GAMES
RANKINGS
Second Baptist School's Toon focused on State Title, college future
Canon Toon has already left his mark on Second Baptist School, leading the Eagles to a TAPPS Division II State Title game last fall as a 6-foot-4 dual-threat quarterback. This winter, he swapped the cleats for high-tops and helped guide the Eagles to a TAPPS basketball state championship, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Now entering his senior season, Toon — a four-year varsity starter — is laser-focused on two major goals: winning a state football title and earning a Division I scholarship.
“Going out with a title as a senior is my main focus,” Toon said. “I’m a pretty vocal leader, but this year I really want to grow my leadership qualities even more.”
Last season, Toon produced video-game numbers, throwing for 1,864 yards and 25 touchdowns, while adding 1,083 rushing yards and 14 scores on the ground. This summer, he’ll be busy attending college camps and making visits as he works toward finding his collegiate home.
“Every campus I visit, I learn something different," he said. "I’m just piecing everything together right now.”
Toon holds an offer from Tennessee State and plans upcoming trips to Central Florida, Tulane, Furman, and Baylor. One of his key areas of focus this offseason: developing patience in the pocket.
“I’m working on being comfortable staying in the pocket and getting through my second and third progressions instead of trying to escape too early,” he said.
Toon's journey as a quarterback began unexpectedly. As a freshman, he lined up at receiver and defensive back before being thrust into the starting quarterback role his sophomore year after an injury to the starter.
“I was thrown into the fire,” he laughed. “But it gave me a clear vision of how much goes into running an offense and reading defenses. I just fell in love with that part of the game.”
While the recruiting process has become increasingly difficult for high school quarterbacks due to the transfer portal, Toon remains committed to "trusting the process."
“The portal has made it tough," he said. "You’ll have a great conversation with a coach one day and then not hear back for months. But you can’t worry about it — you just keep working and eventually the right opportunity will come."
Off the field, Toon trains with renowned quarterback coach Steve Calhoun and studies film of players like Robert Griffin III — one of his childhood idols — and Josh Allen.
“My dad was a punter at Baylor, so I’ve always been a huge RGIII fan," he said. "And I love the way Josh Allen plays. Watching their film definitely influences my game.”
With his final high school season ahead, Canon Toon’s combination of talent, leadership, and work ethic make him a name to watch — both in Texas and beyond.
“I know what I can bring to a program," Toon said. "Now, I’m just looking for a college that believes in me.”
The stars of 2024-25 Second Baptist Girls Soccer
FULL TIME: 2025 TAPPS-D2 Girls Soccer State Final Preview -- Second Baptist vs. All Saints Episcopal
This winter has seen several teams surpass expectations, but few have undergone a transformation as remarkable as Second Baptist.
In what is arguably the best season in program history, the Eagles punched their ticket to the TAPPS-DII State Final with a dramatic overtime victory against Emery/Weiner, sealing the win in a penalty shootout (3-2). This clutch performance improved their record to an impressive 22-1-1, following earlier playoff wins over Saint Mary’s Hall (6-1) and Lutheran South Academy (1-1, PKs).
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.