Leander Vandegrift Routs Round Rock Cedar Ridge
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Updated: October 31, 2020
photos: Steve Thomas
Vipers extend district win streak to 19 games
In high school football, some programs rebuild. Others simply reload. Under head coach Drew Sanders, the Vandegrift Vipers are able to do the latter. After going a combined 20-0 during the regular season over the past two years, this season appeared to be a possible rebuilding year. The Vipers had to replace starters on defense and multiple starters on offense, including the quarterback. Aside from a 21-7 loss to perennial powerhouse Cedar Park in week one, the Vipers do not appear to have missed a beat. Since that opening loss, the Vipers have scored an average of 39 points per game while allowing an average of only 6.75 points.
Also, since 2018, the Vipers have not lost a district contest. That streak continued Friday night as the Vipers dominated the Round Rock Cedar Ridge Raiders 35-6.
Throughout the game, the Vipers employed a diverse offensive attack; and the defense stifled the Cedar Ridge offense. In the first quarter on the Vipers’ opening drive, running back Ryan Sheppard scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Two plays prior, quarterback Ryan Back had set up the score with a 24-yard keeper to the Cedar Ridge one-yard line.
Later in the quarter, Sheppard found the end zone again on a five-yard touchdown run to put Vandegrift up 14-0. Shortly before halftime, quarterback Reece Beauchamp scored on a 32-yard touchdown run from the wildcat which gave the Vipers a 21-0 lead. For the entire half, the Vandegrift defense allowed 51 yards of offense and two first downs.
In the second half, Back connected with running back Bowen Lewis on a 33-yard touchdown pass on the Vipers’ second drive. On the ensuing drive, the Raiders were finally able to get on the board when quarterback Joaquin Sandoval scored on a four-yard touchdown keeper. The Raiders missed the extra-point attempt, however.
Early in the fourth quarter, defensive back Logan Arnold sealed the game for Vandegrift with a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown.
After the game, Coach Sanders praised his team’s performance along with their ability to grow and adapt throughout the season. Sanders had high praise for his defense, especially given the impact of matriculation from the previous year. Offensively, Sanders praised Back for his ability to learn and lead the offense and the offensive line for their adaptability.
For the team as a whole, Sanders lauded their preparation as well as their close-knit camaraderie. At halftime, that camaraderie was on full display as senior and Team Manager Tommy Hartman was crowned Vandegrift’s Homecoming King. Upon the announcement, the entire team exploded into cheers and applause.
After the game, the celebration continued with Hartman giving one of his iconic post-game speeches.
With the win, Vandegrift improves to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in district. Next week, the Vipers travel to Kelley Reeves Stadium in Round Rock for a Thursday-night showdown with the Round Rock Westwood Warriors (2-1 overall, 1-0 district.) Cedar Ridge, meanwhile, falls to 2-3 overall and 1-2 in district. Next week, the Raiders will host the Round Rock McNeil Mavericks (0-6 overall, 0-4 district) on Friday at Kelley Reeves Stadium.
by Steve Thomas
Vandegrift 35, Cedar Ridge 6
TEAM STATS
INDIVIDUAL STATS
PASSING… Cedar Ridge: Joaquin Sandoval 10-18-1 72; Vandegrift: Ryan Back 10-18-0 163 TD.
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