Tyler Grace Community Runs Away From Tyler Bishop Gorman Late For High-Profile TAPPS Win

TYLER -- Tyler Grace Community wrapped up a mythical East Texas private schools championship Friday with a 34-13 win against Tyler Bishop Gorman in its regular season finale Friday.

The victory allowed to Cougars to claim second place in TAPPS Division II, District II behind defending state finalist Dallas Christian. Bishop Gorman fell to third place despite suffered two losses through the regular season.

Grace finished the game with 20 unanswered points. Junior quarterback Christopher Wilhelmi recorded his third rushing touchdown during the span while running back Mason Dacus and Blake Holbrook got on the board with a 1-yard dive and a 40-yard pick-six, respectively.

It wasn't entirely the offensive firework show fans expected with quarterbacks on both sides ranking sixth and seventh in East Texas and each also averaging more than 100 rushing yards per game.

Grace (9-1, 6-1) led 6-0 at halftime. Wilhelmi ran in from eight yards for the touchdown and the point after attempt failed.

The Crusaders (8-2, 5-2) gained a brief 7-6 lead on Judah Bell's 10-yard reception from quarterback Michael Goodwin and Daniel Schmitt's successful kick.

But Wilhelmi answered on Grace's ensuing drive. His 42-yard scoring run and then a two-point conversion throw to Dacus gave the Cougars a full-possession lead.

Bishop Gorman got within a point before the fourth quarter letdown. Martin Guzman torched the Cougars' defense on a 69-yard throw from Michael Goodwin, but the team failed on a potentially go-ahead, two-point conversion pass.

Grace will begin its TAPPS Division II playoff run by hosting Houston Second Baptist in the bi-district round at 7 p.m. next Friday. Gorman will travel to Houston Lutheran South in its opening playoff game.