State Final Results 2021

Division I -- Dallas Parish Episcopal over Midland Christian (56-17) -- Correct
--Dominant outing for the Panthers as the Mustangs were never able to get on track offensively. Parish Episcopal has been the top team in Division I since the start of 2019 and outside of one night against Nolan last year its been all Panthers all the time. Last year had some twists and turns, but this year was Panthers at the top from the opening kickoff in August. The Mustangs lose a championship game for the first time since 1990, a streak of 12 wins in a row when they reached the final. A valiant run to the title game for MCS. Congratulations to the Panthers on their 5th state championship!

Division II -- Dallas Christian over Houston Second Baptist (33-14) -- Correct
--The Chargers defense created 3 second half turnovers that stretched the margin to an insurmountable deficit. A game effort for the Eagles, but could not get into the endzone enough to take the title. While not Regents on the other side, a measure of redemption from last year's heart breaking defeat as the Chargers earn their first title since 2008. A very large congratulations to the Chargers on their 9th State Championship!

Division III -- Houston Cypress Christian over Lubbock Trinity Christian (16-7) -- Correct
--The Warriors outlasted the Lions in a defensive struggle. The Trinity defense nearly led them to the state title after limiting some of the higher regarded teams in Lubbock Christian and Grace Prep to just 13 points in 2 playoff wins. Cypress Christian finishes at 12-2 with no losses to Division III or IV opponents. Congratulations to the Warriors on their 2nd State Championship!

Division IV -- Shiner St. Paul over Muenster Sacred Heart (36-8) -- Correct
--The Cardinals were the top of the podium to start the year and bested all comers. The Tigers made a good run to the final, but were ultimately no match for the dominant TAPPS program of the last decade. This is 4 in a row for St. Paul. Congratulations to the Cardinals on their 10th State Championship!

Week 15: 4-0

And with that everyone is undefeated again...

Historical Results:
2015: 94-16
2016: 79-25
2017: 78-32
2018: 88-22
2019: 89-21
2020: 64-23
2021: 85-29

Quick Hits:
2015: 60-15
2016: 103-26
2017: 101-29
2018: 102-28
2019: 103-27
2020: 77-23
2021: 105-25

State Finals Picks 2021

The road to the title ends in a new place in 2021. TAPPS moves to Waco ISD Stadium for the final contests of the season. The 3rd different site around Waco to host the TAPPS finals. The regional bracketing helps with some problems of the past, like DC and FWC driving to Bastrop to play in 2015. I still wish we could play these in a shorter time window where some could attend multiple games, but I understand the limitations of locker rooms and other constraints. I always limit site complaints to just this one space, so that is all we will have. On to a great slate of games to close a great season! Good luck and safe travels!

Division I -- Dallas Parish Episcopal vs. Midland Christian -- The Panthers have won back-to-back state titles and have dominated Division I opposition en route to the final. Parish has won every game over a private school this year by at least 3 touchdowns except for 1. Notably the 1 was a 28-14 win over Midland Christian. The Mustangs traveled to the blue turf on Midway Road on September 24th and gave the Panthers their toughest test of the season outside of the loss to highly ranked UIL Austin LBJ. The Mustangs have responded well since a loss to All Saints and are always ready for a road trip and at over 300 miles they have the 2nd longest trip this weekend. Both teams have been very successful in the title game with neither losing an 11-man championship game. MCS has won 7 in a row on the final weekend, but hasn't reached the final since winning 3 in a row between 2011 and 2013. This will also be the Mustangs first appearance in the largest classification final. The Panthers have won the last 2 and are 4-0 in title game appearances. Parish has only been in a TAPPS district since 2006, 5 appearances in 15 years is a pretty good hit rate. The Mustangs defense will keep this close, much as they did in September. If MCS can find a way to reach 30 on the scoreboard they've got a great chance. To be the best you have to beat the best and no one has shown the ability to push Parish off the mountain this season. Panthers win their 5th state title and 3rd in a row in a tight one. Parish Episcopal wins Division I, 30-28.

Division II -- Dallas Christian vs. Houston Second Baptist -- Its been a long road back to the top for the Eagles, as they've made the title game for the first time since 1999. The opponent that year was Dallas Christian with SBS winning their only state title 31-14. It will be the 4th appearance for the Eagles in the final reaching 3 out of 4 years in 1996, 1998, and 1999. Austin Regents has been the star of the show from the southern districts, reaching the last 5 state finals. The Chargers lost to Regents in last year's title game, played on the latest date ever for a TAPPS game, 26-20. The walkoff pick 6 has to have been a stinging memory for DC all season. The chance to avenge that loss, even if against a new opponent has to be a big motivator this week for DC. The Chargers offense has run hot and cold this year. The struggles against TCA dealt the Chargers their only loss, but they've been on form in the playoffs. With just 24 point last week it tells a bit of a partial story, as Southwest Christian's strong run game held the ball for much of the game. Conditions were a challenge last week, but it looks like perfect weather this week. The Chargers will be chasing past demons, at just 8-9 all time in title games there's been plenty of heart break. Considering they won 7 of the first 9 appearances, that final hurdle has been a hard barrier to clear in Mesquite. A 6 point loss in 2020, a 3 point loss in 2015, a 9 point loss in 2002, a 1 point loss in 2003. There's been blowouts too, but even if its new players its hard not think the Chargers are snake bit in close games for the crown. Staying away from the penalty flag is critical for the Charges in what should be a tightly contested game. We know how the author leans with picks, so DC gets over the last barrier. Chargers finally get the 9th state title, 35-28.

Division III -- Lubbock Trinity Christian vs. Houston Cypress Christian -- The Lions have made their 1st state title game in their 8th season of varsity football. 9 wins is the program record and the playoff defense has been the story. Just 20 points allowed by Trinity in the postseason, a mark that will win a lot of games. The Warriors were in the 2020 title game, falling to Colleyville Covenant 40-30 in the lastest TAPPS football game ever played. It was the 2nd title game appearance for Cypress having won the 2017 Division III crown. The winner will be sharing Division III with Dallas Christian next year, possibly setting up a clash of champions in 2022. Plenty of golf left to play before that happens though. This season the Warriors are 11-2 with losses to SPC champion John Cooper and Division II finalist Second Baptist. They've allowed just 21 points in the playoffs. So both teams should produce a strong challenge to the others offense. The Warriors I believe have been a bit better on the season, but no turkeys left after Thanksgiving so expect a tight defensive battle. Warriors win their 2nd state title, 21-19.

Division IV -- Muenster Sacred Heart vs. Shiner St. Paul -- If there's a constant in TAPPS football for the last decade its the Cardinals. St. Paul has 9 state title, the most of any school in 11-man. At the start of 2010, they had won just 2. The Cardinals have one of the smallest enrollments in 11-man at under 100 students. Its not the smallest 11-man enrollment, but given their run of success its very impressive. They won Division III twice in 2012 and 2015 despite that low enrollment. The 2015 title is perhaps the most impressive given TCCH went on to win the Division II title just 2 years later. The Cardinals are 9-1 on the season, losing just to Division III finalist Cypress Christian. A far cry from the team that won the title after a 2-8 regular season in 2018. This could be 4 in a row for St. Paul and 6 of the last 7. The Tigers are in their 5th title game, last reaching the finish line in 2004. Sacred Heart has 2 state titles in 1994 and 2003, winning on 1st downs in 1994 (a different time) and dominating the battle of Sacred Hearts in 2003. This season the Tigers are 8-4, but undefeated against Division IV opposition. I think the Cardinals are too good though and get the pick for their 10th state title and 4th in a row. St. Paul wins, 44-20.

Season: 81-29

Quick Hits concluded the season 105-25.

TAPPS State Finals Game Information 2021

Tickets are available at tapps.biz. Games are also available via pay-per-view on tappstvnetwork.com. Games move up I-35 slightly this year to Waco ISD Stadium. We have some surprises and plenty of "usual suspects" as well. Good luck and safe travels.

Division I
Dallas Parish Episcopal School vs. Midland Christian School
--1:00 Saturday Waco ISD Stadium

Division II
Dallas Christian School vs. Houston Second Baptist School
--7:00 Saturday Waco ISD Stadium

Division III
Lubbock Trinity Christian School vs. Houston Cypress Christian School
--1:00 Friday Waco ISD Stadium

Division IV
Muenster Sacred Heart Catholic School vs. Shiner St. Paul Catholic High School
--7:00 Friday Waco ISD Stadium

Semifinal Playoff Results 2021

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Fort Worth Southwest Christian (24-14) -- Correct
--A very game performance by the Eagles, but they could never get ahead of the Chargers. DC will try for a 9th state title in the 18th state final appearance. They've earned a chance to try and avenge last year's walk off pick 6, but it won't be Regents on the other side.

Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian over Houston Second Baptist (13-14) -- Wrong
--Second Baptist finally puts a defense with its offense and its gets them to the final. A missed extra point takes out Fort Bend Christian as Second Baptist reaches its 4th state final and first since 1999. In that championship game in 1999 the Eagles won their last state title over...Dallas Christian.

Dallas Parish Episcopal over Dallas Bishop Lynch (55-13) -- Correct
--A road game wasn't close to stopping the Panthers. No reason not to view Parish as favorites for 3 in a row.

Midland Christian over San Antonio Central Catholic (41-14) --  Correct
--While Parish is the favorite, the Mustangs will have a shot. Parish won every district and playoff game by at least 26 points except one. That one was against MCS, just a 28-14 defeat for the Mustangs. MCS has also never lost an 11-man state championship game at 7-0 and have won 12 straight trips to the Final.

Lubbock Christian over Lubbock Trinity Christian (6-21) -- Wrong
--The Lions defense stands again with another Division III contender on the other side. After allowing just 7 to Grace Prep they allow just 6 to the Eagles. Lubbock Trinity reaches its first state final.

League City Bay Area Christian over Houston Cypress Christian (14-42) -- Wrong
--Looked for a bit of an upset and it was not here. Warriors with a great chance at their 2nd state title after falling in the 2020 title game.

Muenster Sacred Heart Catholic School over Weatherford Christian School (35-8) -- Correct
--Tigers defense overwhelms the Lions, tough task to keep

Shiner St. Paul Catholic High School over Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School (42-15) -- Correct
--Cardinals continue their dominant ways in Division IV, and will draw the other Sacred Heart in the final. Going to be favorites for 4 in a row next week in Waco.

Week 14: 5-3
Season: 81-29

Quick Hits concludes the season 105-25.

Semifinal Playoff Picks 2021

The last hurdle on the road to state arrives with a plethora of district rematches and a few surprises. Maybe the closest groupings of semifinalists, from a location viewpoint, I can remember. Lots of close by sites should make for some great crowds. Down to just 8 games this week and only 12 11-man games remain in the TAPPS season. We'll have new champions in Divisions II and III, but the returning champions remain the favorites in Divisions I and IV. Good luck and safe travels!

