In a playoff rematch worthy of its billing, defending state champion Vandegrift beat Westlake 16–14 on a 36-yard field goal by Wiley Olson as time expired Friday night at Monroe Stadium. The bi-district thriller between last year’s state finalists lived up to expectations, with both teams battling for every yard in a defensive chess match that came down to the final play.
The Vipers never led until Olson’s kick split the uprights with no time left. The senior kicker had already connected from 19 and 30 yards earlier in the game, accounting for nine of Vandegrift’s points. Quarterback Miles Teodecki guided the 78-yard game-winning drive with poise, completing three passes for 50 yards, including a clutch 33-yard strike to Ontario Jackmon that moved the Vipers into field goal range.
Vandegrift’s defense set the tone all night, forcing three turnovers and delivering two critical fourth-down stops, including a goal-line stand early in the fourth quarter. Running back Sam Brown powered the offense with 103 rushing yards and a two-yard touchdown that pulled the Vipers within one before halftime. Wide receiver Brock Chilton added seven catches for 71 yards.
For Westlake, quarterback Rees Wise threw for 165 yards and ran for 60 more, scoring once through the air and once on the ground. The Chaparrals led 14–10 at halftime and appeared ready to extend their streak of first-round playoff wins, but costly turnovers and missed red-zone opportunities opened the door for the Vipers’ comeback.
Vandegrift (9–2) advances to face San Antonio Brandeis in the area round, while Westlake (7–4) exits in the bi-district round for the first time since 2014—when they also fell by a score of 16–14. Two state finalists entered Monroe Stadium, but only one walked off still chasing December glory.
Photos by Stan Martin:
