Southwest Christian Eagles 2022-23 Preview

This past Saturday, I visited my alma mater, Fort Worth Southwest Christian to watch the ‘22-‘23 team at their annual Blue and White scrimmage.  Just after I graduated in 2019, the Eagles found success, with every year achieving more than the past.

Let’s recap the Eagles successes, and their building momentum over the last few years:

• 2019:
  • The Eagles made it back to the playoffs. In their third season of dominance in TAPPS D2, they met Trinity Christian Cedar Hill in their first round. Obviously this ended their season.
• 2020: 
  • The 2020 football season was one of the best at Southwest Christian in the last twenty years. The Eagles went 7-2, were district champs, and made it all the way to the TAPPS D2 Semifinals. 
  • Their opponent was Dallas Christian, led by TJ King and Shon Coleman. They destroyed the Eagles 42-0, and eagerly went to the State Championship, where they were upset by Austin Regents who had Vanderbilt QB Drew Dickey at the helm that day.
• 2021:
  • The Eagles went 10-3, securing an even better year than before. They returned to the semifinals, and for a second straight year, they met the Dallas Christian Chargers.
  • This year was unlike the previous one, as it was a close game the entire time. However, DC’s Gabriel Grubbs, Jalil Brown, and company once again claimed a DC victory over SCS, 24-14.

Moving on from the history lesson, let’s get into the 2022 season:

THE QUESTION MARKS:

1. How do you replace the talented and deep senior class that helped you at every level? Southwest Christian loses the likes of Hunter Sage, Cort Comer, Davis McClung, Mark Simons, Luke Bullinger, Holt Percifield, Jackson Taylor, Drew Vuduris, Milton Granger, and the biggest name of them all, Rice commit Tyson Flowers who was at the helm of the Eagles recent success.
2. Who steps up and takes the place of the talented QB/S, Tyson Flowers?
3. How do you adapt to the numerous schools who left the D1 ranks, and are now bumped down to join your upcoming D2 season?

THE ANSWERS: The Eagles have talent returning who are impressive. I watched their scrimmage live on Saturday, and these guys clearly stood out:

2023 RB ANTWUAN POLK – 6’0 215

In the Wing T offense, it truly matters who you have at the running back position. The SCS Eagles have had talented backs the past couple of years, but Antwuan Polk brings something different to the table as he enters his senior year.

Curious? Check out Antwuan’s clips:

• https://twitter.com/walker_lott/status/1446662995078168584?s=20&t=-Ks5ICFERiZGv0ZE68o-
• https://twitter.com/walker_lott/status/1464783694644842499?s=20&t=-Ks5ICFERiZGv0ZE68o-

Polk, at his size, is a mismatch for any linebacker or defensive back that wants to meet him in the hole. He’s able to run people over with ease – and get the extra yards. This allows him to always land forward, which, in my opinion, is key for the running back. 

Polk, a senior Eagle, and a 1600 yard rusher in ‘21-‘22, returned to the field this preseason in terrific shape, and even a bit quicker than he was last year – which is BIG. 

With his size, strength, and speed, Polk is a nightmare for any defensive coordinator to prepare for, and a headache for any defensive player to tackle – because you will NOT want to meet him in the hole.

2023 ATH CHRISTIAN WELLS – 5’10 175

Losing Tyson Flowers is a big loss to SCS, but it won’t hurt as bad as people will expect, with Christian Wells transferring from Colleyville Covenant Christian. 

Our HEART Award winner for TAPPS D3, Wells had 2063 total yards, 35 total TDs, and 2 INT on defense last year and brings that versatility to the Eagles.

The D1-offered athlete looks like he will line up at receiver on offense for the Eagles, which again, creates a tremendous challenge for defensive coordinators. On the defensive side of the ball, it looks like he will take Tyson Flowers’s role at Safety. If you’re not familiar with Wells, just watch him go to work on his film. 

Wells is one of the best natural and pure athletes we have seen in TAPPS and will light up the game in Division 2. 

During my morning visit, Wells was out early catching punts. One punt went far right and Wells had to quickly sprint well over 20 yards to the sideline, and easily caught it with one hand. Christian Wells is that effortless in his game.

2023 OL JOHN TAPLETT (6’4 270) + 2023 OL MERRITT DORMAN-PARDUE (6’1 270)

The combination of these two on the offensive line will be IMPRESSIVE. They’re going to bring the fear factor for any defensive line they face. 

In my opinion, both TAPLETT and DORMAN-PARDUE are Top 10 private school offensive lineman in the class of 2023. 

The Eagles’ run based offense relies on the offensive line doing their job right, so the leadership and experience both of them bring to this line will be crucial and a wake up call to all defensive lines they face. John Taplett, with his size and athleticism, represents a perfect blend for the tackle position, while Merritt Dorman-Pardue is a different type of lineman than Taplett. 

Taplett has the one – two punch of a terrific O-Lineman, he has GREAT technique with his hands, but also has the disciplined mindset of finishing his blocks to the ground – so he knows he did his job. Lamar offered Taplett early, so with a great year and good tape, I can definitely see other D1 schools following suit with multiple offers.  