Division II 

Fort Worth Southwest Christian vs. Dallas Christian @ Mesquite Memorial -- The Chargers reach the semifinals again and try to make their 17th state final as they take on the Eagles for a 2nd year in a row. The Chargers rolled through much of their 10-1 campaign, falling only to TCA in Week 4. DC posted wins over other semifinalists, Bishop Lynch and Fort Bend Christian, in the non-district slate and exploded for 63 against FWC last week. That made consecutive 60+ point outings in the playoffs this year. FWC was the first opponent to clear 30 points against DC, other than TCA's dominant victory. The Eagles have consecutive seasons with their most wins since 2004. At 10-2 this year Southwest is back in the semifinals for a 2nd straight season after not winning a playoff game since 2006. The Eagles 2 defeats came to the same TCA squad as DC and SPC runner-up ESD. They won District 1 at 4-0 and beat Faith a 2nd time in the Regional, 28-22 in overtime. The Eagles rushing attack should make them a difficult mark for the DC defense that feasted on FWC turnovers last week. Keeping DC out of the less conventional ways to score on defense and special teams is key for the Eagles chances. The bigger factor though is finding a way to score for the Eagles. Last season's semi ended in a 42-0 handy victory for DC. Both teams dominated FWC on offense and Tyler Grace on both sides of the ball. This should be a tight low scoring game, but the authors leanings are well known. Chargers win 28-20.

Houston Second Baptist vs. Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian @ Rice Univeristy -- A flock of Eagles dominates District 4 in 2021 and a rematch of a Week 11 District title game will decide the South's spot in the Final. Second Baptist took out the defending champion, Austin Regents, last week in a surprise to most. The Eagles 26-16 victory was the 1st loss for Regents to a Division II opponent outside of the championship since 2015. That was the same year that Second Baptist last lost the district title before Fort Bend pushed them off the top step this year. That win in Week 11 was the first win for Fort Bend Christian over Second Baptist since 2006, when they were still called Fort Bend Baptist. The first meeting was a 27-24 win for Fort Bend at home. At 9-3, it is a 6 game win streak for the FBCA since losing 3 in a row in September. Second Baptist is 10-2 on the year with the only other loss to Kinkaid to start the year. I expect pretty much the same game as last time. Who gets the big play or surprise turnover? I'll say Fort Bend Christian gets another win to reach their first TAPPS football final, 28-27.

Division I

Dallas Parish Episcopal @ Dallas Bishop Lynch -- The Panthers have won back to back state titles and are clear favorites again. Only Austin LBJ has knocked off Parish this season, and the Panther offense has scored 28 in all 11 games with 35 in 10 of 11. Perhaps the Midland Christian squad can turn the tables in the final after being the closest this season, but both teams with hurdles to clear this week. The Friars have used 2 playoff wins and a forfeit to get back to even at 6-6. A 52-50 win in 3OT over St. Thomas gets Bishop Lynch into the semis for the first time since 2018. That team lost a 13-9 decision in the state final to Bishop Dunne and finished 8-5 and never lost by more that 8 points in a single game. This Friars squad took multiple big losses mid-year, including 49-13 home loss to Parish on October 15, but has responded to be the only team without a first round bye to reach the semifinals. A bold strike to go for the home and home flip, but maybe the start of an upset with the game at Roffino Stadium. The Panthers are the dominant force in Division I right now and should remain so this week, even on the road. Parish wins 42-18.

Midland Christian vs. San Antonio Central Catholic @ Brownwood -- The Mustangs took down the favored Vikings in a district rematch. Turning a 20 point defeat into a 42-37 victory. The 42 points is the story as the MCS offense has been the trailing unit this year with the defense leading the charge. If MCS is putting both together in November then they will be a tough opponent for Parish in the final. The Buttons win the mascot game in the TAPPS semifinals this year, but have a tough battle here. While Central was the District 2 champions, a Week 11 loss to Antonian certainly changed the expectations. Full marks for the Buttons turning the tables in the Regional and a 10 win season. Maybe they can surprise us here, but I think the Mustangs are clear favorites. MCS wins 40-20.

Division III

Lubbock Christian vs. Lubbock Trinity Christian @ Wolfforth Frenship -- The battle of Lubbock heads to the suburbs to decide a place in the final of wide open Division III. The Eagles are a frequent visitor to the late rounds of the playoffs, losing the state final in 2019. It was 2004 the last time Lubbock Christian won the title, a full decade before Lubbock Trinity started a football program. The Lions have carefully built a program, reaching the semis for the first time in their 8th season. 8-3 is the program record for wins, and they are coming off a huge defensive showing, holding Grace Prep to just 7 last week. It was Grace Prep's only loss of the season and the first time they were held under 30 all season. The Eagles only loss in an 11-1 season is to Colleyville Covenant. They narrowly escaped Pantego last week 31-28, leaving us a district rematch but not the one we expected. In their last meeting the Eagles won 22-10. The Lions defense gives Trinity a great chance to turn the tables. Look for a low scoring game in the South Plains winds. Eagles back in the title game, 12-10.

Houston Cypress Christian School vs. League City Bay Area Christian School @ Houston Delmar -- The Warriors have a collection of the best wins in Division III, including Division II contender Fort Worth Christian, Division IV contender Brazos Christian, Division IV favorite Shiner St. Paul, and a big blowout of SA Holy Cross last week to reach the semis. Maybe they should be the favorites with losses to just SPC champion John Cooper and Division II semifinalist Second Baptist. The Broncos are 10-1 with a sole loss to The Woodlands Christian. That game is the only opponent to score more than 22 on Bay Area Christian this year. Now that they've settled on the final 4 its certain that the Division III champion will have earned it. I could see any of these 4 taking the title. Should be more points in this one than in Lubbock, but the Broncos defense is the best unit I think. Bay Area Christian wins a close one 26-24.

Division IV

Muenster Sacred Heart Catholic School vs. Weatherford Christian School @ Bridgeport -- An 8-4 season for the Tigers has seen them beat the teams they should and lose to the teams you'd expect. One of those teams though is Weatherford Christian. The Lions lost to Sacred Heart 28-14 on October 22. I really don't know enough about these two to have a strong opinion. Looks like both teams have potent offenses and decent defenses. I think in a rematch the offenses should do better than they did the first time. Tigers win a shootout, 43-40.

Shiner St. Paul Catholic High School vs. Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School @ Flatonia -- The Cardinals are the dominant force in Division IV, and would stand a great chance in Division III this year if they were in that classification. St. Paul has the most 11-man titles in TAPPS at 9, and the 2nd most across all of TAPPS football. They've won state titles the last 3 years and 5 of the last 6. At 8-1, only Cypress Christian has bested the Cardinals this year. The Regional match with Brazos Christian may have been the biggest hurdle for the Cardinals, and they inched by, 22-20. The challenger this week is the longtime rival, Sacred Heart Indians. Just 12 miles separate the two schools. Both Catholic in faith tradition. Both use the ISD stadiums in town. At the end of 2011, the Indians had a 7-3 edge in state titles. Now, the Cardinals have won 6 in a decade and lead 9-7. Certainly two schools worthy of a semifinal matchup. This season St. Paul won the head-to-head 47-20. The Cardinals have a 14-3 lead in the series since 2009. At 8-4, its been a good year for Sacred Heart. I just can't see enough of a turn around to win this win. Cardinals back to the final to try for 4 in a row. St. Paul wins, 35-28.

This Week Season: 76-26

Quick Hits concludes the season 105-25.

TAPPS Semifinal Playoff Times and Locations 2021

Let me know on Twitter, @Cav_0, if you have an update or if something is incorrect.

Division I

Dallas Parish Episcopal School @ Dallas Bishop Lynch High School
--6:00 Saturday Dallas' Roffino Stadium
--Panthers 55, Friars 13

Midland Christian School vs. San Antonio Central Catholic High School
--6:00 Saturday Brownwood's Gordon Wood Stadium
--Mustangs 41, Buttons 14

Division II 

Fort Worth Southwest Christian School vs. Dallas Christian School
--7:00 Saturday Mesquite Memorial Stadium
--Chargers 24, Eagles 14

Houston Second Baptist School vs. Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian Academy
--7:30 Saturday Houston's Rice Stadium
--SBS Eagles 14, FBCA Eagles 13

Division III

Lubbock Christian School vs. Lubbock Trinity Christian School
--2:00 Saturday Wolfforth's Peoples Bank Stadium
--Lions 21, Eagles 6

Houston Cypress Christian School vs. League City Bay Area Christian School
--7:00 Friday Houston's Delmar Stadium
--Warriors 42, Broncos 14

Division IV

Muenster Sacred Heart Catholic School vs. Weatherford Christian School
--6:00 Friday Bridgeport's Bull Memorial Stadium
--Tigers 35, Lions 8

Shiner St. Paul Catholic High School vs. Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School
--7:00 Friday Flatonia's Bulldog Stadium
--Cardinals 42, Indians 15

Regional Playoff Results 2021

It took until Week 13 for the upsets to come, but come they did. Heavy favorite Austin Regents goes out. Heavy favorite Shiner St. Paul survives by 2. San Antonio Central pushes out an All Saints team that beat Antonian who had beaten the Buttons the week before. Contender Grace Prep goes out in Division III. Parish still looks good for Division I, but still 2 hurdles to clear as the defending champs. Bishop Lynch will be next to take another shot at the Panthers after scoring another upset of District 2.

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Fort Worth Christian (63-35) -- Correct
--Not a great defensive outing from either team, but both defenses made big plays. A great comeback from FWC after falling behind early in the 2nd, but some late defensive plays put it out of reach for DC. Interesting semifinal rematch with Southwest Christian next week.

Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Grapevine Faith Christian (28-22 OT) -- Correct
--Lions tie the game on the final play from scrimmage and a 2 point conversion, but fail to score on their OT possession. Southwest with another chance at DC to avenge last year's semifinal.

Austin Regents over Houston Second Baptist (16-26) -- Wrong
--We get our upset as the Regents offense is bludgeoned by the Eagles. There will be a new champion in Division II as the overwhelming favorite goes down. Second Baptist will expect a district rematch in the semis, but St. Michael's will certainly have a shot tomorrow.

Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian over Austin St. Michael's (69-28) -- Correct
--We get 3 Eagles in the Final 4 as the FBCA offense proved too much for the Crusaders

Dallas Parish Episcopal over Plano Prestonwood Christian (49-24) -- Correct
--A very game effort from the Lions, but just not able to slow the favored Panthers offensive attack.

Fort Worth Nolan over Midland Christian (37-42) -- Wrong
--Mustangs produce the goods to turn the tables on the Vikings. With San Antonio Central taking out All Saints the path to the final looks open for MCS. Can't look ahead to a final with Parish though.

Week 13: 4-2
Season: 76-26

Quick Hits:

Fort Worth All Saints over San Antonio Central Catholic (28-38) -- Wrong
Houston St. Thomas over Dallas Bishop Lynch (50-52 3OT) -- Wrong
Lubbock Christian over Arlington Pantego Christian (31-28) -- Correct
Arlington Grace Prep over Lubbock Trinity Christian (7-16) -- Wrong
Houston Cypress Christian over San Antonio Holy Cross (40-7) -- Correct
League City Bay Area Christian over The Woodlands Legacy Prep (35-21) -- Correct
Muenster Sacred Heart over Waco Reicher (45-13) -- Correct
Weatherford Christian over Dallas First Baptist (43-21) -- Correct
Shiner St. Paul over Bryan Brazos Christian (22-20) -- Correct
Hallettsville Sacred Heart over Houston Lutheran North (42-7) -- Correct

Week 13: 7-3
Season: 105-25

Regional Playoff Picks 2021

Another playoff week is upon us. Some fun neutral sites to play at this week, and few regular season rematches that teams will be trying to reverse. Its a favorite laden bracket with Parish, Regents, and Shiner St. Paul still featuring as defending champs. The wide open Division III saw its title holder defeated, further cementing its status as the mystery division. Just 16 teams will be left in 11-man after this week. Good luck and safe travels on the road to Midway.

