Week 6 Results 2022

The halfway mark passes with a moderate week for the picks. The underdogs rise up and turn things upside down a bit. The number of contenders in Division II seems to grow every week, and maybe a plan for someone to best Dallas Christian in Division III. Game of the week in Division IV delivers and gives us a favorite in that division on the South Plains. Parish still the top dog in Division I. Should be a great set of district games the last 5 week.

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Fort Worth Christian (24-35) -- Wrong
--Great game by the Cardinals, and the district showdown with Liberty looms big. Chargers will need to regroup for another game with an undefeated opponent next week. Still the favorites in Division III, but some cracks appear this week.

Episcopal School of Dallas over Bellaire Episcopal (39-35) -- Correct
--Eagles move to the top of the heap in SPC 4A. Could be a rematch for the title.

Houston St. John's over Dallas St. Marks (49-21) -- Correct
--Mavericks hold up their end and will have a shot to push one of the Episcopals out of the title game in SPC 4A.

The Woodlands John Cooper over Irving Cistercian (48-13) -- Correct
--Hawks remain unable to solve the Dragons. John Cooper looks to have a good chance to repeat in SPC 3A.

Lubbock Trinity Christian over Denver City (35-7) -- Correct
--Lions look like the top team in District 1 of Division III, but they'll have to prove it over the next 5 weeks.

Lubbock Christian over Muenster Sacred Heart (34-28 OT) -- Correct
--Eagles win the game of the week in Division IV. These two could meet for the title due to the odd number in districts. A rematch awaits I suspect.

Brownsville St. Joseph over San Antonio Christian (41-37) -- Correct
--Bloodhounds in the mix for those playoff spots in the large District 3. Tough one against Regents next week, but the Knights come to Brownsville.

Week 6: 6-1
Season: 35-11

Quick Hits

McKinney Christian over Colleyville Covenant Christian (13-38) -- Wrong
Fort Worth Nolan over Dallas Bishop Lynch (38-41) -- Wrong
Argyle Liberty Christian over Frisco Legacy Christian (38-0) -- Correct
Addison Trinity Christian over Fort Worth Southwest Christian (39-21) -- Correct
Austin Hyde Park over San Antonio St. Anthony's (44-7) -- Correct
Austin St. Michael's over San Antonio TMI (27-14) -- Correct
Weatherford Christian over Tyler T.K. Gorman (55-22) -- Correct
Dallas First Baptist over Waco Reicher (46-27) -- Correct
Fort Worth Trinity Valley over Arlington Oakridge (35-20) -- Correct
Houston Kinkaid over Houston St. Thomas (21-35) -- Wrong

Week 6: 7-3
Season: 41-19

Week 6 Picks 2022

Another week on the road to state. We now have the brackets for our November run. All Division I teams are in and no real surprises from TAPPS this time. Still wish we could consider 8 team brackets when they make sense in the smaller divisions, but it will still be a great tournament. District play is either here or a week away, leaving quite a few teams off this week.

This Week: (Season: 29-10)

Dallas Christian @ Fort Worth Christian -- The long time rivals renew their battle in North Richland Hills. Thanks to @LSCSN's work, we have this as the 62nd all time meeting in varsity football. A 41-20 Dallas Christian lead in the series really means very little when the game starts Friday, but its nice to know. Those 20 wins for FWC include 2 state championship games that went the Cardinals way and before a recent run of success for DC the margin was just 6 games. This season, the Chargers enter at 5-0 after holding on to defeat Fort Worth Nolan last week. The Cardinals are 4-0, setting up this big meeting of undefeated squads. DC has won the last 3 matchups, including both games a year ago. A 63 point outing that DC put up in the playoffs last year seems unlikely to happen again. The Chargers defense should lead the way here given the track record in 2022 so far. The Cardinals stand to be possibly the best offense the Chargers have seen this year though. FWC scored an upset win in this author's mind at Grapevine Faith last week. We may not look at it as an upset for much longer if the Cardinals continue this run of good play. Seems this may be both teams best opponent so far, but I think the DC defense holds this score pretty low. The author's biases are well known, so no surprise in this pick. Chargers survive, 28-26.

Bellaire Episcopal @ Episcopal School of Dallas -- With a lighter slate in TAPPS games, we feature a big week of SPC contests. To open the 4A conference slate, the Knights visit Gene and Jerry Jones Family Stadium with a 4-1 record. Their only loss to TAPPS Division I favorite Parish Episcopal. Last year's 3-6 campaign was an aberration as the Knights have been in the five SPC titles games before that. Second Baptist and Nolan are the big wins so far this season and this is a big one with ESD. The Eagles are 5-0 entering Week 6, trying to return to the championship game after falling in the 2021 edition. A 10-0 regular season last year means the last regular season SPC loss was in 2019 for the Eagles. After allowing 43 points in a season opening win over TCA, ESD has allowed just 31 points in four games. This includes wins over TAPPS Division II contenders Argyle Liberty and Grapevine Faith. The Eagles defense should win the day here, particularly at home. This will be close to the end though. ESD wins 21-19.

