Friday, Nov. 14, 2008

Faith, Covenant Overcome Odds, Enter Playoffs

Private Schools Football

By John English

Contributing Writer

As the smallest school in TAPPS Division I District 1, there were many questions surrounding the Grapevine Faith football team as it entered the season, mainly regarding whether or not the Lions could compete at this level.

After finishing the season 8-2 overall and 4-2 in district competition, many of those questions were answered. Faith’s presence was very much felt, as the program wrapped up the district’s third playoff spot with a 33-14 victory over Gainesville State School on Nov. 7.

Five different players scored for the Lions in the game against Gainesville, including Jordan Dunnington, Tanner Gesek and Jared Pruett on touchdown runs, Jordan Adams on a fumble return and Cory Osigian on a pass from Pruett.

Faith recovered five Gainesville turnovers in the game as well.

The Lions made the move to the largest TAPPS division in the state this year with only a handful of returning players from last season’s state runner-up team. Faith coach Kris Hogan said earlier this season that his players were not concerned about being the smallest school in the district, even though Fort Worth Nolan and Bishop Dunne both had nearly 1,000 more students than Faith.

"My guys believe that they can play with anybody," Hogan said earlier this year. "I think we’re going to turn some heads this year."

Hogan’s words proved to be prophetic, as the Lions prepare to host San Antonio Saint Anthony at 2 p.m. Saturday in the opening round of the playoffs.

Things were more challenging for Colleyville Covenant this year, as the Cougars finished 5-5 on the season and 3-3 in TAPPS Division III District 1.

Covenant ended the regular season in fifth place in district, but have a chance to make up for the finish when they begin the playoffs by traveling to Waco Reicher (6-4) at 7:30 tonight.

The Cougars lost their season finale by a 52-35 final to Fort Worth Calvary Christian last Friday in a game in which the Cougars actually jumped out to a 13-0 lead.

Covenant only trailed by three points, 22-19, at halftime. Nico Bourgeois opened the game with a 28-yard touchdown run and Scott Bixler and Andy Mitchell each caught touchdown passes from quarterback Dillon Hess in the first half.

Cody Borsellino caught a second-half touchdown pass and Hess ran for a touchdown in the second half, but Calvary out-scored the Cougars 30-16 during that span.