2021 HS football preview: Ranking the Top 10 private schools in the Fort Worth area
We’re less than two weeks away from the start of the 2021 Texas high school football season. It’s time to take a look at the Fort Worth-area preview starting with the Star-Telegram private schools Top 10 rankings.
Four area teams reached the final four last season (Nolan Catholic, FW All Saints, Colleyville Covenant, FW Lake Country Christian). Covenant won a state title while Nolan finished as runner-up.
Check out which former Dallas Cowboy is taking over a Fort Worth-area team.
Return on Wednesday to see the Star-Telegram preseason Top 10 in Class 4A and below.
1. Colleyville Covenant (Last season: 8-0)
The defending TAPPS Division 3 state champs return 15 starters with nine coming on defense. 4-star defensive lineman Enow Etta was tied for the area lead last season with 17 sacks. Christian Wells, the son of former MLB all-star Vernon Wells, had six interceptions in the secondary.
2. Nolan Catholic (Last season: 8-1)
The Vikings are coming off a state title game appearance. However, a lot of their offensive power have either moved or graduated. Defense will continue to be strong highlighted by defensive linemen Curlee Thomas (58 tackles, 16 sacks, Cal commit) and Kaleb James (57 tackles, 10 sacks).
3. Grapevine Faith (Last season: 5-3)
The Lions reached the regional semifinals in 2020 and signs point to another run in 2021 with 16 returning starters, eight on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Chase Cross returns (1,172 yards passing, 15 TDs).
4. Argyle Liberty Christian (Last season: 2-7)
The Warriors had a tough time in 2020 losing their first six games, but a new energy is reborn with Dallas Cowboys legend and future hall of fame tight end Jason Witten calling the shots. Leading the way is 4-star safety and Penn State commit Cristian Driver, the son of former Green Bay receiver Donald Driver.
5. FW All Saints (Last season: 3-4)
Despite injuries and COVID-19 protocols, the Saints still managed to reach the state semifinals and came up just short in a classic, 35-31, over district opponent Nolan Catholic. Chris Palfreeman comes over from Brock, where he scored 14 TDs. He holds offers from Texas and Texas A&M.
6. Pantego Christian (Last season: 6-1)
The Panthers went undefeated in the regular season, but a one-point loss knocked them out of the first round. Still, the team outscored opponents 288-70. Quarterback Kaden Paladini (785 yards passing, 743 rushing, 17 total TDs) and receiver/defensive back/return specialist Cort MacDonald highlight 13 returning starters.
7. Arlington Grace Prep (Last season: 6-3)
The Lions finished second in district and reached the second round of the playoffs. Quarterback Jaylon Talton had a nice sophomore season with over 1,600 total yards and 18 TDs.
8. FW Lake Country Christian (Last season: 10-2)
The Eagles went to the state semifinals only to lose a close one, 26-20, to Colleyville Covenant at Globe Life Park. The team will need to replace do-it-all athlete Hayden Whites. Junior running back Adam Lindsey rushed for nearly 700 yards and scored seven TDs. Quarterback Cade Hollingsworth threw 26 TDs.
9. FW Southwest Christian (Last season: 7-2)
The Eagles reached the third round of the playoffs after winning a district title. Senior safety and Rice commit Tyson Flowers leads the way. His father, Jeremy Flowers is the head coach. He played safety at Arkansas in the late 1990s.
10. Fort Worth Christian (Last season: 4-5)
After an 0-3 start, the Cardinals bounced back to win four of their last six games before falling in the third round, 35-28 vs. FW Southwest Christian. Cooper Ostrowsky and Julian Sanchez, juniors last year, combined for 132 tackles with 11 tackles for loss.
