The Vandegrift Vipers captured their first-ever state championship with a hard-fought 24-17 victory over the Southlake Carroll Dragons in the Class 6A Division II title game at AT&T Stadium on Saturday. Both teams showcased their strengths, but the Vipers’ balanced offense and opportunistic defense proved too much for the Dragons.
First Quarter:
Southlake Carroll began the game with the ball and moved it efficiently on their first drive. However, a penalty near midfield derailed the momentum, forcing a punt. The Vipers’ offense was unable to capitalize and punted back.
The Dragons opened the scoring late in the first quarter when quarterback Angelo Renda connected with Brody Knowles for a 9-yard touchdown, capping off a strong passing drive. Vandegrift wasted no time responding. On their second play of the following drive, Miles Teodecki found George Farley IV down the sideline for an 84-yard touchdown pass, a state championship record. The game was tied 7-7 after one quarter.
Second Quarter:
Vandegrift’s offense found its rhythm early in the second quarter. Mixing the run and pass, the Vipers moved 75 yards downfield, highlighted by a 38-yard reception by Farley. Brendan Fournier finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, giving Vandegrift a 14-7 lead.
On the ensuing Carroll possession, Vandegrift’s Jack Huerkamp intercepted a Renda pass to give the Vipers another chance to extend their lead. While the offense stalled and missed a 35-yard field goal, the Vipers’ defense struck again when Adam Scott forced a fumble, recovered by Scott Buchanan.
This time, the Vipers capitalized. Teodecki found Fournier for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 14 seconds remaining in the half, extending the lead to 21-7. Carroll managed to drive quickly into field goal range but missed a 47-yard attempt as time expired.
Third Quarter:
The Dragons came out swinging in the second half, scoring quickly on a 23-yard pass from Renda to Brock Boyd to cut the lead to 21-14. Carroll’s defense then stood tall with a goal-line stand, stopping the Vipers on fourth-and-goal inside the 5-yard line.
However, Vandegrift’s defense answered again. Matt Draeken intercepted Renda, halting a promising Dragons drive. Neither team was able to add points for the rest of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter:
Early in the fourth, Vandegrift went on a methodical drive but was forced to settle for a 34-yard field goal by Wiley Olson, extending their lead to 24-14. With time running out, Southlake Carroll mounted one last push. They drove inside the Vandegrift 10-yard line, but a pass breakup by CJ Mooring on fourth-and-goal ended the drive with 2:32 remaining.
Carroll got the ball back with 44 seconds left and quickly moved into field goal range. They converted a 33-yard kick as time expired, making the final score 24-17.
Key Performers:
- Miles Teodecki (VAN): 14/17, 248 yards, 2 TDs
- Brendan Fournier (VAN): 160 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 receiving TD
- George Farley IV (VAN): 4 catches, 134 yards, 1 TD
- Angelo Renda (SC): 18/21, 254 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
- Brock Boyd (SC): 10 catches, 136 yards, 1 TD
The Vipers’ defense was the difference, forcing three turnovers and making crucial stops throughout the game. Vandegrift’s victory marked a historic achievement for the program, ending the season as state champions.
Photos by Stan Martin