Dallas St. Marks @ Houston St. John's -- The other game in SPC 4A this week is also a good one. The Mavericks 4-1 season was kick started with a win over Fort Bend Christian with the lone loss to Houston St. Thomas. St. John's has been on the outside in recent years, unable to reach the level of the Episcopals and Kinkaid. This season is their best chance to get in the mix, but the big 3 mentioned above will be hard to overcome. It has to start with winning this one. The Lions are in the same position and to get in the mix will need this win. Losses to John Cooper and Cistercian do not point to a success here, particularly on the road. However, St. Marks is 3-2 and was very competitive with a good Cistercian team. Probably not enough this week, but a chance to get to 6 wins and their best season since 2015 requires a win here. Mavericks too much at home, winning 35-14.

The Woodlands John Cooper @ Irving Cistercian -- After dissecting SPC 4A, we move to 3A. The Hawks took a long path to the title game in 2021, getting shutout in the penultimate game of the season and presumably finishing out of the top two but making the title game anyway. The big problem for Cistercian though was two losses to John Cooper including the title game. The Dragons scored early and often against Cistercian last year, posting 98 points in two games. They finished the year on an eight game win streak. A 4-1 season has seen lots of points for Cooper, but a season opening 10-7 loss to The Woodlands Christian left some questions for the season ahead. I think they've answered them though. The Hawks are 4-1 as well, but were unable to solve Trinity Valley again. I just don't seen how they turn the table from a year ago. Dragons win 45-28.

Denver City @ Lubbock Trinity Christian -- The Lions are relatively new to varsity football, only on the scene in a TAPPS district since 2016. They found their greatest success last year, falling to Cypress Christian 16-7 in the state final. This included an upset win in the all Lubbock semifinal over Lubbock Christian. This season is just a 2-2 start, but losses to UIL Albany and Division II contender Argyle Liberty are not bad losses at all. The Lions have struggled to score compared to what we might want to see in a title contender. The Mustangs are 2-3 having just lost to Monahans 40-27 a week ago. Should be a competitive game, but I think the Lions have enough at home. Trinity wins 30-20.

Muenster Sacred Heart @ Lubbock Christian -- The big district game in Division IV is this one. The Eagles, having just reached the semifinals in Division III last year, figure to be a top team in Division IV in 2022. They've been lighting up the scoreboard so far as well including 3 outings of 50+. The win over UIL state ranked Wellington though is the big one. This will be the first real comparison with a TAPPS contender in 2022 thanks to the geographic constraints the state creates with its size. The Tigers have been close in recent years, but not coming too close big kahuna in Division IV, Shiner St. Paul. However, just three weeks ago Sacred Heart took down the four-time defending champions. A 4-0 start for the Tigers puts them on the map for the title in the smallest 11-man classification. Just a 20-13 win over Weatherford Christian maybe makes the door feel open. Lot of contenders in Division IV, so the District 1 season feels like a bit of a prelude to November and December. Long trip means I have to go home team here, but a good measuring stick for the Division here. Eagles win 40-30.

San Antonio Christian @ Brownsville St. Joseph -- The Bloodhounds get themselves in the picks pretty often, because...they're the Bloodhounds. See how we don't all have to be Eagles. They opened district play last week with a win over name brethren Victoria St. Joseph, 47-40. This makes 3 games of 40+ for the 'Hounds as part of a 3-1 start. The Lions enter with the curious record of 1-2-1 thanks to a weather situation that happened late in a tie game preventing OT from being played. The district opener was the tough trip to Regents and it went as expected for SACS, a 55-0 loss. The Lions just haven't scored enough to keep up in their losses this year, and I think that has to be the case again on the long trip to the Valley. Bloodhounds win 48-21.

Quick Hits: (Season: 34-16)

McKinney Christian over Colleyville Covenant Christian
Fort Worth Nolan over Dallas Bishop Lynch
Argyle Liberty Christian over Frisco Legacy Christian
Addison Trinity Christian over Fort Worth Southwest Christian
Austin Hyde Park over San Antonio St. Anthony's
Austin St. Michael's over San Antonio TMI
Weatherford Christian over Tyler T.K. Gorman
Dallas First Baptist over Waco Reicher
Fort Worth Trinity Valley over Arlington Oakridge
Houston Kinkaid over Houston St. Thomas

Week 5 Results 2022

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Fort Worth Nolan (28-19) -- Correct
--Chargers hang on to a 21 point lead despite scoring 0 offensive points in the 2nd half. Vikings will not be an easy out for anyone in Division I.

Atlanta over Bullard Brook Hill (35-28) -- Correct
--Rabbits sneak by to deal the Guard a 3rd loss. District play and a trip to DC will be the big ones for Brook Hill.

