Home for One More
Previewing the Area Championship vs Lake Country Christian
by Jacob Bermudez ('25) on November 13, 2025
Launch the media gallery 1 playerFor the Holy Cross Knights, everything has led to this. After a season filled with adversity, growth, and resilience, the Knights have earned one more chance to defend their home field and they’ll do it under the playoff lights at The 426.
Holy Cross, the No. 3 seed out of their district, will host the No. 4 seed Fort Worth Lake Country Christian Eagles this Friday night in the opening round of the TAPPS Division III Playoffs for the Area Championship. It’s the Knights’ final home game, and the chance to compete for an Area title on their own turf makes this one even more special.
The Knights enter the postseason playing their best football of the year, riding the momentum of back-to-back dominant wins to close the regular season. Their offense has found its rhythm behind sophomore quarterback Rocky Orozco, who’s passed for over 1,000 yards and 21 touchdowns this season while adding ten more scores on the ground. Junior running back Austin Abrego, fresh off a two-touchdown performance last week, continues to be a spark in the backfield alongside senior Taylor Flores, whose leadership and power running have set the tone all season.
Through the air, Holy Cross has been efficient and explosive. Sophomore Crew Hudson and senior Julian “J.R.” Salas have provided steady hands and big-play ability, while Diego Flores continues to make big catches in key moments.
But it’s the defense that’s quietly defined this team. Led by junior Andrew Ybarra, who had an interception in last week’s 49-7 win, the Knights have built a physical, disciplined unit that thrives on pressure. Seniors Nate Espinoza, Aiden and Jayden Olivarez, Chris Ponce, and two-way playmakers like Diego Flores, Michael Gonzalez, and AJ Eguia have anchored a defense that prides itself on toughness and trust, the kind of defense built for November football.
They’ll be tested on Friday by a Lake Country offense led by senior quarterback Timothy Wright, who can extend plays and push the ball downfield, and all-state playmaker Ryan Whites, a versatile receiver and runner who must be accounted for on every snap. Senior Dylan Sills adds another dimension as a physical tight end who can block and stretch the field.
It’s a challenge the Knights welcome because challenges have defined them. For the 19 seniors who will take the field at The 426 one last time, the Area Championship means more than advancing in the playoffs. It’s about defending their home, honoring their journey, and showing that Holy Cross football is built for moments like this.
One more game at home.
One more chance to prove themselves.
And one more step on the road to glory.
TICKETS for the Area Championship
