Dripping Springs wasted no time making a statement, rolling past defending Class 6A Division II state champion Vandegrift 41-14 in Friday’s season opener at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers piled up nearly 500 yards of offense and looked every bit like a team ready to contend deep into the fall.
Quarterback Chase Ames delivered in his varsity debut, throwing for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns. He spread the ball around with confidence, leaning on senior receiver Cooper Reid and versatile back Jaceton Gotta. Gotta provided balance with both his rushing and receiving, finishing with over 180 total yards and two scores.
Vandegrift had its chance after cutting the lead to 20-14 in the third quarter, but Dripping Springs answered immediately. A long connection from Ames to Gotta set up a touchdown that shifted momentum back for good. From there, the Tigers never looked back.
The Vipers, who lost many offensive playmakers to graduation, struggled to find consistency. Quarterback Miles Teodecki did his part, but the defending champs will need new stars to emerge moving forward.