Grapevine Faith Christian over Fort Worth Christian (20-27) -- Correct
--Cardinals get to 4-0 with a huge road win. These two seem destined to meet in a big playoff game in November.

Hallettsville over Fort Worth Southwest Christian (34-35) -- Wrong
--An impressive win for the Eagles over a very good Brahmas team that has been in state finals recently. The number of teams in the mix in Division II is huge.

Cibolo Steele over Fort Bend Christian (48-7) -- Correct
--Knights just too much for the Eagles. Fort Bend probably still the favorite in District 4.

Houston Kinkaid over Houston Second Baptist (44-31) -- Correct
--Eagles are still in the mix in Division II, but will need to get their 2-way game back in time for the playoffs. Falcons a strong SPC squad.

Argyle Liberty Christian over Dallas Bishop Lynch (43-14) -- Correct
--Warriors just too much for the Friars. Liberty right in the big group of contenders in Division II.

Dallas Parish Episcopal over China Spring (24-16) -- Correct
--Another big win for TAPPS football as the Panthers knock off a defending UIL state champion.

Week 5: 7-1
Season: 29-10

Quick Hits:

Dallas Covenant over Willow Park Trinity Christian (55-12) -- Correct
Fort Worth Lake Country Christian over Houston Northland Christian (41-7) -- Correct
Plano Prestonwood Christian over San Antonio Cornerstone Christian (44-7) -- Correct
Midland Christian over Del Rio (47-20) -- Correct
Frisco Legacy Christian over Arlington Pantego Christian (20-24) -- Wrong
Tyler Grace Community over Longview Spring Hill (40-21) -- Correct
Dallas St. Marks over Flower Mound Coram Deo (44-21) -- Correct
Houston St. John's over Houston Lutheran South (49-7) -- Correct
Irving Cistercian over Arlington Grace Prep (52-42) -- Correct
Shiner St. Paul over Boerne Geneva (12-35) -- Wrong

Week 5: 8-2
Season: 34-16

Week 5 Picks 2022

District play starts for a few, but lots of good non-district clashes this week. Many meetings of teams in different divisions to try and triangulate those favorites for November. Might even get some playoff brackets next week to set up the road to state. Good luck and safe travels!

This Week: (Season: 22-9)

Fort Worth Nolan @ Dallas Christian -- The Chargers controlled the game with Bishop Lynch last week, winding up with a comfortable 34-14 win. In Division I, the Vikings would be picked ahead of that Bishop Lynch squad so this should be a tough test for 4-0 DC. At the varsity level, these two long time TAPPS have not met since 2005, when a relatively weak DC team fell 19-10 at home. The Vikings have been a top contender in Division I every year since. Last season's campaign was an odd one that included forfeits and a coaching change. Even then, Nolan was in the state semifinals losing to Midland Christian 42-37. This season is a deceptive 1-3 start, as losses to College Station and Bellaire Episcopal are not surprises. Perhaps 45 allowed to St. Thomas was unexpected, but the Vikings will not be an easy out at all. If the Vikings defense needs to hold the DC offense under the 5 TDs or more they've posted in all 4 outings this season. That is the hinge point to me. 30 wins this one if either team gets there. Chargers in a tight one, 32-29.

Bullard Brook Hill @ Atlanta -- The Guard are looking to jump into the Division III mix and find a way to battle DC at the top. Alternating wins and losses has Brook Hill at 2-2 thus far, posting a 55-29 win over White Oak last week. This week sends the Guard to Georgia...wait wrong Atlanta... The Rabbits (excellent mascot) come into Week 5 at 3-1 after losing to UIL power Liberty-Eylau 16-14 last week. Atlanta has allowed just 26 points in 4 games this season. Finding the endzone will be tough for a Brook Hill squad that was held to 20 and 21 by Grapeveine Faith and Tyler Grace. Finding the defensive stride that has lead the Guard to home playoff games in Division II is needed here, because I can't see them reaching more than 20 against Atlanta. Rabbits will be too much, multiplying to win 28-10.

Fort Worth Christian @ Grapevine Faith Christian -- The Cardinals find themselves with a familiar opponent but at an unfamiliar part of the season. Realignment separates these two in district play for the first time since 2009. The Cardinals have opened 3-0 taking last season's momentum and hitting the ground running. Outings of 61, 34, and 49 thus far point to a strong Cardinals offense that has them in the big mixer at the top of Division II. The Lions started strong with two 40 point wins, but saw ESD and Liberty hold them to just 20 total points and two sound defeats. Last week's stinger at Argyle Liberty really moves them to the top of the division and deals Faith a big blow to their title aspirations. I think the Cardinals defense is a little behind those last two opponents and so a high scoring affair seems in order. Lions hold on at home 46-42.