Pardue is the mauler, standing at 6’1 270, he has great footwork inside. He takes the right angles, and with the power he brings when he plays, it is tough for any defensive lineman to even have a chance to get past him. There was a reason Pardue was 1st Team All State last year in TAPPS D2, and on our All Private School Second Team Offense.

2024 DL J.R. STEGALL – 6’3 275

I don’t think Southwest Christian has ever had an athlete on the defensive line quite like him, at his size and strength – and also being very athletic for his size. There is NO reason why this year he couldn’t be 1st Team All State Defensive Line for TAPPS D2. 

If I had to put money on who would get a Division 1 offer after his season at SCS, it would be JR STEGALL. 

Stegall had fantastic tape last year as a sophomore and he is only going to get better as a junior. I feel for any centers and guards that have to go against him this year.

2026 DL D.J. BEASLEY – 6’1 235

Honestly? I never thought I would be talking about an incoming freshman making an immediate impact for any team – but Beasley absolutely deserves recognition.

Beasley is absolutely one to watch in all of private school and TAPPS Division 2. At his size, he already looks like a junior in high school, deadlifting over 400 lbs and squatting 315.

Beasley has great athleticism, and is quick off the line, which impressed me big time. His pairing with Stegall on the interior of the defensive line might be one of the best 1-2 pairings in all of private school.

2024 ATH MADDOX MCCARROLL – 5’11 175

Maddox was an all district player last year on the defensive side of the ball, and he will contribute again there too, but he is fighting for the QB spot and that is excellent for the Eagles. Maddox helping on the offensive side of the ball would be a feather in SCS’s cap. 

On the DEFENSIVE side, Mccarroll is a natural athlete and makes plays all over the field. When I saw him against Grapevine Faith last year he for sure was one that stood out to me. Curious? Check out McCarroll’s clips:

• https://twitter.com/walker_lott/status/1446670788019511297?s=20&t=ZkrdJopZzl1ePw2oLBE
• https://twitter.com/walker_lott/status/1446634641541275654?s=20&t=ZkrdJopZzl1ePw2oLBE

Mccarroll will be a big time player for SCS this year, and I can definitely see him as an All State player on the defensive side of the ball. But wait- there’s more. 

On the OFFENSIVE side, his QB pursuits could be a game changer. Replacing Tyson Flowers is tough for any player to do – but Mccarroll will be one of the guys battling out for that position. 

With Christian Wells coming to the squad, definitely expect SCS to throw the ball more.  I think with McCarroll at the helm, they would be just fine doing so. Mccarroll has a great arm and has good accuracy with it as well. Also, don’t be shocked if he carries the ball himself – his speed is noteworthy.

OTHER TALENT THAT STOOD OUT:

2023 RB Tanner Ziemian is one guy I am very excited to watch again this year. Standing at 6’0 215, Ziemian is going to pair nicely with Polk just like last year, and he’ll offer more quickness and speed to the running back position. Don’t be surprised if he is involved in the passing game as well with how versatile he is. I am very impressed with Ziemian and expect a breakout year for him.

2023 TE/DE Xavier Robinson is a player I kept finding myself watching because he stands out from the rest of the crowd. Standing at 6’4 195, Robinson has great size that you don’t see often, with very long arms. He will probably run with the starting offense at tight end which allows whoever is at QB to have another target other than Wells on the outside. 

On the defensive side of the ball, at defensive end, Robinson offers a great edge rush potential with how athletic and fluid he is, as well as being able to keep outside containment due his incredible arm length. Most offensive lineman won’t even be able to get his hands on him in time, so watch out for Robinson to make a lot of noise this season and show out this year.

2023 ATH Hayden Bryan is one to watch as well. He will be all over the secondary for the Eagles, and right now he’s competing for the QB position with Maddox McCarroll which offers excellent talent for QB. Bryan will also be a big time threat on the special teams end. He will be a fantastic punter/kicker for the Eagles this year – just like last year.

2023 ATH Graham Holster &  2023 DB Blaine Blakley are two strong athletes that will start in the secondary for the Eagles. Holster will be at safety and Blakley at the corner spot. Holster is also an excellent weapon at the running back position as they need it.

2023 DB/WR Joe Geesbreght is one player I am intrigued to watch in the season. Joe is a track guy who is coming over to play football, who stands at 6’1 160 and runs a 10.9 100m and has a 32.3” vertical. I’m guessing there will be growing pains for a time, but don’t be shocked if he gets college attention by the end of the season. I also know Coach Flowers is glad to have him this year to help in the secondary because Geesbreght is a player that any college coach would be interested in.  

2023 ATH Kaden Dees is another athlete to watch this year, he will offer solid help to the Eagles on both sides of the ball.

2023 LB Ben Briscoe is someone that looks the part at linebacker, and with losing Hunter Sage last year, I’d look for Briscoe to be a big part of leading the defense for the Eagles. 

2024 LB Wilson Jones partners Briscoe at the linebacker position, and Jones also caught my eye a couple times making very strong plays.

That’s it for me talking about Southwest Christian, but you knew I’d have to allocate some dedicated time to cover my boys. I’m pleased to report that it looks like with all the questions going into the year about losing talent, the Eagles have definitively answered – and have a bright future ahead of them. I am eager and optimistically looking forward to see how they will fare this upcoming season. Until next time, reach out to us at @TXPSPodcast for anything, thank you for your support.

—Walker