Sports

STRONG SAFETY: DEMERY LOOKS FOR FOURTH TITLE WITH PANTHERS

Versatile Parish senior has handled spotlight with humility, hard work

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

As Daniel Demery finishes his fourth season as a starter for Parish Episcopal, the Panthers are closing in on their fourth consecutive TAPPS state championship.

That synonymous success is certainly not coincidental, as Demery has made an impact all over the field for almost 50 games in a Parish uniform.

He’s primarily a safety — where he will suit up for the University of Mississippi beginning next fall — but also lines up in the offensive backfield and as a kick returner. In other words, Demery is usually in the middle of the action.

If the Panthers win a historic fourth straight TAPPS 6A crown on Dec. 2 in Waco, their overall record during that fouryear stretch will be 46-4.

“Winning a state championship is hard, especially in Texas,” Demery said. “Winning four in a row would be a great accomplishment. When people doubt us, it gives us the drive to want to win more.”

Demery is delivering that message more forcefully to his teammates these days, a contrast to the 2019 season when he was a soft-spoken newcomer adjusting to the varsity level. “Even though I was a freshman, people saw me as a leader, but I was a leader by example,” said Demery, a New Orleans native. “My teammates need me to make big plays for us to win games.” His offensive contributions have diminished — Demery had just four touches during the regular season, compared to nine last year — but his responsibilities have grown on a stout defensive unit that al-

He’s the true lowed more than 21 points just once in 10 definition of a games. warrior. “Over the years, the defense has gotten more Daniel Novakov recognition,” said Demery, who scored three defensive touchdowns a year ago. “We’ve been able to grow together.” Demery’s experience in high-pressure games will serve him well at Mississippi, which has emerged as a powerhouse in the Southeastern Conference, widely regarded as the deepest league in the country. “[Head coach] Lane Kiffin has definitely changed the program around,” said Demery, who verbally committed to the Rebels during the spring and plans to sign in December. “They’re not just a team. They’re family.”

Parish Episcopal senior Daniel Demery is hoping to lead the Panthers to their fourth straight TAPPS state title.

(PHOTO: WILEY WILLIAMS)

Parish head coach Daniel Novakov has watched Demery mature from a freshman phenom into a senior captain while remaining consistent on the field and level-headed off it.

“It takes somebody with character and integrity to handle all that attention and stay humble. He’s the right kind of person to have in your program,” Novakov said. “He’s the true definition of a warrior.”

Alcuin Hawks Claim First TAPPS Soccer Crown Covenant harriers maintain dominance, Hockaday just misses in volleyball

By Todd Jorgenson

People Newspapers

Alcuin School capped an undefeated fall soccer season by bringing home the program’s first state title.

The Hawks wrapped up their first TAPPS state tournament appearance by topping Chinquapin Prep of Houston 2-0 in the championship game on Nov. 8 in Round Rock.

The Hawks (20-0) began postseason play with a 5-1 win over Longview Christian. Then they defeated top seed North Dallas Adventist 3-2 in the quarterfinals and shut out Yavneh Academy 1-0 in the semifinals.

It continued the dominance Alcuin showed throughout the season, as the Hawks outscored their opponents by a combined margin of 77-9. Thirteen of the victories were shutouts, including nine straight during one stretch.

Covenant races to another TAPPS title

The Covenant dynasty in TAPPS 4A boys cross country shows no

Alcuin School’s soccer team broke through this season with its first TAPPS state championship. (PHOTO: COURTESY ALCUIN) signs of slowing down, with the PCP_Dec2022_Banner-FINAL2.pdf 1 11/9/2022 3:46:15 PM Knights claiming their seventh consecutive title in convincing fashion on Oct. 31 in Waco.

Covenant showcased its depth by placing three runners inside the top 10 individually, led by bronze medalist Edward Graham, who completed the 5-kilometer course at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in 17 minutes, 13 seconds.

Logan Rice was just behind Graham in fourth, while teammate Andrew Morgan came in ninth. All three were part of last year’s state championship squad.

Meanwhile, Ursuline was the runner-up in the team standings in the 6A girls race, led by a second-place finish by Presley Andras. Her 2-mile time was 12:19.

Olivia Morales took ninth place for the Bears, who improved after coming in third last year behind defending champion San Antonio Antonian.

Hockaday takes second in SPC volleyball

For the first time in more than 20 years, no Dallas school won a team championship at the SPC fall championship tournament.

Hockaday came up just short in its quest for a second consecutive volleyball crown. The Daisies were swept in the championship match on Nov. 5 by Houston Episcopal, which was the top seed in the tournament and playing on its home court.

In boys volleyball, top seed and defending champion St. Mark’s was upset by eventual tournament winner Fort Worth Trinity Valley in five sets in the semifinals.

Hockaday sophomore Jordan Lacsamana earned an individual bronze medal in girls cross country and led the Daisies to a third-place showing in the team standings.

Lacsamana finished 17 seconds behind winner Madison Morgan of Episcopal, whose team also won the title. Hockaday teammate Margaret Thompson, the reigning champ in the race, came in fifth.