Fort Worth Southwest Christian vs. Hallettsville @ Mary-Hardin Baylor -- The Eagles travel south for an unusual pairing. A 3-1 start for Southwest has seen the usual Tarrant County foes. The lone loss to Grace Prep in Week 2. The Eagles show some signs of struggle after reaching the semifinals in back-to-back years. The Brahmas appear to be a tall task this week, having started 4-0 and posting 9 wins or more in 9 of the last 10 seasons. The Season opening win over Shiner puts them on the map. Just 35 points allowed on the season points to a tough task for the Eagles. Hallettsville just too much in this spot. Brahmas win 32-12

Fort Bend Christian @ Cibolo Steele -- The Eagles have played a staunch district schedule. A trip to Division III favorite Dallas Christian ended in an extremely close loss. Then it was followed up with a 6 point loss to SPC contender Houston St. Johns. A win over TCA gets Fort Bend back on track last week, but just 17 points scored has be worrying heading into this weeks contest. The Knights are a regular visitor to the UIL 6A playoffs, having been in the state final in 2016. Last season Steele posted an 11-1 season, and a 4-0 start this year includes a win over Lake Travis. The long trip to Midland almost did them in last week, but the Knights overcame Midland Legacy in OT. The Eagles are a tough squad that will not be pushed over easily by the Knights, but depth has to catch up a bit in the later stages of this one. Steele wins 40-20.

Houston Second Baptist @ Houston Kinkaid -- The Eagles (another one??) finally reached the state final a year ago after being unable to get past the Regents juggernaut for a half a decade. This season has been slow going, starting just 1-3. A strong list of opponents suggest that Second Baptist will be very much in the mix when district play hits. DC's departure of Division II after winning in 2021 has left a hold that several programs are looking to fill. As last year's runner up, the Eagles want to be in that spot. Its been close games throughout, but just too many points allowed so far this season. The Falcons 2-2 start doesn't really include the usual suspects, making comparisons challenging this week. 21 points is the most allowed by the Kinkaid defense so far, so a close low scoring game is the way to go. Falcons win at home 19-17.

Dallas Bishop Lynch @ Argyle Liberty Christian -- The Warriors 2-9 season of 2021 seems a distant memory at this point. Liberty's opening domination of Prestonwood put them on the short list in Division II and they've only showed strong performances since then. Just a 3 point loss to ESD was followed a win over Lubbock Trinity and then a dominant showing over Grapevine Faith. The Friars late success in 2021 has not been carried over. Celina and Dallas Christian losses are understandable and losing to LD Bell looks better as the Blue Raiders have reached 4-0. I just don't see the Friars scoring enough to be close in this one. If Lynch can figure out its offensive inconsistencies of recent years they'll be right in the mix after Parish in Division I, but I can't expect it on the road this week. Warriors win 35-12.

China Spring @ Dallas Parish Episcopal -- The non-district opponents just keep coming at you if you're the Panthers. The undefeated season will once again elude Parish Episcopal as South Oak Cliff secured a late comeback to deal the Panthers a 1st loss on the season. Getting the offense going is what Parish needs to figure out after stalling for much of the 2nd half last week. The 44 scored on Austin LBJ is what will be needed to get a win on the road. This meeting 2021 state champions includes a Cougars squad that has started 4-0 including a 1-point win over Melissa. China Spring has 31 wins in the last 3 seasons even though this season is just four weeks old. The points will be plural in this one, but please note both school names are not. It is just China Spring, no Springs and no Parishes on the other side either. Close high scoring game, but I think Parish gets back in the win column, scoring another big win for TAPPS football. Panthers win 44-42.

Quick Hits: (Season: 26-14)

Dallas Covenant over Willow Park Trinity Christian
Fort Worth Lake Country Christian over Houston Northland Christian
Plano Prestonwood Christian over San Antonio Cornerstone Christian
Midland Christian over Del Rio
Frisco Legacy Christian over Arlington Pantego Christian
Tyler Grace Community over Longview Spring Hill
Dallas St. Marks over Flower Mound Coram Deo
Houston St. John's over Houston Lutheran South
Irving Cistercian over Arlington Grace Prep
Shiner St. Paul over Boerne Geneva

Week 4 Results 2022

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Dallas Bishop Lynch (34-13) -- Correct
--Chargers not as impressive as some weeks, but still a nice win over a Division I opponent. Nolan should be a tougher test next week.

Bullard Brook Hill over White Oak (55-29) -- Correct
--Guard offense back on track, and they'll need it as they head to district play and an eventual game in Mesquite with Dallas Christian.

Argyle Liberty Christian over Grapevine Faith Christian (50-13) -- Correct
--Dominant outing for the Warriors. Lots of work to do to get into the mix for the Lions. Liberty looking like a big contender in Division II

Fort Bend Christian over Addison Trinity Christian (17-8) -- Correct
--Eagles finally get their impressive win after two narrow losses. Division I District 1 will be a gauntlet with TCA, Nolan, and Prestonwood trying to knock off favored Parish.

