Fort Worth, TX - As head coach David Beaudin began to put together the 2021 football schedule, he did so with two goals in mind, play the best of the best and continue to build the Nolan Catholic football brand. The first of those goals will be accomplished right out of the gate as the Vikings will open the season, Saturday, August 28th in the Tom Landry Classic against defending 4A state champion Argyle High School.
This season's version of the Tom Landry Classic will be played at Eagle Stadium on the campus of Allen High School. The Vikings, #7 in TAPPS 6A, and Eagles, #1 in 4A, will square off under the lights, with kickoff scheduled for 7 pm. Friday night, Allen HS will host Plano East HS to officially kick off the 2021 Texas high school football season.
Founded in 2000, the Tom Landry Classic is one of the premier high school football events in the country and the largest high school sporting event in Texas with an average attendance of 28,000. Annually, this doubleheader showcases four of the region's top high school teams. The Classic was created to honor the legacy of legendary NFL coach, Tom Landry who led America's Team, the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories.
“It is a tremendous distinction to be the first private or parochial school to play in the Tom Landry Classic in its over 20-year history. It is a privilege for Nolan Catholic HS to be part of such a prestigious event and we are excited to align with everything this game stands for including the scholarships provided and to be a small part of honoring the legendary Coach Landry. The impact Coach Landry has on this game and his community is immeasurable and we could not be more proud to participate in a first-class run event in his honor,” coach Beaudin said.
Argyle was dominant last season during their 16-0 run to the state championship. The Eagles, led by a juggernaut offensive unit, beat opponents by an average of 32, while their defense held opponents to two touchdowns a game. The Eagles will have a new quarterback running the offense this season as well as a new primary running back and wide receiver. Upfront the Eagles are led by Texas Tech commit Sheridan Wilson.
Defensively Argyle returns several key contributors from their 2020 team. Jadon Scarlett, Texas A&M commit, a newcomer to the Eagles defensive line after transferring from Coram Deo Academy will anchor an anticipated stout defense.
Beauding and staff understand what is in front of them as preparation continues.
“This game presents a significant challenge against a powerhouse program,” Beaudin stated. “Coach Rodgers and his staff do an amazing job having his team prepared, as he runs a disciplined program that is perennial winners. While this team is loaded with talent, they are even more dangerous by the way they execute in all three phases of the game and that is a testament to the program they run in Argyle. This is a team with no holes, therefore we must remain consistent and prepared to battle for four quarters, in order to have a chance to win.”
Your new look Vikings will be led by all-state selections and division one recruits Curlee Thomas and Kaleb James. Thomas, who has committed to Cal, and James, who has multiple P5 offers, will anchor the defensive line for the Vikings, which will be a strength in 2021.
Offensively, emerging wide receiver Tre Parks-Vinson, Naval Academy offer, will lead an explosive wide receiver core. The Vikings will feature a new quarterback, following the graduation of Jimmy Taylor, to Cornell University.
Stay up to date with all things Nolan Catholic High School athletics on the worldwide web, Twitter, Instagram as well as the new Nolan Catholic Athletics Facebook page.