Continuing the Charge: Dallas Christian marches to state semifinals

Dallas Christian found itself in an unusual position in the early stages of Saturday’s TAPPS playoff game against Grapevine Faith Christian.

They were behind.

For just the second time all season long, the Chargers found themselves facing a deficit when the Lions’ Mark Saunders returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead.

As was the case the first time when an early 3-0 hole turned into a rout of Frisco Legacy Christian, Dallas Christian quickly turned the tables, reeling off 34 unanswered points to earn a 34-6 victory.

The Chargers’ pursuit of their ninth state championship in school history continues this week when they face Fort Worth Southwest Christian (8-1) at 3 p.m. Saturday at Birdville ISD Stadium.

After spotting Grapevine Faith the early advantage, Dallas Christian methodically marched down the field, with T.J. King scoring on a 1-yard keeper to take a 7-6 lead.

The Chargers shot themselves in the foot with a fumble and a punt, but started to find their rhythm as the game progressed.

King found the end zone for the second time, this on a 4-yard run, to push the lead to 14-6.

Dallas Christian then recorded interceptions on the Lions’ next two possessions, leading to a 2-yard touchdown run from Shon Coleman and a 10-yard scoring strike from King to Tristan Turner to make it 28-7 at the half.

The Chargers put it in cruise control from there, with Jacob Hoezle kicking field goals of 36 and 37 yards to provide the final 34-6 margin.

Dallas Christian has now outscored its opponents by a combined score of 480-76 this season.

Up next, the Chargers will take on a Fort Worth Southwest Christian team that posted a 35-28 victory over Fort Worth Christian last week.

The Eagles’ lone setback of the season was a 46-19 loss to Frisco Legacy Christian, the same team that Dallas Christian defeated twice with scores of 56-16 and 59-14.