Dallas Parish Episcopal over Dallas South Oak Cliff (28-31) -- Wrong
--Panthers see a 14 point lead evaporate in the 4th quarter. No shame to lose to a defending UIL champion, and the Panthers are still the team to beat in Division I.

Fort Worth All Saints over Plano Prestonwood Christian (21-24) -- Wrong
--Strong defensive game for both. Prestonwood maybe finding its stride. Saints should be looking at showdowns with Midland and Liberty in district play.

Bellaire Episcopal over Fort Worth Nolan (38-34) -- Correct
--The Knights score a late comeback to top the Vikings. Episcopal will almost certainly be in that SPC final. Vikings will see DC next week with Parish waiting in district play.

Week 4: 5-2
Season: 22-9

Quick Hits: (Season: 17-13)

Lubbock Trinity Christian over New Deal (42-10) -- Correct
Dallas Covenant over Dallas First Baptist (52-18) -- Correct
Tyler Grace Community over Lone Oak (56-21) -- Correct
San Antonio Cornerstone Christian over Midland Christian (28-21) -- Correct
Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Plano John Paul II (63-0) -- Correct
Dallas St. Marks over Frisco Legacy Christian (27-14) -- Correct
Houston St. John's over Houston Second Baptist (49-21) -- Correct
Episcopal School of Dallas over Cedar Hill Trinity Leadership (38-7) -- Correct
Irving Cistercian over Fort Worth Trinity Valley (27-30) -- Wrong
Stamford over Arlington Pantego Christian (52-6) -- Correct

Week 4: 9-1
Season: 26-14

Week 4 Picks 2022

Defense appears to be the big thing happening this season, and this week accentuates several matchups of top defenses. The odd divisions, I and III, seem to have clear favorites. The even divisions, II and IV, appear open to some new contenders. Shiner St. Paul struggling. About 10 teams playing well in Division II to start the year. Feels like no one can upset Parish and DC in their divisions, but a surprise is always lurking. Good luck and safe travels!

This Week: (Season: 17-7)

Dallas Christian @ Dallas Bishop Lynch -- The Chargers travel the road for the first time in September, but the trip is just four miles down Oates drive and just barely into Dallas. A 3-0 start most recently saw the Chargers thoroughly dominate Dallas First Baptist, 58-0. The four point win over Fort Bend Christian the week before was certainly more notable, but FBA appears to be a competitive program in Division IV so the completeness of the DC victory is a data point suggesting the Chargers are trending up. The Friars finished the regular season at 3-7 a year ago, but stuck two playoff wins together and reached the semifinals. They suffered the same fate that most teams did against Parish Episcopal last season, a 40+ point loss. After a week off, the Friars attempt to recover from two opening losses where they allowed 65 points each to L.D. Bell and Celina. The Friars should be better than FBA, if for no other reason that increased depth. I'm not sure how they'd matchup with Dunne, who lost to the Chargers in Week 1. The Falcons very much outplayed the Chargers in the 2nd half of the opener, and maybe that forms an opening from the Friars. An interesting game since, despite the proximity, the two have only played once since in varsity football since 2004, a 42-14 DC win in 2021. Seems like a good starting point for a prediction. Chargers win 40-20.

White Oak @ Bullard Brook Hill -- The Guard suffered a 31-20 defeat at Tyler Grace last week. A real blow to the Brook Hill hopes of contending with DC for the district and division crowns. It moves Grace up the board a bit in the wide open Division II. Brook Hill's defense has not produced the goods so far this year, allowing 61 to Faith in Week 1 and then the Grace loss. The Guard are certainly not the bottom of the Division and will not be easy to push out late in the season. They make the picks this week, since the opponent visiting Herrington Stadium is the Roughnecks. White Oak moved to 2-1 on the season with a 12-2 win over Harleton. A fun score for a fun mascot. The Roughnecks probably won't run away from the Guard and expect a tight one at the end as neither team seems likely to dominate offensively. I'll say the Guard even their record at home. Brook Hill wins 24-19.

Grapevine Faith Christian @ Argyle Liberty Christian -- The Lions opened the season with two wins, including the dominant 40 point 2nd half at Brook Hill. They fell at home last week to ESD, 23-7. Figuring a way past a strong defense will be the challenge for the second straight week. The Warriors lost to the same ESD squad 20-17 and held Prestonwood to just 7 in Week 1. This should be a defensive struggle, but I think the Liberty turnaround continues. After sandwiching wins around 8 straight losses last year, the Warriors are very much in the mix in the mysterious Division II of 2022. Faith probably won't get blown out all year, but I think Liberty takes this one at home. Warriors win 22-17.

