Anna, TX — In a clash of top-40 programs, the No. 34 Anna Coyotes built a commanding lead, watched it vanish, and then held on late to upset the No. 28 Liberty Christian Warriors, 31–28, on Friday night.

Quarterback Ziondre Williams was nearly flawless in the first half, completing 16 of 21 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns. He connected twice with Cor’Mond Houston and once with Roaen Nylander, who finished the half with three catches for 88 yards. The Coyotes also struck defensively when Josiah Smith scooped up a fumble and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown, helping Anna surge to a 28–14 halftime advantage.

Liberty Christian, however, showed why it carried the higher ranking. Quarterback Quinn Murphy and wideout Cooper Witten took over in the second half, hooking up for two more scores to even the game at 28–28. Witten finished with all four of Murphy’s touchdown receptions, a performance that tested Anna’s secondary and silenced the home crowd.

With momentum swinging, Anna’s defense delivered the play of the night — a fumble recovery deep in Warrior territory with under five minutes left. The Coyotes drove inside the 15 before Desmar Marroquin split the uprights from 27 yards out, reclaiming the lead at 31–28. Liberty Christian had one final possession but stalled near midfield, allowing Anna to seal the victory.

The upset carried even more weight given Liberty Christian’s pedigree. The Warriors entered the matchup as the defending 2024 TAPPS Division I state champions, a program fresh off a title run that cemented their place among Texas’ elite private schools. Taking down a reigning champion only underscores the significance of Anna’s victory and the Coyotes’ rise on the statewide stage.

Stat Leaders

#34 Anna: Williams 16/21, 192 yds, 3 TD (first half); Nylander 88 yds, TD; Houston 39 yds, 2 TD

#28 Liberty Christian: Murphy 4 TD passes, all to Witten

Defense: Josiah Smith 35-yard fumble return TD; Coyotes’ late fumble recovery set up game-winning FG

The victory is a statement for Anna, who now look poised to climb the MaxPreps rankings after toppling a defending champion and higher-rated opponent. Liberty Christian, meanwhile, will have to regroup after a near-comeback that showcased their resilience but ended just short.

The Anna Progress would like to thank Colton Roper for providing the game photography used in this coverage. (@shots_by_ropier)