This Week: (Season: 72-24)

Fort Worth Christian vs. Dallas Christian @ Desoto -- Our only Division II game this week without an Eagles. The Chargers and Cardinals fates are always intertwined, dating back to rivalry contests from before TAPPS creation. The two schools share a similar history with founding just a year apart and with the same Faith tradition it ties the alumni together in college and beyond. This will be the 19th game between them since 2005, making it the most played matchup for both schools in the MaxPreps era. Its been a series mostly controlled by the Chargers with a 14-4 advantage since 2005. However, the Cardinals have won some of the biggest games. The 2015 state championship being the biggest. FWC also dominated the 2018 playoff game, winning 27-10, making 2 playoff wins in a row for the Cardinals in the series. This reversed a 4 game playoff win streak over the Cardinals that dated to 2007. There've been blowouts and tight games in the mix. One where FWC had a 20-0 lead before DC had an offensive play, but DC won 28-20. A game where the punter was called down  on a low snap, leading to the go ahead field goal. This year's meeting on October 1 was a mix of the two. The Chargers built a lead, but FWC climbed back in before falling 35-25. The Cardinals started the season 0-5 after that loss to the Chargers, but have won 4 of 6 since. Finding ways to score is how FWC can win this one. Special teams and defensive touchdowns are the path to victory. DC's penalty problems can be another path for the Cardinals. The biases of the author are well known, but this should be a tight game. I think if DC gets to 30 they win handily, but if the Chargers offense sputters, the Cardinals can definitely get to 28 and win. Chargers survive a close one, 31-29.

Fort Worth Southwest Christian vs. Grapevine Faith Christian @ Fort Worth Castleberry -- The Eagles suffered a long walk through the wilderness, never winning more than 6 games in a season between 2005 and 2019. Last year, they just won 7 but in the COVID season that was a semifinal appearance. After sharing the district title last season, the Eagles won it outright this year. At 9-2, the only losses are to very strong ESD and TCA squads, and they won every district game by 18 or more points. That closest win though was over these Lions. Faith won the 2016 state championship, but last week was just the 3rd playoff win since then. Last year the Lions were just 5-4 in the shortened season, being ousted in the regional round. The Lions were favorites heading into district play after a dominant 5-0 start that saw just 13 points allowed and 3 shutouts. The Eagles pushed them off that top step and then a shocking 50 point defensive outing in losing to FWC saw the Lions have to go on the road in round 1. A 2nd half shutout pushed Faith past Brook Hill and into the Regional. It was 34-16 in early October when they met and low scoring should suit both teams well. Eagles won the first one so we'll go that way, but a close defensive struggle is on order. Southwest wins 16-13.

Austin Regents vs. Houston Second Baptist @ Brenham -- The Knights are searching for their 6th straight state final appearance. No one south of the I-20 corridor has been able to take down Regents since Hyde Park in 2015. This season has been no different, with 10 wins by at least 24 points. Only 2 opponents scored more than 8 against the Knights this year and no one scored more than 21. Regents has also scored 35 or more in every outing this season. The Eagles dropped their first district game since 2015 this year and thus meet Regents in the regional round rather than the semifinals. Its been 3 straight semifinal defeats for Second Baptist against Regents and 5 losses in 5 years including regular season games in 2016 and 2017. In those 5 games, the most point scored by the Eagles is 14. That was last year, but 14 will not get past the Knights. I don't see any major changes in expectations so last year's 38-14 win for Regents seems like a good starting point, but maybe a tad closer than last year. Knights win 35-18.

Austin St. Michael's vs. Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian @ Giddings -- The Eagles pushed Second Baptist off the District 4 throne in Week 11, and put up 59 points in a dominant playoff victory over Brentwood Christian. They've won 6 in a row since the calendar flipped to October and erase the taste of a 3 game losing streak. The Crusaders won just 11 games total between 2015 and 2019, but the resurgence started last year with a 7 win season and a playoff victory. It was a 42-6 loss to Regents last year that sparked a 6 game win streak, and a 15-3 run since. They were the 2nd best team in District 3 all year, earning that 2nd seed and home playoff game. It should be a close game. Both squads blew out Brentwood and share no other common opponents. Both offenses should be among the best the other teams have seen. I think we'll see a bunch of point in this one. Eagles win a shootout, 42-35.

Dallas Parish Episcopal vs. Plano Prestonwood Christian @ The Star -- The Panthers are the back to back defending champions and nothing in 2021 has changed their favorite status. Just a 2 point loss to Austin LBJ separates Parish from a undefeated season. Their 9 wins include a 35-9 margin over Prestonwood. Only Midland Christian kept it closer than that in the District 1 slate. The Panthers have been dominant from start to finish and the 1st round bye was the reward. The Lions lost 3 times in the district slate and haven't been able to get the stops to win in the big district grudge matches. That is a tough problem to try and overcome against Parish. Panthers remain the favorites, but the Lions keeps it closer than last time. Parish Episcopal wins, 37-22.

Midland Christian vs. Fort Worth Nolan @ Abilene Wylie -- The Mustangs reached the semifinals a season ago, but drew two District 2 opponents en route. Its unfortunate that TAPPS bracketed it this way, where the top District 1 teams meet in Round 2 while the lower finishers get to play the cross district opposition. In a game that was ultimately forfeited, Nolan went to the Permian Basin and won 48-28. Turning around that defensive performance will be the task for MCS. The Vikings overcame the forfeits  and coaching turmoil to finish in 3rd position in District 1 and figured to be the fiercest opposition for Parish en route to 3 in a row. Nolan won the district title last year and will have to be sure not to look beyond the Mustangs to a possible rematch with the Panthers. Last time MCS played at Wylie it was a 70-7 drubbing of Dallas Christian where the Mustangs lost the special teams but still won the game by 63. Maybe some good feelings, but it was 8 years ago and really just Coach McClendon still left from that one. The Vikings look to be too good here, but the Mustangs are never eliminated easily. Nolan wins a tight one, 33-30.

Quick Hits: (Season: 98-22)

Fort Worth All Saints over San Antonio Central Catholic
Houston St. Thomas over Dallas Bishop Lynch
Lubbock Christian over Arlington Pantego Christian
Arlington Grace Prep over Lubbock Trinity Christian
Houston Cypress Christian over San Antonio Holy Cross
League City Bay Area Christian over The Woodlands Legacy Prep
Muenster Sacred Heart over Waco Reicher
Weatherford Christian over Dallas First Baptist
Shiner St. Paul over Bryan Brazos Christian
Hallettsville Sacred Heart over Houston Lutheran North

TAPPS Regional Playoff Times and Locations 2021

Let me know on Twitter, @Cav_0, if you have an update or if something is incorrect.

Division I

Dallas Parish Episcopal School vs. Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy
--7:00 Saturday Frisco's Ford Center at The Star
--Panthers 49, Lions 24

Dallas Bishop Lynch High School vs. Houston St. Thomas High School
--5:00 Saturday Buffalo's Brewer Field
--Friars 52, Eagles 50 (3OT)

Midland Christian School vs. Fort Worth Nolan Catholic High School
--6:00 Saturday Abilene’s Sandifer Stadium
--Mustangs 42, Vikings 37

Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal School vs. San Antonio Central Catholic High School
--7:00 Friday Belton's Tiger Field
--Buttons 38, Saints 28

Division II 

Fort Worth Southwest Christian School vs. Grapevine Faith Christian School
--7:00 Friday River Oaks' W.O. Barnes Memorial Stadium
--Eagles 28, Lions 22 (OT)

Fort Worth Christian School vs. Dallas Christian School
--7:30 Friday Desoto's Eagle Stadium
--Chargers 63, Cardinals 35

Regents School of Austin vs. Houston Second Baptist School
--7:00 Friday Brenham's Cub Stadium
--Eagles 26, Knights 16

Austin St. Michael's Catholic Academy vs. Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian Academy
--7:00 Saturday Giddings' Buffalo Stadium
--Eagles 69, Crusaders 28

Division III

Lubbock Christian School vs. Arlington Pantego Christian Academy
--7:00 Friday Abilene's Shelton Stadium
--Eagles 31, Panthers 28

Lubbock Trinity Christian School vs. Arlington Grace Preparatory Academy
--2:00 Saturday Clyde's Bulldog Stadium
--TCS Lions 16, GPA Lions 7

Holy Cross of San Antonio vs. Houston Cypress Christian School
--7:00 Friday Hallettsville's Brahmas Memorial Stadium
--Warriors 40, Knights 7

The Woodlands Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy vs. League City Bay Area Christian School
--7:00 Friday Dayton's Bronco Stadium
--Broncos 35, Warriors 21

Division IV

Muenster Sacred Heart Catholic School vs. Waco Bishop Reicher Catholic School
--7:00 Friday Ponder's Ponder Field
--Tigers 45, Cougars 13

Weatherford Christian School vs. Dallas First Baptist Academy
--2:00 Saturday Rio Vista's Eagle Field
--Lions 43, Saints 21

Shiner St. Paul Catholic High School vs. Bryan Brazos Christian School
--7:00 Friday Giddings' Buffalo Stadium
--Cardinals 22, Eagles 20

Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School vs. Houston Lutheran High School North
--7:00 Friday Van Vleck's Burl McKinney Stadium
--Indians 42, Lions 7

Area Playoff Results 2021

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Flower Mound Coram Deo (62-0) -- Correct
--Chargers scored early and often to set up the rematch with FWC.

Fort Worth Christian over McKinney Christian (62-25) -- Correct
--Cardinals built a lead but the Mustangs pulled it back to 41-25 at one point before FWC pulled away. Better defense will be needed in the rematch with DC.

Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Tyler Grace Community (49-7) -- Correct
--Cougars offense never got on track in 2021. Eagles continue to play well and a rematch with Faith awaits in Round 2.

Grapevine Faith Christian over Bullard Brook Hill (21-14) -- Correct
--Lions defense does not allow a point in the 2nd half and blocks a punt to set up the short field for the win in a low scoring tilt.

Austin Regents over The Woodlands Christian (41-7) -- Correct
--Knights continue to be the dominant force in Division II. Can anyone knock them off the throne?

Houston Second Baptist over Brownsville St. Joseph (48-7) -- Correct
--Eagles were a little slow off the blocks in the Thursday playoff opener, but win handily to set up the annual playoff showdown with Regents.

Austin St. Michael's over Houston Lutheran South (37-14) -- Correct
--Crusaders win handily to set up a fresh Regional game with Fort Bend Christian.

Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian over Austin Brentwood Christian (59-6) -- Correct
--Eagles dominate as they point toward a possible semifinal against Regents.