Addison Trinity Christian @ Fort Bend Christian -- The Eagles did not rebound as hoped after the tight loss at DC. St. Johns took down Fort Bend at home 34-28. Making back-to-back games with 4 TDs and a loss for the Eagles. The Trojans entered 2022 having won 9 in a row, and looking good doing it last year. While maybe not likely to take down Parish for the title, it seemed they would be in this mix for that other spot in the title game. Its hasn't started as well as it finished. At 0-3 and just 10 points total the last two weeks its a much needed win for Tollway Trinity squad. They did score 43 against ESD in Week 1, so the offense should compete. These two may march up and down the field all game, but strange things happen when the lights come on. Close high scoring is what I see, and always lean home team. Eagles get back to even for the year. Fort Bend wins 49-42.

Dallas South Oak Cliff @ Dallas Parish Episcopal -- The Panthers non-district gauntlet continues into Week 4. After Aledo, Bellaire Episcopal, and Austin LBJ, it doesn't get any easier with a defending state champion as the next opponent. Based on expectations, China Spring next week seems the last chance for a Parish loss after SOC. The Golden Bears have started 0-3 after scoring their historic title, but Duncanville, Lancaster, Desoto, is even a stronger Murderer's Row than Parish has seen. The Panthers have shown the strength of TAPPS football at the very top right now and this seems to be a place to consolidate that status. Panthers win again, 35-24.

Plano Prestonwood Christian @ Fort Worth All Saints -- The Lions always have big expectations and entering the season they appeared to be in that mix to face Parish for the title. It started with a disappointing showing against Liberty with just 7 points on the scoreboard. Liberty has turned out to have a good team, so it looks better in hindsight. Two wins makes it look better too, with a four point win over Second Baptist and one point thriller over Little Elm. The offense has returned too after that disappointment in the opener. The Saints lost their opener as expected to Nolan, but rebounded with wins over TCA and old SPC foe, Holland Hall. All Saints is another in the wide open Division II basket of contenders. Just 10 points allowed in two weeks for All Saints and the earlier struggles for Prestonwood makes this look low scoring. I'll go against that and say both teams are finding their offensive muscle and that will trend will continue this week. Home teams are frequently the play, and that makes sense to me here too. Saints win 38-32.

Bellaire Episcopal @ Fort Worth Nolan -- The Vikings host a common opponent with Division I favorite, Parish Episcopal. Last week's loss to St. Thomas was a surprise to this author, and takes some of the shine of Nolan's preseason chances. After beating All Saints to begin the season, two losses has the Vikings below .500 and needing to reestablish some offensive momentum. The Knights played Parish to just a 7 point decision in Week 2, and bested Second Baptist comfortably last week. Episcopal is averaging under 13 points allowed per game, even though Parish is one of those opponents. Not the defense for the Vikings to get its mojo going again. A lot of good defenses locking horns this week, and this is another. With the game in Fort Worth, it will not be a easy task for Episcopal. I think they'll have just enough to send Nolan to 1-3. Knights win 20-17.

Quick Hits: (Season: 17-13)

Lubbock Trinity Christian over New Deal
Dallas Covenant over Dallas First Baptist
Tyler Grace Community over Lone Oak
San Antonio Cornerstone Christian over Midland Christian
Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Plano John Paul II
Dallas St. Marks over Frisco Legacy Christian
Houston St. John's over Houston Second Baptist
Episcopal School of Dallas over Cedar Hill Trinity Leadership
Irving Cistercian over Fort Worth Trinity Valley
Stamford over Arlington Pantego Christian

Week 3 Results 2022

This Week:

Dallas Christian over Dallas First Baptist (58-0) -- Correct
--Chargers dominant in Coach Wheeler's 300th victory. Saints will have better days against Division IV opposition.

Bullard Brook Hill over Tyler Grace Community (20-31) -- Wrong
--Big win for the Cougars and puts them back in the mix as a threat in the Division II playoffs.

Argyle Liberty Christian over Lubbock Trinity Christian (35-25) -- Correct
--Very game effort for the Lions, but could not get past the Warriors. Liberty is right at the top of the heap in Division II, which is wide open right now.

Fort Worth Christian over Arlington Grace Prep (49-21) -- Correct
--Big performance for the Cardinals.

Episcopal School of Dallas over Grapevine Faith Christian (23-7) -- Correct
--Eagles defense appears to be at the top of private schools this year. Lions very competive, but will need to be better on offense in the Division II playoffs.

Bellaire Episcopal over Houston Second Baptist (14-35) -- Correct
--Game effort for the Eagles, but the Knights just too much. Very tight group in SPC 4A with ESD, Episcopal, and Kinkaid.

Austin LBJ over Dallas Parish Episcopal (14-44) -- Wrong
--Huge win again for the Panthers who are the no doubt favorite in Division I after avenging last season's lone loss.

Irving Cistercian over Frisco Legacy Christian (0-47) -- Correct
--Eagles 2-0 start was quickly derailed by bigger birds. Hawks look like a strong contender in SPC 3A.

