fourth state title in four seasons.
LOOKING AHEAD
A roster full of seasoned athletes ready to secure a fifth title, the Panthers are returning strong, familiar faces. Recent Purdue commit quarterback Sawyer Anderson is prepared to help lead the squad consisting of other returners like D.C. Crane, Jaylen Pile, Hutch Crow, Bryson Fields, Taylor Pettit, Adam Roth, Caleb Bowers, Landry Sattler, and more.
This season, the Parish Panthers open non-district play on the road against Aledo on August 25th. From there, the team will go head-to-head against many of the same non-district opponents from last year before entering district play against Bishop Lynch on the Friars' turf. Looking for a strong start and the ability to prove that they are going to remain dominant for seasons to come, the Panthers' fans can expect big things from this crew. With another deep playoff run possibly resulting in a fifth-straight state title, Parish has high expectations for their football program this season.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Kamsi Arinze commits to UH Football
One of the seniors who has helped make an impact to the Parish Episcopal Panthers' football team over the last two seasons includes safety Kamsi Arinze. After a couple of successful seasons in the Panthers uniform, Arinze has made his commitment to play collegiate football at the University of Houston official by signing his National Letter of Intent. VYPE DFW was able to catch up with Davis regarding his decision in an exclusive interview.
A two-time TAPPS state champion, Arinze had no trouble fitting in on the Panthers squad. With passion and dedication to the sport, Arinze was able to make huge impacts on the Panthers' squad. Arinze works hard day in and day out and lets his hard work do the talking for him when he is on the field. VYPE DFW talked to Arinze about his decision to commit to the Cougars' program as well as his time at Parish Episcopal.
The decision to leave home isn't always an easy one. What impacted your decision to choose the University of Houston when considering your college career?
"I truly valued the location of UH as it is in one of the largest cities in the nation. I enjoyed the culture the school is building in addition to being the newest program in the Big 12."
What has been your favorite memory with Parish Episcopal?
"My favorite memory was definitely catching an interception and running it for a touchdown against a public school two-time state champions team: South Oak Cliff."
How long have you been playing football? Who got you into the sport?
"I started playing football when I was 8 years old. I always enjoyed watching my older brother's game, so I decided to give the sport a try."
What professional athlete do you look up to and why?
"I look up to Jalen Ramsey because he has proven to be one of the best defensive backs in the NFL despite receiving a lot of criticism from the public."
What has been your biggest accomplishment in your high school career?
"My biggest accomplishment was receiving individual All-State honors from a stacked powerhouse state championship team."
As you prepare for the NCAA, what goals do you have?
"My main goals are getting on the field and contributing to the team in any way I can."
Do you have a game day routine that you stick to?
"Before every game, I write a note on my left wrist in remembrance of my late father."
What do you do in the offseason to ensure that your skills are sharp for the next season?
"In the offseason, I prioritize working on my speed and change of direction so that I can get out of my breaks and explosively run to wherever the ball is come game time."
What is your mindset going into each new season?
"I always remember coming into every season that I'm a child of God and with Him I can excel and prosper through every challenge He puts me through."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your success?
"It has really just been working hard every day and going full speed on every rep."
In your opinion, what has been the secret to your team's success?
"The trust we give into my coaches and teammates is what helps us blossom into the athletes we aim to be."
While Arinze prepares for college, fans can expect him to be working hard to ensure he make an immediate impact when he joins the Cougars this summer. Keep your eyes peeled on this athlete as he furthers his football career.