The first round TAPPS Division I State Varsity Football playoff win came as the Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) Lions travelled to Tomball to take on Concordia Lutheran last Friday evening. 

The Lions came in strong to prove that they are a team just getting started on the road to the State Championship! With two new quarterbacks and many of the players bandaged up, the Lions struck hard, fast and often at Crusader Field as they won decisively with a final score of 49–7.

Grady Sullivan, PCA’s quarterback going 8 for 8 for 162 yards and 3 TDS, while Grayson Warren and the offensive line pounded the ball in the running game for 163 yards on 25 carries and 2 touchdowns.  Running back Ryan Bradberry also had a big night, carrying the ball 7 times for 144 yards and 2 TDs. Warren also had a TD reception along with JR Reed and Jonathan Heasley.

While the offense was rolling, the defense smothered the Crusaders, holding them scoreless until the fourth quarter. With Ole Miss commit Christian Morgan returning to the field on the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line of Morgan, Zach Missimo, William Wells, Jacob White, and Elliott Mason would not budge. With Mike Mitchell, Corey Meador and Austin Tankersley roaming the field, the Concordia backs were literally knocked off their feet. Led by a JR Reed interception, the secondary was outstanding, giving up only 3 completions all night.

“I really feel like the win got the confidence of the team back and showed people that we can do this and will do this,” said Captain Nate Jones. 

Taking the first step toward winning a third State Title in the past four years, the Lions took the field and took the game with the same passion and confidence that has come to be common for Prestonwood football teams at this time in the year. It’s playoff time, and this is when the Lions step up!

“Friday night was a much needed win to boost our confidence and the overall motivation of the team.  Looking to next week, we feel encouraged and plan on working hard this week to continue pursuing our goal,” said Captain Grayson Warren.

With the first round playoff win, Prestonwood will play unbeaten district champion St. Michaels High School out of Austin. The game will be played at Waco ISD Stadium in Waco, at 1 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, November 24. Remember, HTRC - Hungry, Tough, Relentless and Certain!

Written By: Prestonwood Christian Academy Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Chris Cunningham