Week 3: 6-2
Season: 17-7

Quick Hits:

Arlington Pantego Christian over McKinney Christian (50-7) -- Correct
Texarkana Pleasant Grove over Midland Christian (48-28) -- Correct
Austin Regents over Boerne Geneva (47-0) -- Correct
Fort Bend Christian over Houston St. John's (28-34) -- Wrong
Houston Lutheran South over Cypress Christian (29-0) -- Correct
Gunter over Addison Trinity Christian (41-0) -- Correct
Little Elm over Plano Prestonwood Christian (41-42) -- Wrong
Fort Worth Nolan over Houston St. Thomas (28-45) -- Wrong
Houston St. Pius X over The Woodlands Christian (7-17) -- Wrong
Shiner St. Paul over Muenster Sacred Heart (20-30) -- Wrong

Week 3: 5-5
Season: 17-13

Week 3 Picks 2022

I feel like there's more intrigue in 2 weeks of the 2022 season than we had in all of 2021. Division II is way more open than any group was a year ago. Even the winners of four straight titles, Shiner St. Paul, do not look as favored in Division IV after 2 weeks. Parish looks the best, but after that we have a bunch of good TAPPS squads this year. Keep the good games coming. Good luck and safe travels!

This Week: (Season: 11-5)

Dallas First Baptist @ Dallas Christian -- The Chargers secured a stirring victory over Fort Bend Christian last week, 32-28. A last minute touchdown secured the victory after a double turnover sequence got the Chargers to midfield with just over 2 minutes to play. A 2-0 start for DC, but not nearly as dominant as they were in 2021 so far. The Saints had to wait an extra week to join the fray and posted a 49-28 win over McKinney Christian to start the campaign 1-0. Coming across to another member of Division III appears to be a tough step up for the smallest enrollment to play TAPPS 11-man this season. These two used to be regular opponents when both were in Division II and 4A before that. The Chargers have won all 9 meetings in the MaxPreps era, last winning 42-0 in 2015. Its nice to see these two nearby opponents renew the series though the Chargers appear to be too much this week, but that's why they play the games after all. Dallas Christian wins 48-7.

Bullard Brook Hill @ Tyler Grace Community -- The Guard travel the Jacksonville Highway into Tyler to renew the rivalry with the Cougars. Brook Hill opened the season with an ugly 2nd half that led to a 40 point loss to Grapevine Faith, but rebounded nicely with a blowout win over Life Oak Cliff. The Guard return a good team that lost a tight playoff game to Faith last year, and should be competitive in Division III. A late season game at DC looms large in October. The Cougars struggled amidst some coaching turmoil last season, finishing just 2-9. They've already matched that win total in a 2-0 start. Grace has allowed just 21 points in their first two outings. Last season's meeting was a 44-7 drubbing by the Guard, but this figures to be a bit closer. If for no other reason, than the Cougar defense should be better. 37 points is a lot to turn around though. Guard with a road victory, 35-20.

Argyle Liberty Christian vs. Lubbock Trinity Christian @ Abilene Christian University -- The Warriors immediately jumped in the hypothetical rankings with a win at Prestonwood to open the season. They couldn't quite hold off ESD in week 2, falling 20-17 on the road. Liberty appears to be a way better team than last year's 2-8 squad. Even that squad played good defense, holding DC to just 7 (their lowest output of the season). The Warriors will still wait for their home opener as they travel to Abilene to take on the Division III runner-up from a year ago. The Lions have built a steady momentum in their 8 seasons of varsity football, reaching 9 wins and the state final in 2021. An opening loss to Albany followed a win over Clarendon. So two 1-1 teams meet in this one. Defenses figure to lead both charges here, but I suspect the Liberty depth wins out in the end. Also Prestonwood is a better win so far on the young season than Clarendon. I'll go with Warriors, 26-13.

Arlington Grace Prep @ Fort Worth Christian -- The Cardinals played a strange season last year, starting 1-7 before winning a playoff game and being very competitive in the regional round. This year its a 2-0 start with wins over Dublin and Bishop Dunne. The Lions dropped a 4 point game to Oakridge in Week 1 but rebounded with an impressive upset of Division II Southwest Christian on the road. Its a 3rd road game to start the season for Grace Prep and perhaps the best opponent of the bunch here in Week 3. The Cardinals offense should score here after their outings the first two weeks. With the game in North Richland Hills its just too much for the Lions to overcome. Cardinals get to 3-0, 40-20.

Episcopal School of Dallas @ Grapevine Faith Christian -- The Lions are off to a good start following blowouts of Brook Hill and The Woodlands Christian. The Eagles have their own 2-0 start, scoring 58 against TCA and holding a up and coming Liberty Christian squad to just 17. They haven't dominated either game though and the Lions should be very competitive. ESD lost only the SPC championship game last season and seem to be starting another run. If Faith is scoring points, their defense should be good enough to win. I don't think the Lions get to 30 points, but if they do I suspect they win this one at home. Eagles win a 3rd straight close one, 28-21.

