Anderson, Panthers Chasing Fourth Straight TAPPS Title

As Parish Episcopal seeks to continue its dominance with a fourth consecutive state championship in TAPPS Division I, how will the Panthers replace Andrew Paul’s 2,800 yards and 45 touchdowns?

That question might become irrelevant given the returning and new talent for Parish, which has amassed an overall 34-3 record during its three-year title run.

“Every year is a different team,” Parish head coach Daniel Novakov said. “These guys want to make their own legacy.”

With sensational tailback Paul now at the University of Georgia, the offensive focus will shift squarely to sophomore quarterback Sawyer Anderson, who passed for 2,961 yards and 32 touchdowns as a freshman. The Panthers averaged 47.1 points per game.

“Last year, he did an outstanding job, but there was a ton of pressure on him,” Novakov said. “Now he’s much more comfortable and confident. He knows what to expect.”

Anderson’s deep receiving corps will be led by returnees Cedric Mays and Chase Burton, plus Highland Park transfer Hutch Crow. Standout defenders Daniel Demery and Tre Williams also will see targets on offense.

The defense returns several starters, including the dynamic Demery (who is verbally committed to Ole Miss) and versatile Williams, along with Cooper Mailand, Seth Scott, James Cave, Bryson Blackmore, Dylan Davis, and Ian Ussery. Plus, the Panthers will add two blue-chip transfers to their front seven in Caleb Mitchell-Irving (DeSoto) and Parker Meese (Plano Prestonwood).

Parish will be challenged early by a brutal non-district schedule that includes perennial powerhouses South Oak Cliff, Aledo, China Spring, and Austin LBJ.