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.
