Originally appeared on Vype.com.

Cypress Christian (13-1) entered Friday’s TAPPS 11-Man Division III state title game as one of the state’s hottest teams, and wrapped up its first championship season with a 68-34 win against McKinney Christian (9-4) at Hewitt’s Panther Stadium.

“It’s really a blessing,” said VYPE Player of the Game Josh Holl. “This program’s really given back to me, and help me grow as a man.”

The Warriors, who ended the season with 13 straight wins, had another big first half. Holl kicked off his six-touchdown outing with early passes to Joseph Carbone and JT Mounce.

Their success continued with Christian Fleischhauer, who was a force on both sides of the ball. His rushing touchdowns extended the Warriors’ lead to a margin McKinney could not overcome, and he also slowed down the Mustangs in the secondary.

The defense also wanted a piece of the pie. It forced five turnovers in the game, including two key stops in the 44-21 first half. The first was a fumble at the end of Will Baxter’s 14-yard run, which set up Fleischhauer’s second score. The other was a 25-yard pick six by Drue Hirth.

The complete team effort wasn’t a surprise for coach Jacob Spenn. He’s seen it from his players all year.

“We keep battling,” he said. “It wasn’t just the title game. That’s every day.”

McKinney’s only first half answers came in the opening and closing minutes. Baxter used his legs to even the score at 7, and later found Ford Dossey and Ren Willis on touchdown connections.

The Mustangs had all the momentum, especially with the second half kickoff going to them, but the Warriors didn’t let them get any closer. Holl bookended the half with a pair of touchdowns to Reid Chapman, and used another lengthy connection to set up Ian Jones’ second field goal.

Even though Baxter found Dossey for their second and third scoring connections, Holl wrapped up the win with his fifth and sixth touchdown passes. He found a new target in Braden Barbisch, who scored from 17 yards out in the closing minutes of the third quarter. He also connected with Mounce again at the eight-minute mark in the fourth.

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