By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal
If anyone wondered if Vandegrift was still part of the high school football elite in the Austin area, the Vipers would like a word.
Vandegrift flexed its muscles Friday with a 47-0 romp of District 25-6A rival Cedar Ridge at Monroe Stadium in northwest Austin.
“We know who we are,” said Vandegrift running back Brendan Fournier. “We dominated on all aspects of the game. It was a good shutout, and I believe we scored on every possession in the first half.”
Fournier was correct. The Vipers scored and scored often getting it done with a ferocious passing attack by quarterback Miles Teodecki, who threw for five touchdowns and big plays by wide receiver Jack Rudberg.
Rudberg had two touchdown catches of three and six yards.
A series of unfortunate events for the Raiders
Cedar Ridge (3-4, 3-2 District 25-6A) had its three-game winning streak, which included a win over then unbeaten Round Rock, snapped on Friday.
The Raiders offense couldn’t get anything going and was held without a first down in the first half. That had more to do with Vandegrift (5-1, 4-0) and a dominant defensive showing.
Cedar Ridge’s misfortunes started on its first possession when on fourth down, the snap went over punter Jordyn Lambert’s head and out of the endzone for a Vandegrift safety.
The Vipers then turned the ensuing possession into a show of offensive strength with a 56-yard touchdown pass from Teodecki to George Farley to put Vandegrift ahead 9-0.
From then on, the Vipers defense was in the face of quarterback Jack Rippen on every down, making it a long night for the senior.
“I can’t say enough about our defense,” said Vandegrift head coach Drew Sanders. “Our theme this week was W.I.N., which stands for what’s important now. That means the only game that matters is this game, and I thought by the performance, they did a great job of taking ownership of that.”
Welcome back, Brendan
Fournier sprained his ankle in the Vipers’ season opener against Dripping Springs. The senior missed the following two games against Cedar Park and Stony Point.
Fournier has gradually worked his way back from the injury and had several touches Friday night. He said after the game that he “felt great.”
Fournier is one of three returning offensive starters for Vandegrift, Sanders said Fournier’s presence on the field makes a difference.
“Well, he’s a first team all-district running back, you just don’t make those out of nothing,” Sanders said. “He’s a tough. He’s our team captain, and we really missed him when he was out… he means a lot to our team.”
Putting the pieces together
Vandegrift began the season with a lot of unknowns.There were several new faces on offense, including a new quarterback, new wide receivers and nearly an entire new offensive line.
It wasn’t just the offense; the Vipers’ defense also had a lot of new faces in key positions.
“We had so many new starters at the beginning of the year, so I’m pleased with our progress as a team,” Sanders said. “It took us some time to figure out who’s in what spot, but you know, we’re an experienced coaching staff and sometimes that takes time to figure out. I think we’ve got people in the right spots on the team and we’re playing Vandegrift football right now.”