Tomball Concordia Lutheran over Dallas Bishop Lynch (7-30) -- Wrong
--Another loss for District 2 as they go 0-4 in the Area round. Friars can try to spur a surprise run against St. Thomas next week and possibly make an all District 1 final four.

Plano Prestonwood Christian over Houston St. Pius X (45-7) -- Correct
--Dominant outing for the Lions as expected. They'll try another time to best Parish Episcopal and reverse a 4 game losing streak.

Week 12: 9-1
Season: 72-24

Quick Hits:

Fort Worth All Saints over San Antonio Antonian (42-21) -- Correct
Fort Worth Nolan over Katy St. John XXIII (49-0) -- Correct
Lubbock Christian over Dallas Shelton (51-0) -- Correct
Arlington Pantego Christian over Colleyville Covenant Christian (38-21) -- Correct
Lubbock Trinity Christian over Dallas Covenant (42-7) -- Correct
Arlington Grace Prep over Willow Park Trinity Christian (50-0) -- Correct
The Woodlands Legacy Prep over Schertz John Paul II (28-12) -- Correct
League City Bay Area Christian over Houston Northland Christian (42-15) -- Correct
Waco Reicher over Fort Worth Temple Christian (47-6) -- Correct
TAPPS League Championship: Addison Trinity Christian over San Antonio TMI (67-0) -- Correct

Week 12: 10-0
Season: 98-22

Area Playoff Picks 2021

Another regular season has concluded and we are ready for the playoffs to begin. Even with the home games it feels like one upset always surprises us in the first round. Lets see if we can find it. Good luck and safe travels on the road to Waco Midway for the state finals. Thankfully back on the 1st weekend of December this year. We focus heavily on the Division II picture in this first week with a couple of Division I games mixed in.

Division II Playoffs: (Season: 63-23)

Flower Mound Coram Deo @ Dallas Christian -- The Chargers secured their 2nd straight district title with a 47-10 win over Brook Hill last week. This is also an 11th straight season with a home playoff game. This season only TCA has bested DC en route to an 8-1 record, but it hasn't been nearly as easy of a run as last season. A year ago the Chargers played no games closer than 28 points before falling to Regents in the title game. This season has seen wins by 1, 22, and 10 among the 8 victories. The Lions have shown improvement this season, posting a 5-5 record after winning just one game last year. Coram Deo had success in Division III prior to moving up, and perhaps this is the start of something in the higher division. The Lions and Chargers have never met in football, and with the teams in separate divisions next year it may be a rare meeting. With DC posting a 35-25 victory over Fort Worth Christian, when the Cardinals beat Coram Deo by 61, it just doesn't look like a close one. Playoff do weird things though. Chargers win 49-9.

McKinney Christian @ Fort Worth Christian -- The Cardinals started 1-7 before winning their last two district games, including last week's 50 point outburst at Grapevine Faith. After a long season of tough opposition they should be ready for a strong postseason. Only worry might be looking ahead to a rematch with Dallas Christian. FWC scored 50, 67, and 67 in their 3 wins. I mentioned before that FWC beat Coram Deo by 61 and McKinney Christian lost to that same squad, 49-47. This is the reward for reaching 2nd place. The Mustangs also progressed a bit in 2021 reaching 4 wins. The 2 district wins gets them up to 3rd place and away from the District 1 champion. The Mustangs should score a little in this one, but I doubt they will have enough. Cardinals win 52-21.

Tyler Grace Community @ Fort Worth Southwest Christian -- The Eagles won a 2nd straight district title, but went 4-0 en route this year. With an 8-2 record, losses just to ESD and TCA, its another great season for Southwest after a disappointing decade before. The Cougars underwent a bit of coaching turmoil before the season and struggled throughout. A 14-6 win over Bishop Dunne last week put Grace in the playoffs with their 2nd win of the season. The other win over UIL Tenaha, suggests there is some potential for an upset. However, its just been too much in 2021 for the Cougars. Particularly at home, the Eagles should win comfortably. Southwest Christian wins 41-8.

Grapevine Faith Christian @ Bullard Brook Hill -- The Guard dominated district opponents not named DC and finish the regular season 6-3 and in 2nd place. Its been a bit of a struggle to score against the best opposition this year with 3 wins featuring fewer than 26 points. The Lions appeared to be district favorites heading into district play, but allowed 34 and 50 points to Southwest and FWC. Those are the only two games Faith lost and the only ones they allowed more than 14 points in a 7-2 season. The Guard should be able to slow the Lions attack, but this is definitely the best chance for a road win among the District 1 and 2 pairings. Look for a low scoring game. I think Faith gets the road win, 23-20.

The Woodlands Christian @ Austin Regents -- The Knights are the defending champions and on a 20 game winning streak. The last loss for Regents was in the 2019 state title game, Trinity-Cedar Hill's final game in TAPPS. Regents has lost just 2 games outside of state finals in the last 5 seasons. Unfortunately they lost 4 state finals before breaking the streak last year. The Warriors posted a strong 7-3 campaign after winning just 4 last year. TWCA also reversed a couple of 2020 defeats in the season this year. Unfortunately dropping the finale to Lutheran South gave them the difficult match with Regents in Round 1. The Knights cruise, 49-6.

Brownsville St. Joseph @ Houston Second Baptist -- The Eagles were pushed off the top of the District standings by Fort Bend Christian last week, 27-24. This is the first time Second Baptist has failed to win the district title since 2015. The Eagles offense has posted its usual strong outings this season, averaging over 37 points per game. The Bloodhounds pushed into the playoffs and all the way up to 3rd place with the season ending win over Corpus Christi John Paul, 49-48. The Eagles are the better squad here, but strange things happen in the playoffs. Eagles win 44-14.

Houston Lutheran South @ Austin St. Michael's --The Crusaders have only fallen to Regents and San Antonio Davenport en route to an 8-2 season. The Pioneers have slipped down the District 4 rankings in recent years, but are back in the playoffs again. The Pioneers finished with a very good 7-3 record, but the offense betraying them in the biggest games has been this issue. Scoring just 7 against Fort Bend and 13 against Second Baptist sends them on the road. The Crusader defense only allowed 20+ in just 3 games with 2 of them being the defeats. That defensive form will win them this game, but this shouldn't be a blowout. The best chance for a road upset in the the District 3 and 4 pairings is here, but I'll take the home team. Crusaders advance to the regional, 30-20.

Austin Brentwood Christian @ Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian -- A trip south for the Bears sends them to take on District 4's champion Eagles. Though not the usual champion as FBCA claimed the title for the first time since MaxPreps started keeping records. After a 2-3 start, the Eagles won 5 district games in a row to finish 7-3. Dominating the district opponents before narrowly defeating Second Baptist for the title. The Bears finished 6-4 and fell to 4th place thanks to a 55-34 defeat by Brownsville St. Joseph. That loss was a bit a surprise and the Bear defense has not had another outing that poor. Even Regents and St. Michaels scored fewer than 55. Finding a way to slow down the Eagle attack will be necessary and the track record just doesn't support it happening here. Eagles win 43-20.

The Rundown

We always conclude the Division II area round with a rundown of the teams. I used to pick the whoe bracket, but I think we all know where my biases are. Thus, you can use your imagination what I'd pick. The committee of one has an affection for the interesting mascots across the state so the Division II playoff preview always ends with a rundown of the playoff teams. This will pass to Division III next year with DC's realignment. So for an 8th year in a row...

With a couple of newcomers to the bracket we see a few shakeups to the list. We have the flock of Eagles, but trimmed to just 3 this year after last year's record of 5. A long time contender gets joined by a new entrant from the same district, giving us 2 Lions. The finalists are back for another run to the title, with no duplicates in Division II. We wish good luck and safe travels on the road to state to, 3 Eagles, 2 Lions, the Cardinals, the Cougars, and the Mustangs. The less commonly seen Knights probably do not need the luck. We also wish good will for the Crusaders, not as rare in the private school ranks. The much more rarely seen Guard, Bears, Pioneers, and Bloodhounds, round out the field of teams looking for some good fortune on the run to state. Then we always finish with wishing the best of luck to the Chargers!

Extra Division I Picks

Dallas Bishop Lynch @ Tomball Concordia Lutheran -- The opening rounds in Division I always bring the question of will District 1 wipe out District 2. Last season they did with no District 2 teams making the final 4. In 2019, Antonian was in the semifinal and close to the title game before falling to equally surprising Plano John Paul. This season all signs point to District 1's superiority. However, the Friars lost to St. Pius X, 17-13, in non-district while the Crusaders defeated SPX by a 9-7 final (might have been a baseball game). Both teams enter with matching 4-6 records and have a couple of good victories, but also nothing impressive against the best of the Division. This sets up for both teams to score. Neither has slowed the best teams on their respective schedules. So at home in a shootout, have to lean Concorida. Crusaders defend District 1, winning 42-35.

Houston St. Pius X @ Plano Prestonwood Christian -- With the top 2 teams in each district receiving byes, there are not too many teams to battle it out this week in Division I. The Lions would have hoped for better than a 4th place finish this season, but the loss to Midland Christian and Nolan's forfeits prevented a higher finish. The 3-way tie that would have happened without Nolan would have made a very different bracket. The Lions started the season with a big upset over Coppell, before dropping to 6-4 on the season. Losses to the top 3 district finishers and Garland are not embarrassing defeats by any measure though. The Panthers finished an even 5-5 and did not fare well in their last trip to DFW, falling 31-6 at DC in September. SPX finished with just 1 TD in 3 of its 5 losses. Many points will be needed to best the Lions. I do not think the Prestonwood defense is who you want to see to get right offensively. Lions win 34-12.

Quick Hits: (Season: 88-22)

Fort Worth All Saints over San Antonio Antonian
Fort Worth Nolan over Katy St. John XXIII
Lubbock Christian over Dallas Shelton
Arlington Pantego Christian over Colleyville Covenant Christian
Lubbock Trinity Christian over Dallas Covenant
Arlington Grace Prep over Willow Park Trinity Christian
The Woodlands Legacy Prep over Schertz John Paul II
League City Bay Area Christian over Houston Northland Christian
Waco Reicher over Fort Worth Temple Christian
TAPPS League Championship: Addison Trinity Christian over San Antonio TMI

TAPPS Area Playoff Times and Locations 2021

Let me know on Twitter, @Cav_0, if something is incorrect. I am assuming information in MaxPreps to be correct until I find a different source.

