Grapevine Faith won the TAPPS Division II state championship last Friday in Waco, defeating Regents School of Austin 30-29 in double overtime. The Lions, who finished the season with a 12-2 record under Coach Kris Hogan, had a thrilling journey to the title. After sharing the district championship and finishing the regular-season ranked second in the state, Faith won four playoff games to claim the championship. 

The final three victories came in dramatic fashion. In the state quarterfinals, the Lions defeated top-ranked and unbeaten Dallas Christian 41-35 in double overtime, intercepting a pass in the end zone on the game’s final play. In the semifinals, they defeated seven-time state champion Midland Christian 26-23, kicking the winning field goal in the final two minutes and intercepting a pass in the final minute to preserve the victory. Then in the championship game, Faith again won in double overtime, stopping a two-point conversion attempt by Regents for the win.

The program’s first state title comes in the 18th season of Faith football. Over the past 12 years, the Lions have averaged nine victories per season and reached the state semifinals six times. MaxPreps’ computer rankings place Faith 76th in the state among the more than 1,200 high school teams.

This year’s team featured the school’s all-time leading rusher in senior Keyshawn Wyatt and the all-time leading receiver in senior Jake Mitchell. At least three players are expected to sign with NCAA FCS programs on National Signing Day. Offensive lineman Luke McCleery has committed to play at Tulane University, and offensive lineman Cooper McCaw has committed to Liberty University. Defensive end R.J. Reynolds has received offers from Army, Navy, Air Force and North Texas, among others. Wyatt and kicker Cole Lewis also are being recruited.