Dallas Christian certainly proved the saying defense wins championships.
Dallas Christian linebacker D.J. Lampkins returns a Cypress Christian fumble for a touchdown in the TAPPS 11-man Division III State Title Game. Credit: TAPPS SmugMug
In the TAPPS 11-man Division III State Title Game, the Chargers became the first team since 2017 to shut out their opponent in a TAPPS 11-man state title game as they knocked off Cypress Christian 24-0.
At the beginning of the second quarter, the Charger defense punctuated their dominant performance as Chris Scott forced a fumble and D.J. Lampkins returned it 70 yards for a touchdown that put Dallas Christian up 10-0.
“I really think it changed the momentum of the game for us going in at halftime with a lead,” Dallas Christian head coach Mike Wheeler said of the play. “It was one of those plays where we needed some confidence, and it gave us a little cushion on the scoreboard.”
SCOOP. SCORE.
‘24 D.j. Lampkins takes the fumble to the crib.
DC 10
CC 011:50 2Q@DCSChargers #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/0vUhWIjP2l
— Texas Private School Podcast (@TXPSPodcast) December 4, 2022
After halftime, the Chargers’ offensive stars made their presence felt as William Nettles took a Luke Carney screen pass 76 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Wheeler said Nettles has been making those types of plays all season long.
“Will is just a tremendous athlete; when he gets the ball in his hands he can do a lot of things with it,” Wheeler said. “That was a play that we got it out to him, he had some key blocks out on the edge, and he did the rest. As a coach, it gives you a little sigh of relief, because you’re thinking, ‘We’re up 17, we’re playing good defense, and we’ll get the ball back and go score.’”
TOUCHDOWN DC❗️@LukeCarneyQB connects with @SpeedyNettles before running 76 yards to the house!!
Dallas Christian 17, Cypress Christian 0 | 3Q pic.twitter.com/EK7DgBDHGW
— Juwan Davis (@MrJDavis96) December 4, 2022
In the waning moments of the game, score they did.
Chargers running back Zach Hernandez found the end zone on a two-yard run just past the midway point in the fourth quarter, icing a victory that sealed the second-straight state title for the Chargers.
Dallas Christian running back Zach Hernandez carries the ball in the TAPPS 11-man Division III State Title Game. He finished with 134 yards on 20 carries. Credit: TAPPS SmugMug
For Wheeler, it was an outcome he thought was possible after watching his team early in the season.
In non-district play, the Chargers faced three TAPPS Division II teams and two TAPPS Division I teams. But despite playing against bigger schools in those games, the Chargers won four out of five of them.
“Our kids were confident, they were physical, and they played really well in all the non-district games,” Wheeler said. “I think that’s what really helped us grow as a defense and as a football team.”
2022 marked the 31st season in which Wheeler has been the head coach at Dallas Christian. It was a historic one as the Chargers won their 300th game under his watch and also earned their 10th TAPPS State Championship, which ties them with Shiner St. Paul for the most all-time.
With those achievements, expectations are high as always at Dallas Christian.
And after his team set out this year to win back-to-back titles, Wheeler said he was proud of his players for following through and achieving their goal.
“Our kids come in with the expectation that they’re going to win. They understand what it takes to win, and they are always working,” Wheeler said. “This year it was special because these kids were able to accomplish their goal to get back and win back-to-back state championships.”
2022 Dallas Christian Team Stats
Offensive Points Per Game: 43.5 points
Points Allowed Per Game: 11.6 points
Passing Leader: Luke Carney: 2,409 yards and 31 touchdowns
Rushing Leader: Zach Hernandez: 1,556 yards and 24 touchdowns
Leading Receiver: William Nettles: 1455 yards and 20 touchdowns
Leading Tackler: Chris Scott: 91 total tackles
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