Division I

Dallas Parish Episcopal School (1 - 1st) BYE

Houston St. Pius X High School (2 - 5th) @ Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy (1 - 4th)
--2:00 Saturday Plano's Lions Stadium
--Lions 45, Panthers 7

Dallas Bishop Lynch High School (1 - 6th) @ Tomball Concordia Lutheran High School (2 - 3rd)
--2:00 Saturday Tomball's Crusader Stadium
--Friars 30, Crusaders 7

Houston St. Thomas High School (2 - 2nd) BYE


Midland Christian School (1 - 2nd) BYE

Katy St. John XXIII College Preparatory (2 - 6th) @ Fort Worth Nolan Catholic High School (1 - 3rd)
--12:00 Saturday Fort Worth's Doskocil Stadium
--Vikings 49, Lions 0

Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal School (1 - 5th) vs. San Antonio Antonian College Preparatory High School (2 - 4th)
--7:00 Friday Belton's Tiger Field
--Saints 42, Apaches 21

San Antonio Central Catholic High School (2 - 1st) BYE

 

Division II 

Tyler Grace Community School (2 - 4th) @ Fort Worth Southwest Christian School (1 - 1st)
--7:00 Friday Fort Worth's Eagle Stadium
--Eagles 49, Cougars 7

Grapevine Faith Christian School (1 - 3rd) @ Bullard Brook Hill School (2 - 2nd)
--7:30 Friday Bullard's Herrington Stadium
--Lions 21, Guard 14

McKinney Christian Academy (2 - 3rd) @ Fort Worth Christian School (1 - 2nd)
--7:30 Friday North Richland Hills' Barrow Field
--Cardinals 62, Mustangs 25

Flower Mound Coram Deo Academy (1 - 4th) @ Dallas Christian School (2 - 1st)
--7:30 Friday Mesquite's Wheeler Field
--Chargers 62, Lions 0


The Woodlands Christian Academy (4 - 4th) @ Regents School of Austin (3 - 1st)
--7:00 Friday Austin's Knights Field
--Knights 41, Warriors 7

Brownsville St. Joseph Academy (3 - 3rd) @ Houston Second Baptist School (4 - 2nd)
--6:00 Thursday Houston's Tully Stadium
--Eagles 48, Bloodhounds 7

Houston Lutheran South Academy (4 - 3rd) @ Austin St. Michael's Catholic Academy (3 - 2nd)
--1:00 Saturday Austin's Crusader Stadium
--Crusader 37, Pioneers 14

Austin Brentwood Christian School (3 - 4th) @ Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian Academy (4 - 1st)
--7:00 Friday Sugar Land's Eagle Stadium
--Eagles 59, Bears 6

Division III

Dallas Shelton School (2 - 4th) @ Lubbock Christian School (1 - 1st)
--7:00 Friday Lubbock's Lena Stephens Field
--Eagles 51, Chargers 0

Colleyville Covenant Christian Academy (1 - 3rd) @ Arlington Pantego Christian Academy (2 - 2nd)
--7:00 Friday Arlington's PCA Field
--Panthers 38, Cougars 21

Dallas The Covenant School (2 - 3rd) @ Lubbock Trinity Christian School (1 - 2nd)
--2:00 Saturday Lubbock's Archie Warwick Memorial Stadium
--Lions 42, Knights 7

Willow Park Trinity Christian Academy (1 - 4th) @ Arlington Grace Preparatory Academy (2 - 1st)
--1:30 Saturday Arlington's Grace Prep Field
--Lions 50, Eagles 7


Fort Worth Lake Country Christian School (1 - 5th) @ Holy Cross of San Antonio (3 - 1st)
--6:30 Friday San Antonio's Holy Cross Stadium
--Knights 55, Eagles 19

Tyler Bishop T.K. Gorman Catholic School (2 - 5th) @ Houston Cypress Christian School (4 - 1st)
--5:00 Thursday Houston's Cypress Christian Field
--Warriors 61, Crusaders 0

Schertz John Paul II Catholic High School (3 - 2nd) vs. The Woodlands Legacy Preparatory Christian Academy (4 - 2nd)
--7:30 Friday Giddings' Buffalo Stadium
--Warriors 28, Guardians 12

Houston Northland Christian School (4 - 3rd) @ League City Bay Area Christian School (5 - 1st)
--7:00 Friday League City's Bronco Field
--Broncos 42, Cougars 15


Division IV

Muenster Sacred Heart Catholic School (1 - 1st) BYE

Fort Worth Temple Christian School (1 - 3rd) @ Waco Bishop Reicher Catholic School (2 - 2nd)
--7:00 Friday Waco's J.J. Kearns Stadium
--Cougars 47, Eagles 6

Temple Central Texas Christian School (3 - 3rd) @ Weatherford Christian School (1 - 2nd)
--7:30 Friday Aledo Middle School Stadium
--WCS Lions 34, CTCS Lions 28

Dallas First Baptist Academy (2 - 1st) BYE

Shiner St. Paul Catholic High School (3 - 1st) BYE

Huntsville Alpha Omega Academy (5 - 2nd) @ Bryan Brazos Christian School (4 - 1st)
--7:00 Friday Bryan's Brazos Christian Field
--Eagles 49, Lions 0

Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School (3 - 2nd) BYE

Houston Lutheran High School North (5 - 1st) BYE


League Championship

Addison Trinity Christian Academy (2-1st) vs. San Antonio Texas Military Institute (1-1st)
--2:00 Saturday Robinson's Rocket Field
--Trojans 67, Panthers 0

Week 11 Results 2021

Next week the playoffs begin. Plenty of favorites still on top as district play comes to an end. The road to state begins in earnest next week.

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Bullard Brook Hill (47-10) -- Correct
--Chargers got a couple of 1st half turnovers and run away to the District 2 title.

Tyler Grace Community over Dallas Bishop Dunne (14-6) -- Correct
--Cougars get into the playoffs by surviving the Falcons in a defensive struggle.

Fort Worth Christian over Grapevine Faith Christian (50-28) -- Correct
--A long season turned into a good district campaign for the Cardinals as they will be home for Round 1.

Midland Christian over Dallas Bishop Lynch (42-7) -- Correct
--Dominant road win to go to the playoffs with for the Mustangs.

Plano Prestonwood Christian over Fort Worth Nolan (31-35) -- Wrong
--Lions took a great shot at it but fall short. The Division I playoffs will almost certainly be decided by District 1.

Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian over Houston Second Baptist (27-24) -- Correct
--The Eagles push the Eagles off the top step of District 4 for the 1st time since 2015.

Brownsville St. Joseph over Corpus Christi John Paul II (49-48) -- Correct
--This was the game of the night as the Bloodhounds win to take the last playoff spot in District 3.

Arlington Grace Prep over Arlington Pantego Christian (31-13) -- Correct
--Lions finish the undefeated season, and might be the favorites in Division III with no other clear contenders. Panthers will have to hope for another shot at Grace Prep in the semifinals.

SPC 4A Championship: Episcopal School of Dallas over Houston Kinkaid (17-42) -- Wrong
--The Eagles undefeated campaign comes undone with the Falcons claiming revenge. First time ESD held under 28 this season and the first time they've allowed 40 this season. Congrats to the Falcons on the SPC 4A Championship!

SPC 3A Championship: The Woodlands John Cooper over Irving Cistercian (49-28) -- Correct
--Dragons were the best in the conference all season and take the crown. Congrats to the Dragons on the SPC 3A Championship.

Week 11: 7-3
Season: 63-23

Quick Hits:

Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Flower Mound Coram Deo (59-14) -- Correct
Houston Lutheran South over The Woodlands Christian (21-7) -- Correct
Austin Regents over Austin Brentwood Christian (49-7) -- Correct
Argyle Liberty Christian over Plano John Paul II (52-16) -- Correct
Dallas Parish Episcopal over Fort Worth All Saints (66-28) -- Correct
San Antonio Central Catholic over San Antonio Antonian (35-44) -- Wrong
Houston St. Pius X over Beaumont Kelly (28-14) -- Correct
Houston St. Thomas over Tomball Concordia Lutheran (45-0) -- Correct
Lubbock Christian over Fort Worth Lake Country (28-7) -- Correct
Addison Trinity Christian over Shreveport Evangel Christian (58-13) -- Correct

Week 11: 9-1
Season: 88-22

Week 11 Picks 2021

The calendar turns to November and the final week of the regular season is upon us. Still a few swing games to decide the final seeds and places in the playoffs. It hasn't been the most interesting regular season to be honest, with many favorites still favorites, and no big surprises. Though we could get a 5-way tie in Division I District 1 thanks to the Nolan forfeits. It should set up for a great postseason with the top seeds all playing well into December. Good luck, safe travels, and we'll see you next week in the playoffs.

This Week: (Season: 56-20)

Bullard Brook Hill @ Dallas Christian -- The Division II District 2 title will be settled at Wheeler Field this week. Both teams have dominated the rest of the district this season. The Chargers winning their 2 district contests 118-7 and the Guard winning theirs 100-42. The winner gets the top spot and the loser the 2nd seed. Both will host area round games next week. The Guard travel west with a 6-2 record having played excellent defense throughout the year. UIL playoff team, Brownsboro posted 43 in a victory over Brook Hill and McKinney Christian scored 35 in a district victory for the Guard. In the other 6 games, the Guard held everyone under 30 points. The Chargers only allowed 30+ in a road defeat against TCA-Addison. Throw in some Fall temperatures and we have the makings of a defensive struggle. COVID cancelled last seasons game between these two, and the Chargers have won 7 of the 8 all time meetings. Both 2018 and 2019 saw just 21 points for DC, but the Guard manged just 10 points combined in the two years. Both teams defeated FWC earlier in the year. The Chargers by 10 and the Guard by 2. DC looks to be better and the game is in Mesquite, but this should be much closer than any district games lately for both teams. Chargers win 29-20.

Dallas Bishop Dunne @ Tyler Grace Community -- The Cougars and Falcons have struggled through the majority of the season. The two squads have just a 5-12 record combined. However, with 4 playoff spots available in District 2, the winner will finish 4th and travel to Fort Worth Southwest Christian in the area round. The Cougars started with just 14 points in their first 3 games before posting a win over Tenaha that seemed like it might right the ship. That has turned out to be the only win for the Cougars this season. The Falcons sat out for two weeks due to a COVID outbreak and have lost back-to-back games since then to fall to 4-4. Honestly neither squad should be a tough out for Southwest, but a win could be something to build on to create some stability going into 2022. The Cougars were much closer to beating McKinney Christian than the Falcons and the game is in Tyler. Grace wins 40-20.

Fort Worth Christian @ Grapevine Faith Christian -- Its been a good bounce back season for the Lions after winning just 5 games in the COVID altered 2020 season. At 7-1, the only blemish is a road loss to Southwest. In their 7 wins they've allowed 14 points at the most with 3 shutouts. The district wins have been by a combined 111-20. This game will decide the 2nd seed from District 1 despite the Cardinals disappointing campaign to this point. At just 2-7, its an interesting quirk that a win here would get them to 2nd place and hosting an area round game. The Cardinals district victories came by a combined 134-28. The 7 non-district losses all came against playoff teams, or to a TCA team that would be in the playoffs if they were in a district this year. There has been plenty of close calls too. A 10 point loss at DC, 2 point loss to Brook Hill, and just 13 to TCA, among the tough losses for FWC this year. A Brook Hill rematch could be next week with a loss by FWC. This is also a rivalry of proximity with just 11 miles separating the two. Expect a good game here, but I'll stick with the home team. Lions win 30-28.