Houston Second Baptist @ Bellaire Episcopal -- The Knights held the powerful and favored Parish Episcopal squad to just 24 in a tight 7 point loss. Perhaps setting a destiny of ESD and Episcopal in a 2nd straight title game. In a preview of Eagles vs. Knights, Second Baptist stands as the opposition this week. SBS won the season opener over St. Pius before falling to Prestonwood in Week 2. The Eagles are trying to get back to the state championship game after losing to DC in the final a year ago. The Eagles first title game of the decade came in the season they lost the district title for the first time in 5 seasons. In so many ways its all a prelude to November. The Knights probably have the best loss anyone will have this year with a 7 point game against Parish. It should be enough here, Episcopal wins 39-22.

Dallas Parish Episcopal @ Austin LBJ -- The Jaguars were the only team to knock off the Panthers in 2021 and reached the state final before suffering their only loss in the ultimate game of the season. The challenge for the Panthers is great, but they did score 42 in their meeting a season ago. Both offenses should score here as they did last year. They combined for 86 points last time and I suspect they'll score that many again. With the game in Austin, LBJ feels like the pick. Jaguars win, 49-45.

Irving Cistercian @ Frisco Legacy Christian -- The Eagles are a surprising 2-0 to start the season, already besting last season's 1 win total. A 9 win season in 2019 gave way to some real struggles post-COVID with just 4 wins in the two seasons that followed. Perhaps Legacy has turned that corner with last week's win over Oakridge. The Hawks probably pose a stiffer test after defeating St. Marks last week to reach 2-0 themselves. Cistercian was in the SPC title game a year ago, falling to John Cooper. The Eagles can bring me around on their chances in Division II this year with a win, but I think they're still a notch below the others. Cistercian wins 33-21.

Quick Hits: (Season: 12-8)

Arlington Pantego Christian over McKinney Christian
Texarkana Pleasant Grove over Midland Christian
Austin Regents over Boerne Geneva
Fort Bend Christian over Houston St. John's
Houston Lutheran South over Cypress Christian
Gunter over Addison Trinity Christian
Little Elm over Plano Prestonwood Christian
Fort Worth Nolan over Houston St. Thomas
Houston St. Pius X over The Woodlands Christian
Shiner St. Paul over Muenster Sacred Heart

Week 2 Results 2022

This Week

Dallas Christian over Fort Bend Christian (32-28) -- Correct
--Incredible game in Mesquite tonight. Two late turnovers and the go ahead score comes in the final minute. Both teams have to feel good about their chances in their respective divisions.

Austin Regents over Midland Christian (37-14) -- Correct
--Big win for the Knights and signs point to getting back into the title mix this year. MCS will be happy to have a home game soon.

Fort Worth Christian over Dallas Bishop Dunne (34-19) -- Correct
--Similar win for the Cardinals as DC managed. Should be a good rivalry meeting a few weeks.

Addison Trinity Christian over Fort Worth All Saints (10-13)  -- Wrong
--Saints defense stands up for a big win. TCA has to find a way past Parish, which All Saints sees a more open field in Division II ahead.

Dallas Parish Episcopal over Bellaire Episcopal (24-17) -- Correct
--Panthers feel destined for 4 in a row...but that's why they play the games...

Houston Second Baptist over Plano Prestonwood Christian (27-31) -- Correct
--Nice win for the Eagles as the Lions wonder how they wound up 0-2 to start the season.

Dallas First Baptist over McKinney Christian (49-28) -- Correct
--Nice outing for the smallest school in TAPPS 11-man. Mustangs looking down the DC barrel in district play.

Wellington over Lubbock Christian (24-28) -- Wrong
--Skyrockets take down Eagles, I should've known.

Week 2: 6-2
Season: 11-5

Quick Hits

Bullard Brook Hill over Dallas Life Oak Cliff (52-6) -- Correct
Dallas Covenant over Colleyville Covenant (37-12) -- Correct
Fort Worth Lake Country Christian over Plano John Paul II (49-14) -- Correct
Fort Worth Southwest Christian over Arlington Grace Prep (28-33) -- Wrong
Tyler Grace Community over Wills Point (49-14) -- Correct
Lubbock Trinity Christian over Clarendon (34-6) -- Correct
Arlington Pantego Christian over Fort Worth Trinity Valley (18-53) -- Wrong
Irving Cistercian over Dallas St. Marks (41-28) -- Correct
Arlington Oakridge over Frisco Legacy Christian (12-14) -- Wrong
Episcopal School of Dallas over Argyle Liberty Christian (20-17) -- Correct

Week 2: 8-2
Season: 12-8