In their seventh season as a program, Vandegrift made the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year (fifth overall), struggling without much bite in their first season of realignment in the Austin power conference of Class 6A. After opening the year a poisonous 1-4, the Vipers had enough venom to tear through a 4-1 streak, earning playoff eligibility by striking Hays and forcing four turnovers in the contest, limiting the offense to 20 rushing yards.
Vandegrift ended the regular season in a blowout against Lake Travis; entering the game, the Vipers had limited opponents to 13 points per game, but were carved up 55-0 by the eventual 6A state champs. Despite the team hosting 14 returning starters, Vandegrift lost in the second round against Steele – the earliest exit in their current playoff streak.
The defensive 4-2- 5 paid dividends for a unit that allowed 18.7 points per game, nearly half the 29 points sacrificed last year; coach Sanders even published a video series on how to adjust and perfect the formation to properly restrict the opposition. The unit allowed 21 points in a game only twice, less than the 21 points allowed nine time during their former campaign.
“A lot has to do with our front six,” defensive end Samual Brod said, as per the Austin-American Statesman. “We’ve got almost everybody back from last year, and that brings a lot of experience. … Some teams look like they’re scared to run against us. You’ll see teams throw 20 passes in a half and maybe run it just six times.”
Key Losses
Alex Fernandes (QB), Holton Greenfield (OL), Jake Helton (OL), The Defense
In his final campaign as Vipers starter, Alex Fernandes took Vandegrift to their third consecutive bi- district championship, leading the team in total yards (1,869). Coach Sanders incorporated a ground-and-pound strategy with their healthy stable of running backs, decreasing the UTEP commits’ passing yards from 2,924 to 1,559 passing yards; an ankle injury, stiffer competitors and losing six of the his top seven receivers the year prior to graduation also contributed to the decline.
The defense will lose 16 players with at least one tackle or more: Storm Wilson lead the unit in total tackles for two consecutive years, accounting for nine or more tackles in nine games this season.
Wilson plowed through 126 total tackles – 90 solo and 36 assisted. Samuel Brod (DE), Jared Hirschhorn (S), Luke LeBlanc (DB), Pete Cornell (MLB), Morris Aranda (DB) and Dylan Hudson (DT) will all be missed, ranking around the top defensive statistical categories for their team respectively.
Crucial offensive lineman Holton Greenfield (Army West commit) and Jake Helton (Kansas State commit) will not block for Fernandes’ predecessor, leaving gaping holes on the line of scrimmage in their absence.
Key Returners
Mack Parker (RB), Isaiah Smallwood (RB), Osorachukwu Ifesinachukwu (DE), Cole Walther (DB)
The Vipers relied heavily on a rotating option of three running backs in their offensive backfield, combining for a total 1,461 of the team's 1,834 rushing yards. Sophomore Isaiah Smallwood lead the pack with 586 yards on the ground for nine touchdowns, grabbing District 25-6A All-District first team honors from the Austin-American Statesman for his achievements. All-around athlete Mack Parker was second to Fernandes in total yards, rushing for 571 yards for five touchdowns and hauling in 169 yards through the air. Expect next year’s Vandegrift quarterback to be dependent on both returners as the replacement grows acclimated to the system.
On the defensive side of the ball, juniors Osorachukwu Ifesinachukwu (DE) and Cole Walther (DB) will attempt to salvage the unit; Ifesinachukwu lead the team in sacks (8) and quarterback hurries (14); Walther was fourth in solo tackles (61), despite competing in 10 games.
The Verdict
The Vipers took a step-back offensively, but progressed defensively – trading one skill for another in an unbalanced effort that was emphasized by their subpar .500 record. A 6-6 record perfectly exemplified Vandegrift’s season: not a terrible team, but not an outstanding one either. Their schedule was a difficult jaunt through their first navigation of District 6A competition. Every loss was against teams with winning records, and three defeats were handed over by programs that eventually competed in the state championship. Four of their six wins were against teams that had three victories or less; the win against Johnson in the playoffs was their only triumph against an opponent with a winning record.
With the defense compromised and no definite shot-caller, expect Vandegrift to continue struggling in realignment, maybe even missing the playoffs for only the third time in school history.
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