Midland Christian @ Dallas Bishop Lynch -- The Mustangs have been winning their way up the district list, reaching 4-2 in the standings to set up this battle of the forfeit benefactors. The 6 playoff teams are known, but the forfeits set up a possible 5-way tie for 2nd at 4-3. A win by MCS would possibly get them above the fray at 5-2 and at least get them a home game in the area round. However, 5th and 6th get to play District 2 teams in the first two rounds and might find an easier path to the semifinals. The interest here is that district race. The Friars have just 3 on-field wins in their 4-5 record, but have scored quite a few points this season. 41 over FWC and 31 at All Saints point to some ability to score and they do get this one at home. Its a weird one because the bracket removes some intrigue with teams trying to move up in the standings. Mustangs are never phased by a road trip. MCS wins 35-24.

Plano Prestonwood Christian @ Fort Worth Nolan -- Without the Nolan forfeits, this would be a game for 2nd place in District 1. It still is somewhat, as the Lions would be 2nd with a win. A Vikings win though could yield the 5-way tie, but would almost likely create a 3-way tie for 3rd. The Lions are 6-3 on the season with a notable non-district win over Coppell, but are coming off a loss to Midland Christian. They weren't particularly close in their 1st shot at Parish, losing 35-9. The Vikings were dominated by the Parish offense, falling 63-35. Neither team has the offense to blow the other out it looks like. It should be a close one and holding Parish to 35 points a great chance for the Lions. I think Prestonwood gets the 2nd spot with a road win thanks to its defense. Lions win 21-17.

Houston Second Baptist @ Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian -- A battle of Eagles will settle District 4 in Division II. Fort Bend Christian has surged back with 4 district wins after dropping 3 non-district games in a row during September. They've allowed just 28 points during the district win streak. That strong defense is always needed against the potent Second Baptist offense. After losing the opener to Kinkaid, Second Baptist has won 8 in a row. The only cause for concern was a struggle against The Woodlands Christian, winning by just 11. For comparison Fort Bend won by 39 against the same squad. Even with that performance, Second Baptist allowed just 36 in 4 district wins. Always nice when the schedules work out for a Week 11 showdown with everything at stake. Avoiding Regents until the semifinals is a big prize for the winner. With Fort Bend Christian at home and coached by a DC alum, that has to be the lean of the author. Fort Bend Christian wins 35-28.

Arlington Pantego Christian @ Arlington Grace Prep -- The Panthers and Lions meet in an intra-city battle with a 17-0 record between them. The district title is on the line with just 5 miles of Bowen Rd. between the two schools. The Panthers allowed 8 points to Reicher last week, which was the most scored against them in 6 district wins. Muenster Sacred Heart scored 18 in the opener, but Pantego has absolutely crushed Division III competition this year. They've activated the mercy rule in 7 of their 9 wins. The Lions will be a formidable opponent though, with just 27 points allowed in district play and just 60 points against for the season. Its a long way from the Mike Barber days, but the Lions are definitely back this year, and at a perfect time with how wide open Division III is. I think both defenses are far and away the best the other will have seen and that should give us a good, low-scoring, struggle. Last year Pantego won 28-24 at home. This year its at Grace Prep. Lions win 16-14.

Corpus Christi John Paul II @ Brownsville St. Joseph -- After a matchup of schools separated by 5 miles, we go the other way. At 155 miles this is the closest opponent in the district for the Bloodhounds. St. Joseph hosts a de facto playoff game as they enter tied for the 4th and final playoff spot from District 3. The visiting Centurions are the team tied for that playoff spot. The winner is in and the loser is out. John Paul started the district season with two wins but dropped three in a row before dominating Hyde Park. The Bloodhounds have the best victory on the year with a win over Brentwood. They should be the better team here and with the game in the deep reaches of South Texas, we'll go that way. Bloodhounds win the best mascot game of the year, 35-30.

SPC Championships @ Dallas Jesuit's Postell Stadium

4A: Episcopal School of Dallas vs. Houston Kinkaid -- The Eagles are having one of their best seasons in school history. At 10-0 they've matched the program record for wins, at least since 2004. Given the nature of the SPC schedule winning more than 10 is almost impossible. After playing just 3 games last year, ESD has averaged 43 points per game and beaten all comers. The only private school to beat Addison Trinity Christian is ESD. The Falcons went undefeated in the modified 2020 season, but there was no SPC championship to win. A win over Second Baptist opened the season, and its a great 7-2 mark so far. ESD took the regular season meeting, so I think the Eagles are favorites to complete the perfect season. ESD wins 38-25.

3A: The Woodlands John Cooper School vs. Irving Cistercian Preparatory School -- The Dragons dominated the district, or league in this case, standings from start to finish. After early losses to Houston St. John's and Lutheran South, its been 7 straight wins for John Cooper. In a 6-0 league season, the Dragons posted 40 in every counter game. The Hawks took a winding road to the title game, getting the right set of results to take the 2nd spot on a tiebreaker. Cistercian was one of the only schools to play 0 games in 2020, and the return to the field has been well earned by the Hawks. After getting shutout by Trinity Valley they looked to be on the outside, but two losses by TVS after that game put the Hawks back in the title game. After a 47-21 game in the regular season, the Dragons are big favorites here. Maybe there's an upset brewing, but I can't pick it. John Cooper wins the title, 49-30.

Quick Hits: (Season: 79-21)

Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Flower Mound Coram Deo
Houston Lutheran South over The Woodlands Christian
Austin Regents over Austin Brentwood Christian
Argyle Liberty Christian over Plano John Paul II
Dallas Parish Episcopal over Fort Worth All Saints
San Antonio Central Catholic over San Antonio Antonian
Houston St. Pius X over Beaumont Kelly
Houston St. Thomas over Tomball Concordia Lutheran
Lubbock Christian over Fort Worth Lake Country
Addison Trinity Christian over Shreveport Evangel Christian

Week 10 Results 2021

Plenty of changes on the horizon for 2022 with realignment out today. I might do a post about it if I get the itch. Not sure I remember there being 3 clearer favorites going into the playoffs than Parish, Regents, and St. Paul. It will still be a great postseason though. Good luck everyone as the season wraps next week.

This Week:

Bullard Brook Hill over Tyler Grace Community (44-7) -- Correct
--The Cougars tough season continues, but will make the playoffs with a win over Bishop Dunne. The Guard will play for the district title at DC next week.

McKinney Christian over Dallas Bishop Dunne (47-21) -- Correct
--Mustangs get all the way to 3rd place this year and will get FWC or Faith in Round 1.

Fort Worth Christian over Flower Mound Coram Deo (67-6) -- Correct
--No where close to what I had, but the right winner at least. Cardinals with just 2 wins on the year, but both in district play. They would host round 1 if they can beat Faith next week.

Dallas Parish Episcopal over Fort Worth Nolan (63-35) -- Correct
--Panthers reverse the district title, and seem to be clear favorites for 3 in a row. Vikings will have a chance to regroup and take their shot in the playoffs.

Midland Christian over Plano Prestonwood Christian (27-21) -- Correct
--Great win for the Mustangs, as they will not be the team somebody wants in the playoffs. District 1 makes for a crowded playoff bracket every year though.

Dallas Bishop Lynch over Argyle Liberty Christian (20-17) -- Correct
--Friars get the win and thanks to the Nolan forfeit are guaranteed to be in the playoffs. Warriors and Plano John Paul II will settle last place in tough District 1 next week.

Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian over Houston Lutheran South (49-7) -- Correct
--Eagles will play Second Baptist for the district title. After this dominating win they might be the favorite. Both will start the playoffs at home. Pioneers will have to head on the road, a loss next week would send them to Regents in Round 1.

Lubbock Trinity Christian over Fort Worth Lake Country Christian (41-13) -- Correct
--Lions will have a good chance in a wide open Division III.

Week 10: 8-0
Season: 56-20

Quick Hits:

Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Cedar Hill Newman International (55-0) -- Correct
Grapevine Faith Christian over Frisco Legacy Christian (58-14) -- Correct
Austin Brentwood Christian over Boerne Geneva (48-29) -- Correct
The Woodlands Christian over Victoria St. Joseph (42-15) -- Correct
Fort Worth All Saints over Plano John Paul II (56-16) -- Correct
San Antonio Antonian over Tomball Concordia Lutheran (78-6) -- Correct
Houston St. Pius X over San Antonio Christian (56-7) -- Correct
Addison Trinity Christian over Houston The Village (44-6) -- Correct
Houston St. John's over Houston Kinkaid (24-34) -- Wrong
Episcopal School of Dallas over Dallas St. Mark's (51-30) -- Correct

Week 10: 9-1
Season: 79-21

Week 10 Picks 2021

We near the end of our regular season journey with just 2 weeks to play. The nature of the TAPPS playoffs these days removes some intrigue as most of the qualifiers are already pretty evident. Nolan's forfeits change things a bit, combined with the messed up bracket in Division I and 5th might be the best place to finish in District 1. Will this week feature the big upset or will it have to wait for the playoffs?

This Week: (Season: 48-20)

Tyler Grace Community @ Bullard Brook Hill -- The Guard returned to field after 2 weeks away and secured a 56-35 victory over McKinney Christian. The Brook Hill defense has been the strong unit all year, and them in position to get the 2nd seed in District 2. Last week's performance not being the ideal way to head into the key district games. The Cougars have struggled all season to a 1-7 mark. However, as I said last week its still in all in front of them. A win here could set up a 3-way tie scenario with each of Brook Hill, Grace, and McKinney Christian at 2 losses. I assume Brook Hill would not be put behind them just because Bishop Dunne couldn't play. The offensive struggles leave a lot of doubt about if the Cougars and spring the road upset. Will the Guard be looking ahead to Dallas Christian next week and a shot at the district title? With two teams familiar with each other, don't expect a blowout. The Guard and better and at home though. Brook Hill wins 28-14.

Dallas Bishop Dunne @ McKinney Christian -- The Falcons returned to the field in a non-district game after 2 cancellations, falling 22-7 to DasCHE. The 4-3 mark for the Bishop Dunne is an improvement over last year where they lost all 4 games they played and fail to score on the season. The Mustangs continue to improve in Division II and still have a path to finishing in the top 2 in District 2. The record is just 3-5 this season, with the struggles coming on defense. 120 points allowed in 2 weeks against the top of the district. The return to the lesser district opponents should do the Mustangs well. It should be a better contest than last year's 56-0 Mustang blowout, but MCA is still the favorite here and should slide into at least 3rd in District 2. Mustangs win 44-20.

Fort Worth Christian @ Flower Mound Coram Deo -- The Cardinals have had a miserable 1-7 campaign, but just need 2 wins in the last two weeks to host the 1st round of the playoffs. While Tyler Grace has not looked very dangerous en route to 1-7, FWC is the opposite. Just a 2 point loss to Brook Hill and a 10 point defeat at DC, point to a record that is worse than the quality of the Cardinals. In the first big district test last week, the Cardinals struggled to just 7 points and a tidy 29 point loss to Southwest Christian. The Lions are 5-3 on the season, but the loss to Bishop Dunne doesn't send a lot of confidence into their chances this week. They did take down McKinney Christian and have shown some offensive firepower, posting 64, 55, and 49, in 3 games this season. They also scored just 6 against Grapevine Faith. Last season saw FWC win 48-33. All signs point to a high scoring game and with a narrow path to 2nd still there for both teams a highly competitive contest. Even at 1-7, I think FWC is better but this is close to the end. Cardinals win on the road, 45-44.

