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TAPPS DI / DISTRICT 3 PREVIEW: Antonian, Central Catholic working to narrow gap against Houston-area teams

Defending champ Houston St. Thomas, Houston St. Pius top two picks in five-team district.

Predicting the TAPPS Division I / District 3 race

1. Houston St. Thomas: Eagles return 11 starters from team that went 4-0 in district.

2. Houston St. Pius X: Panthers must replace 20 starters lost to graduation.

3. Antonian: Quarterback Khalil Warfield and defensive end Devin Grant are back to lead Apaches.

4. Tomball Concordia Lutheran: Crusaders slipped to 4-7 last year after 8-2 finish in 2017.

5. Central Catholic: Buttons counting on new QB Christian Allen, a transfer from Warren.

Here is a breakdown of the two San Antonio-area teams in the district:

3. ANTONIAN

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Antonian quarterback Khalil Warfield, left, and defensive end Devin Grant will sign with UTEP and Colorado, respectively, on Wednesday.

Coach: Van Fuschak, 54-33 in eight seasons at Antonian

2018 records: 5-6 overall, 1-3 in TAPPS Division I / District 3 (three-way tie for third)

Last playoff appearance: 2018, lost to Dallas Parish Episcopal 56-14 in TAPPS Division I bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 4/10

Players to watch: DT Christian Alaniz, senior; WR/DB Bryon Armstrong, junior; WR/DB Diego Arteaga, senior; WR/DB Caleb Castro, junior; RB/DB Nick Farmer, junior; RB/LB Chance Felix, junior; RB/LB Fertitta, junior; DE Devin Grant, senior; RB/LB Corion Holmes, senior; LB Locke Lynd, senior; WR/DB Maddox McDonald; DE Jake McGrath, senior; QB Zach Schwalen, junior; QB Khalil Warfield, senior.

Season opener: vs. Seguin, Aug. 30, Apache Stadium

TAPPS Division I / District 3 opener: vs. Houston St. Thomas, Oct. 18, Apache Stadium

Outlook: Senior quarterback Khalil Warfield and senior defensive end Devin Grant, who have committed to UTEP and Colorado, respectively, headline the list of 14 returning starters on the Antonian roster. Warfield passed for 1,670 yards and 17 touchdowns last year, and Grant led the defense with 6.5 sacks. Another returning standout is senior nose guard Christian Alaniz, who had 34 tackles and three sacks last year. Like Warfield and Grant, Alaniz has been on the varsity since his freshman season. Grant, Alaniz and linebackers Carion Holmes and Locke Lynd will anchor a defense that returns 10 starters. Holmes finished last season with 64 tackles and Lynd had 59. Holmes is the son of former NFL All-Pro running back Priest Holmes. The Apaches, who open district play against defending champ Houston St. Thomas on Oct. 18 at Apache Stadium, are starting their ninth season under coach Van Fuschak.

5. CENTRAL CATHOLIC

Credit: David Flores / KENS5.com
Central Catholic senior safety Jay Juarez, left, and senior running back Gibby Garza are among nine returning starters on the Buttons' roster.

Coach: Mike Santiago, 10-12 in two seasons at Central Catholic

2018 records: 4-7 overall, 1-3 in TAPPS Division I / District 3 (three-way tie for third)

Last playoff appearance: 2018, lost to Argyle Liberty Christian 56-38 in TAPPS Division I bidistrict

Starters returning (O/D): 4/5

Players to watch: QB Christian Allen, senior; CB Steven Carrasco, senior; DE Nick Frey, junior; RB Gibby Garza, senior; DE Austin Hahlen, senior; S Jay Juarez, senior; WR Brandon King, senior; WR Aiden O'Connell, junior; TE/LB Carlos Pena, sophomore; S Matt Torres, junior; DT John Tristan, junior.

Season opener: vs. San Antonio Christian, Aug. 30, Benson '66 Stadium

TAPPS Division I / District 3 opener: at Houston St. Pius X, Oct.11

Outlook: Central Catholic slipped to 4-7 last year after finishing 6-5 in 2017, coach Mike Santiago's first season with the Buttons. Senior Christian Allen, a transfer from Warren, is expected to give the offense a lift and take some of the load off senior Gibby Garza, who was moved from receiver to running back in the offseason. Garza was one of the leading receivers in TAPPS last year, catching 62 passes for 722 yards and five touchdowns. Speedy wide receiver Brandon King, a transfer from Taft, will provide the Apaches' offense with another big-play threat. The defense will be led by returning senior safety Jay Juarez, who had 49 tackles and two interceptions last year. The secondary also returns cornerback Steven Carrasco and safety Matt Torres. Junior end Nick Frey and junior tackle John Tristan are back on the defensive line and Austin Hahlen, a tight end last year, moved to defensive end in the offseason and looked good in preseason workouts, Santiago said.  

MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL:

TAPPS DII / DISTRICT 4 PREVIEW: Defending champ Holy Cross favorite again

DISTRICT 26-6A PREVIEW: Judson solid pick to repeat as champ of S.A. area's toughest district

DISTRICT 27-6A PREVIEW: Reagan picked to return to throne room after finishing second last two seasons

DISTRICT 28-6A PREVIEW: Brandeis, defending champ O'Connor top picks in Northside ISD league

DISTRICT 12-5A / DI PREVIEW: Seguin looking to build on last year's playoff season

DISTRICT 13-5A / DI PREVIEW: Wagner heavy favorite to repeat as league champ

DISTRICT 14-5A / DII PREVIEW: Defending champ Kerrville Tivy expected to win title again

DISTRICT 14-5A / DI PREVIEW: Harlan, Southwest top picks in league that includes Laredo, Eagle Pass schools

DISTRICT 15-5A / DII PREVIEW: State power Calallen picked to win fifth straight district title

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