Tyler Grace Knocks Out Defending TAPPS Division II Champs In Final Seconds

TYLER -- Tyler Grace Community capped a frantic rally with seven seconds left to play and advanced past Fort Worth Christian in the TAPPS Division II state playoffs Friday at Clyde Perkins Stadium.

Parker Ary caught a 23-yard pass from Christopher Wilhelmi for a 56-52 win. A win which sent the defending state champions home with an 8-3 final record.

Grace (8-3) faced a 52-49 deficit with just 40 seconds left after Christian quarterback Cade Garcia found the end zone from three yards. Worse, the Cougars had no timeouts remaining.

Alvin Skipworth, a freshman, returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards and set the Cougars up at Christian's 30-yard line. Zach West caught a 7-yard pass and Wilhelmi spiked the ball to set up third-and-3.

Ary beat double coverage the next play for his third touchdown reception.

Missed opportunities on points after touchdown attempts came back to bite Christian, which owned the game's largest lead of 21-7 late in the first quarter.

Christian had a point after kick blocked and missed a second attempt. It also failed to convert two-point conversions twice in its four-point loss.

Wilhelmi remained perfect this season under center and threw five touchdown passes. He only started the back half of the regular season due to a preseason injury.

Garrett Tauscher caught three touchdown passes to tie Ary for the team lead. Two of the throws came from Wilhelmi and the other one was a surprise pass from receiver Braydon Stone.

Christian quarterback Tyler Knoop accounted for six of his team's eight touchdowns in the game.

Grace awaits the winner of today's game between Bullard Brook Hill and Midland Christian in Midland. The Cougars are one week removed from a 56-20 win against Brook Hill.