Fort Worth Nolan @ Dallas Parish Episcopal -- The Panthers and Vikings figured to settle District 1 in this one, but the Nolan forfeits changed that. The Vikings can still get into the home game mix with a couple of wins. They need at least one to be safely in the playoffs, and honestly 5th and 6th may have slightly easier paths in the playoffs than 3rd and 4th. The Panthers have won the last 2 state titles and all signs point in their direction so far this year. Both teams have been dominant in the district slate so far with Nolan holding two different teams to just 2 points. With far and away the best teams on the field this season in District 1 this should be a good one. I think the Panthers offense is just too much, particularly at home on the blue turf. Parish wins 33-28.

Plano Prestonwood Christian @ Midland Christian -- The Lions head west trying to cement a spot in the home game or bye half of the district standings. The Mustangs have a leg up with the forfeit win over Nolan and a home game in the Permian Basin gives theme a great chance. Strange as it is, these two didn't actually play in 2020. Given the distances there isn't a ton of great comparison points. Both squads have been strong defensively this season. MCS limited Parish to just 28. Prestonwood held All Saints to 14. There is plenty of reasons to like both teams, so lean toward the home team. Mustangs win 27-22.

Argyle Liberty Christian @ Dallas Bishop Lynch -- Its a battle of two teams that haven't been able to find the needed district wins this season. The pathway to 6th place goes through this game between two teams with just 4 wins combined (and one of those was a forfeit win). Despite being 1-7, the Warriors can get two wins to close the season and make the playoffs. 6th place in District 1 stands a great chance against District 2 3rd place in round 1 as well. Coach Witten needs to figure out how to get offense and defense in the same game. Two of their best defensive outings, against DC and Prestonwood, saw the offense score just 6. 24 points against All Saints, 20 points at Midland, and the Warriors couldn't keep the opposition under 40. The Friars have 3 technical wins on the year, but just 2 on the field. They've lost big and close, but they've allowed a lot of points on the season. 5 of 8 opponents scored 38 or more. Both teams need the win and probably a close matchup. Lean home team in that case. Friars win 28-21.

Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian @ Houston Lutheran South -- The Eagles have seen the bottom of District 4 so far and boatraced them all, scoring 169 points en route to a 3-0 district mark. That leaves the frequent top 2 in recent years of Lutheran South and Second Baptist to play. The Eagles offense should have them in this to the end. The Pioneers have the better record coming in at 6-2, but struggled at Victoria St. Joseph before being blown out by Second Baptist. The best opponents have scored plenty against LSA this season, and that points to a great chance for the Eagles. I do not think the Pioneer defense is up to this task, but they should keep it close on offense. Eagles inch by, 42-40.

Lubbock Trinity Christian @ Fort Worth Lake Country Christian -- Another Eagles sees the relative newcomers from Lubbock visit this week. Lake Country is 4-4 this year, but has flown by many district mates. Holding their first 3 October opponents to just 14 points combined. Colleyville Covenant did score 28 last week, but still a good outing for the Eagles. The Lions offense scored 36 against a Colleyville Covenant squad that held Lake Country off the scoreboard completely. The road trip makes me worry for Trinity, but I think the offense should hold. The wind could make things interesting this week, but being from Lubbock should leave them well acquainted with the weather. Lions win 35-21.

Quick Hits: (Season: 70-20)

Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Cedar Hill Newman International
Grapevine Faith Christian over Frisco Legacy Christian
Austin Brentwood Christian over Boerne Geneva
The Woodlands Christian over Victoria St. Joseph
Fort Worth All Saints over Plano John Paul II
San Antonio Antonian over Tomball Concordia Lutheran
Houston St. Pius X over San Antonio Christian
Addison Trinity Christian over Houston The Village
Houston St. John's over Houston Kinkaid
Episcopal School of Dallas over Dallas St. Mark's

Week 9 Results 2021

Really still looking for the big upset in TAPPS play this season. Division I District 1 is where the intrigue always is and the Nolan forfeits will continue that tradition. However, District 1 looks so far ahead of District 2 that it kinda ruins it. We can almost fill out the Division II bracket tonight.

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Tyler Grace Community (54-7) -- Correct
--Chargers defense continues to create lopsided margins in district play. Must figure out how to play cleaner games to succeed into December.

Bullard Brook Hill over McKinney Christian (56-35) -- Correct
--Guard with the offensive outburst to put themselves in the driver's seat for 2nd place.

Fort Worth  Christian over  Fort Worth Southwest Christian (7-36) -- Wrong
--This was not the upset I though it could be. Eagles clinch the district title behind their strong rushing attack.

Midland Christian over Fort Worth All Saints (22-34) -- Wrong
--District standings a real mess with the Nolan forfeits. Mustangs not finding the key wins this season. District 1 always favored in the playoffs even if you're 5th or 6th.

Plano Prestonwood Christian over Dallas Bishop Lynch (38-14) -- Correct
--Lions keep moving and the final week of the season at Nolan will be huge.

Austin St. Michael's over Boerne Geneva (30-7) -- Correct
--Crusaders will be the 2nd place team it looks like, just that the clear favorite Regents is the top seed.

Houston Second Baptist over Houston Lutheran South (47-14) -- Correct
--Eagles now the clear favorite in District 4, but closing the season at Fort Bend Christian is no guarantee.

Episcopal School of Dallas over Houston St. Johns (46-18) -- Correct
--The dream season continues for ESD. The path to the SPC 4A title is clear. Mavericks will have to reverse this result to claim the crown.

Week 9: 6-2
Season: 48-20

Quick Hits:

Flower Mound Coram Deo over Frisco Legacy Christian (38-9) -- Correct
Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian over Victoria St. Joseph (63-7) -- Correct
Dallas Parish Episcopal over Plano John Paul II (56-10) -- Correct
Fort Worth Nolan over Argyle Liberty Christian (38-2) -- Correct
Houston St. Thomas over Houston St. Pius X (37-14) -- Correct
Austin Brentwood Christian over Corpus Christi John Paul II (57-32) -- Correct
Colleyville Covenant Christian over Fort Worth Lake Country Christian (28-0) -- Correct
Lubbock Christian over Willow Park Trinity Christian (61-21) -- Correct
Beaumont Kelly over Houston The Village School (64-12) -- Correct
Dallas St. Marks over Bellaire Episcopal (21-28) -- Wrong

Week 9: 9-1
Season: 70-20

Week 9 Picks 2021

Just 3 weeks to play as we enter the home stretch, and we get our first big turn of events. Unfortunately it comes off the field, as Nolan is directed to forfeit 3 wins, including 2 district wins. They should still be in the playoffs, but the path to the 2nd bye behind Parish is much more interesting now (if that's even what you want looking at the bracket). Maybe we'll get a twist on the field this week too. Good luck and safe travels!

This Week: (Season: 42-18)

Dallas Christian @ Tyler Grace Community -- The Chargers head into the Piney Woods for a game that has been for the district title some years. This year the teams seem headed in opposite directions, but after a week off its all still in front of the Cougars. Despite a 1-6 start, one home win this week would change everything. The Cougars seemed to right the ship with a win over Tenaha, but 3 straight losses and the an inability to get any stops at critical moments have doomed Grace this season. The Chargers blasted past McKinney Christian in the early stages last week en route to a 64-0 win. After last season saw several very lopsided scores like that for DC, this season has seen plenty of wins but not as many laughers. It can't be encouraging for Grace knowing they lost to the same McKinney Christian team. At home, maybe the Cougars can keep this one interesting for a little bit. Have to think DC is a big favorite here though. Chargers win 42-14.

Bullard Brook Hill @ McKinney Christian -- The Mustangs took a big beating at DC last week and will see the other district contender this week. The Guard figure to be the main candidate for 2nd place in District 2, but we'll get a shot at DC in Week 11. Brook Hill hasn't played since Oct. 1 with Bishop Dunne's cancellation. The Brook Hill defense has led the charge until being bludgeoned by Brownsboro in their last outing. The Mustangs got their first ever win over Tyler Grace and will not be an easy task for the Guard to dismiss. Brook Hill wins but its close, 30-21.

Fort Worth Southwest Christian @ Fort Worth Christian -- The Cardinals struggled mightily in a very difficult non-district slate, winning none from six tries. Their 1-6 record though tells us they did win their only district game so far. The Eagles secured the early district win over Grapevine Faith which put the target on them for the rest of the district campaign. FWC's worst loss of the season was just 24 points to an ESD squad that may be headed for the SPC title. They played TCA to just a 13 point loss last week, a closer margin that some contenders (like Dallas Christian). They lost to DC by just 10. A win here and they might go from 0-5 to district favorite in just 3 weeks. Southwest lost to the same ESD and TCA squads in the non-district, but found 3 wins over SPC squads in the early stages of the season. At 5-2 and 2-0 in district the Eagles will clinch the top seed from District 1 with a win over the Cardinals this week. At FWC this is a tough test. The Eagle defense should give them a great chance to win, but I'm going Cardinals. FWC wins 19-18.

Midland Christian @ Fort Worth All Saints -- The Mustangs find themselves back in the running for a bye due to the Nolan forfeits. The bracket appears to be set up incorrectly, actually making that a bad thing. 5th and 6th places from District 1 could dodge all district mates while 1st place plays the 4th place finisher in round 2. 2nd round match-ups should be inter-district not intra-district if higher seeds win. Hopefully this is a typo that will be corrected. Enough about the future though, in the present MCS strong non-district puts them in a good spot to succeed in the playoffs. Holding Parish to just 28 suggests this will be tough on the Saints offense. The Saints held Nolan to 29 last week which suggests this will be tough on the Mustangs offense. They also allowed 31 to a Bishop Lynch, which mean the Mustangs might score a bunch. This is a lot of words to say I think this is a pretty even game. The Mustangs have better on the whole this year so I'll lean that way. I think defense wins the day above all here though. MCS wins 21-14.

Dallas Bishop Lynch @ Plano Prestonwood Christian -- The Lions will not get the benefit of a Nolan forfeit since they do not play until Week 11. 2 wins between now and then and Prestonwood will likely be playing for a bye that week, and maybe a shot at sharing the district title. The offense has left the Lions of late, but the defense has been very good. Liberty and John Paul combined to score just 6 in their two match-ups. The Friars have struggled to just 2-5 and the defense has left them in recent weeks with the last 3 opponents combining for 143 points. The Lions should be able to get healthy offensively this week. The Friars have not shown the offensive power to eclipse Prestonwood in this one. Lions win 44-21.

Boerne Geneva @ Austin St. Michael's -- The Crusaders and Eagles are the best two in District 3 outside of defending State Champion Regents. St. Michael's has started 5-2 having scored in bunches in their last 3 district wins. 166 points in 3 weeks. They were handily defeated by Regents before the recent run of success. The Eagles are just 3-4, but scored 62 in Brownsville. Geneva also had Regents to just 38, their lowest output against a TAPPS opponent this season. The Eagles defense will have to keep this form to get past the Crusaders on the road. When you think a game is close, its hard to pick against the home team, particularly with a better record. Crusaders win 35-27.

Houston Second Baptist @ Houston Lutheran South -- The Pioneers ascended to be Second Baptist's chief rival, but have fallen back a little in recent seasons. However, a 6-1 season for LSA has them pointing toward the top spot or at least a 1st round home game. Its a 6 game win streak for the Pioneers after opening with a dud 15-9 loss to Houston Christian. The Eagles have posted 25 district wins in a row, last losing to LSA in 2015. It was a 49-42 game that night and that is probably how the Pioneers will have to get past the Eagles, outscore them in a shootout. Last week's lesser performance for Second Baptist against The Woodlands Christian, just an 11 point win, points toward a big chance here for Lutheran South. With still the biggest games in District 4 ahead, there is a bit of mystery around LSA coming in here. With the game at home, its a real opprutunity for the Pioneers. History says not to pick against Second Baptist in this district though. Eagles win 42-32.

Houston St. Johns @ Episcopal School of Dallas -- I don't include many SPC games since I tend to know less about the teams, but ESD has been mowing down the opposition this season. The Eagles have taken out several notable TAPPS foes en route to a 8-0 mark, one of the few with that many wins in the state already. TCA, FWC, and Southwest Christian already in the Eagles wake. These two are likely to meet again for the SPC 4A title in a couple of weeks. The Mavericks are off to one of their best starts at 7-0. Just a 1 point win over Fort Bend Christian probably puts them behind in this one and a long trip north is not going to do them any favors either. Both teams got dominant victories over the teams they should. Probably the best game among private schools on paper this week in the state. ESD wins a close one at home. Eagles victorious, 33-26.

Quick Hits: (Season: 61-19)

Flower Mound Coram Deo over Frisco Legacy Christian
Sugar Land Fort Bend Christian over Victoria St. Joseph
Dallas Parish Episcopal over Plano John Paul II
Fort Worth Nolan over Argyle Liberty Christian
Houston St. Thomas over Houston St. Pius X
Austin Brentwood Christian over Corpus Christi John Paul II
Colleyville Covenant Christian over Fort Worth Lake Country Christian
Lubbock Christian over Willow Park Trinity Christian
Beaumont Kelly over Houston The Village School
Dallas St. Marks over Bellaire Episcopal

Week 8 Results 2021

Other than Division III, there isn't much mystery in the TAPPS ranks right now. Southwest over Faith last week is probably the biggest upset so far, and that might be that we just had the teams slotted wrong. Someone will surprise us soon. Try to keep it from being your team that gets surprised...

This Week:

Dallas Christian over McKinney Christian (64-0) -- Correct
--Chargers dominate from the 1st minute and never look back. Bishop Dunne's struggles likely mean the Mustangs will make the playoffs.

Grapevine Faith Christian over Flower Mound Coram Deo (53-6) -- Correct
--It was just 22-6 at the half, but the Lions showed their might in the 2nd half. Having already lost to Southwest likely puts Faith in the 2nd slot, but FWC will be looking to grab that 1st round home game as well.

Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Frisco Legacy Christian (57-12) -- Correct
--Eagles pull away in the 2nd half. Legacy and Coram Deo figure to determine the last playoff spot in District 1.

Addison Trinity Christian over Fort Worth Christian (33-20) -- Correct
--The Trojans continue their banner season with another win. Cardinals with big district games ahead.

Fort Worth Nolan over Fort Worth All Saints (29-7) -- Correct
--Vikings with the road win they needed to stay in the running for the top seed. The Nolan defense may lead them to a district title and more.

Plano Prestonwood Christian over Argyle Liberty Christian (24-6) -- Correct
--Warriors just can't put offense and defense in the same game this season. A strong effort, but Liberty and John Paul figure to be the two teams out of the playoffs right now. Lions should be in the playoffs, but will need to beat both MCS and Nolan to get a bye.

Austin Regents over Boerne Geneva (38-14) -- Correct
--The Knights finally struggle a little, but still win by a comfortable 24.

Lubbock Trinity Christian over Lubbock Christian (10-22) -- Wrong
--Eagles bounce back with a win on the road. With Division III looking wide open, there is room for the Eagles at the top possibly.

Week 8: 7-1
Season: 42-18

Quick Hits:

Dallas Parish Episcopal over Dallas Bishop Lynch (49-13) -- Correct
Midland Christian over Plano John Paul II (42-6) -- Correct
San Antonio Central Catholic over Houston St. Pius X (44-21) -- Correct
Houston St. Thomas over San Antonio Antonian (35-14) -- Correct
Austin St. Michael's over Brownsville St. Joseph (51-6) -- Correct
Austin Brentwood Christian over San Antonio St. Anthony (48-0) -- Wrong
Houston Second Baptist over The Woodlands Christian (34-23) -- Correct
Victoria St. Joseph over Houston Lutheran South (7-24) -- Wrong
Willow Park Trinity Christian over Weatherford Christian (7-12) -- Wrong
Shiner St. Paul over Hallettsville Sacred Heart (47-20) -- Correct

Week 8: 7-3
Season: 61-19

Week 8 Picks 2021

Another week on the horizon. We've dodged the zonks of cancellations for the most part, but not entirely. two divisions (II and IV) with clear favorites at this point, one (I) with a favorite but another contender, and one (III) wide open. TCA is the surprise of the year, but not being in a division takes most of the intrigue away from them. Where is that big upset? Good luck and safe travels.

This Week: (Season: 35-17)

McKinney Christian @ Dallas Christian -- After a cancellation last week, the Chargers return home to take on the Mustangs. While the 5-1 record points to a promising district season for DC, they've been a bit sloppy in their wins. Just 7 points scored against Liberty, and thorough beating by TCA, and numerous penalties, are the potential signs of concern. The Mustangs are 3-3 on the season and secured a district opening win over Tyler Grace last week. The McKinney Christian offense has produced a number of points in recent years, but struggled to show it against Division II opponents. That has been changing lately with 54 and 56 in district games last year and 48 in a playoff win a season ago. However, last year's meeting was 76-0. That's a tall order to turn around in a trip to Mesquite. Its closer, but Chargers win 42-14.

Flower Mound Coram Deo @ Grapevine Faith Christian -- The Lions welcome the Lions to Grapevine Ford Field. Faith opened the district slate with a 34-16 defeat at Southwest Christian. Just 5 points away from tripling their points allowed on the season. In 5 wins to start the year, Faith allowed just 13 points. That defense is going to hard for much of Division II to compete with. We've seen Southwest do it, I suspect the perennial district leaders in DC, Regents, and Second Baptist can as well. Will the other Lions be able to match that? Coram Deo is 4-2 on the year, but lacks a signature win. A 2 point victory over McKinney Christian shows us the Lions have improved, but 47 points allowed doesn't make us think they can slow down Faith Christian. Particularly at home, Grapevine Faith wins 44-12.

Frisco Legacy Christian @ Fort Worth Southwest Christian -- One district game features Lions, the other features Eagles. Southwest Christian enters at 4-2 having just posted a victory over district favorite Grapevine Faith. Perhaps they should not have been the favorite given Southwest won the district last year. ESD and TCA are quality losses if there is such a thing as both continue marching toward their best seasons in recent times, but neither is in Division II. Legacy is struggling, just 1-6 on the season with a win over Tyler Grace, who also has just 1 win this year. However, the Legacy Eagles came in unimpressive with a 1-2 record a season ago and really pounded Southwest, 46-19. Can lightning strike again for a Legacy surprise? I just don't see it given the big losses Legacy has taken this year. Southwest Christian win 49-13.

Fort Worth Christian @ Addison Trinity Christian -- The Trojans continue their big season having posted five consecutive victories. Losses to China Spring and ESD look more reasonable all the time and quality victories keep piling up. Wins over district favorite Dallas Christian and district leader Southwest Christian suggest the best TCA team in multiple years. The Cardinals are a bit snake bit by opponents having gone 0-5 in non-district, including 3 and 10 point defeats and the best offensive performance against ESD this season. They did respond with a 67 point outburst in the district opener over Frisco Legacy. Dallas Christian is the common opponent with a the Trojans besting the Chargers 46-26 and the Cardinals falling at DC, 35-25. I don't think that makes TCA 30 points better than FWC, but all signs point to a Trojan win. TCA wins 40-28.

Fort Worth Nolan @ Fort Worth All Saints -- The Vikings travel across Tarrant County to resume the district slate. After a 1-2 start against big competition, Nolan was ready for district play. An opening win at Midland Christian followed by offensive outputs of 50 and 78 suggest that not many can push the Vikings off the district throne. Nolan will of course want to get a state title to go with the district crown they won last season. With the Parish game still two weeks out, I can't see the Vikings overlooking the Saints. All Saints enters at 3-2 with a 2-1 district mark. Limiting Prestonwood to just 28 points suggests the Saints shouldn't be overrun by the Vikings like John Paul was (78-2!). 31 points allowed to Bishop Lynch makes us think they can't slow them down too much. Vikings win a tough road game, 38-28.

Plano Prestonwood Christian @ Argyle Liberty Christian -- The Jason Witten led Warriors won their opener, but then 5 losses in a row have them with an ugly record. The Warriors are averaging just 15.6 points per game during the losing streak and will have to find some offense to get in the district win column. The Lions were always at the top of District 1, but have taken a back seat lately to Nolan, Parish, and Midland Christian. Prestonwood couldn't get past the first big opponent, taking a 35-10 loss to Parish Episcopal. A season ago it was a 47-21 win for the Lions. The game is in Argyle and that might bring it a bit closer, but hard to see it reversing the outcome. Prestonwood wins 42-16.

Austin Regents @ Boerne Geneva -- The Knights finally reached the top last year after dropping 4 straight state title games. They've come out with a dominating 5-0 start, with just 29 total points allowed and 3 shutouts. Regents is the clear favorite in Division II right now. With the results so far and St. Michael's already being dismissed by the Knights, Geneva appears to be the toughest test remaining on the regular season slate. The Eagles are just 3-3, but did post 62 points on the long trip to Brownsville last week. Regents biggest challenge is maintaining focus until the playoff games get here. Knights win 48-6.

Lubbock Christian @ Lubbock Trinity Christian -- The battle of Lubbock sees the long time program taking on the new comer. The Eagles have been contending in TAPPS football for decades and come to this one at 6-1. They've had some big wins already this year, but its always tricky picking their district games since the non-district slate is so different from their district mates. Last week they took their first loss to Colleyville Covenant, 41-20. The Lions are the upstart in football, with 2021 being just the 8th season on the gridiron. This season looks to be there best, having already beaten defending champion Colleyville Covenant, 36-12. Always hard to read these matchups with limited exposure between the teams. Based on the Covenant results and the home site, have to think Trinity is the favorite here. Lions win 31-28.

Quick Hits: (Season: 54-16)

Dallas Parish Episcopal over Dallas Bishop Lynch
Midland Christian over Plano John Paul II
San Antonio Central Catholic over Houston St. Pius X
Houston St. Thomas over San Antonio Antonian
Austin St. Michael's over Brownsville St. Joseph
Austin Brentwood Christian over San Antonio St. Anthony
Houston Second Baptist over The Woodlands Christian
Victoria St. Joseph over Houston Lutheran South
Willow Park Trinity Christian over Weatherford Christian
Shiner St. Paul over Hallettsville Sacred Heart