Round Rock Survives OT Thriller Against Leander Vandegrift

By Chris Doelle
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: November 21, 2020

photos: Steve Thomas

Dragon Defense Stifles Viper Offense for Key District Win

Despite its brevity, the series between the Round Rock Dragons and Vandegrift Vipers has seen its share of dramatic moments. In 2018, the Vipers converted two fourth downs and scored a touchdown with less than a minute left to secure a 27-24 win. Last year, the Vipers scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter; and the defense kept held off a last-minute rally by the Dragons for a 32-25 victory.

On Friday night, the Dragons and Vipers met in a high-stakes District 25-6A matchup. For Vandegrift, the game offered a chance to extend its district win streak to 22 games and likely secure a third-straight district title. For Round Rock, the game offered the opportunity to avenge the two previous close losses and potentially secure a district title of their own.

In the first half, the Dragons dominated both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Vipers’ defense was unable to stop the Dragons’ three-headed rushing attack of quarterback Seth Ford and running backs Israel Morgan and Tray McCoy-Gay. Ford scored the games opening touchdown on an 11-yard keeper, and Morgan scored a one-yard touchdown run on fourth and goal just before halftime.

Defensively, the Dragons made life miserable for Viper quarterback Ryan Back accumulating four sacks in the first half alone and limiting yardage through the air and on the ground.

Although the Dragons appeared to dominate the first half, the Vipers did not give up. On the opening drive of the second half, the Vipers offense came alive; and Ryan back scored on a nine-yard touchdown keeper. On the ensuing drive, the Vipers recovered Seth Ford’s fumble at their own 41-yard line. The Dragons’ defense stiffened, however, and forced the Vipers to punt.

Early in the fourth quarter, Israel Morgan scored on a 20-yard touchdown run to put Round Rock up 21-7. Following the touchdown, Round Rock’s defense forced Vandegrift to punt; but a 70-yard punt pinned the Dragons back at their own three-yard line. On the first play of the next drive, Viper defensive back Griffin Shaffer forced the ball free from Israel Morgan and recovered it at the Round Rock 12-yard line. One play later, running back Bowen Lewis powered through a host of Dragon defenders for a 12-yard touchdown run.

Late in the fourth quarter with just over a minute to go, the Dragons appeared to have the game in hand. The offense had the ball deep in Viper territory on third and one, and the Vipers were down to heir final timeout. A first down would likely have sealed the game for Round Rock. Fittingly for this matchup, however, the Dragons bobbled the snap; and Viper defensive back Ty Jordan recovered the ball at their own 37-yard line. Three plays later, Ryan Back connected with receiver Brayden Buchanan on a 40-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 21-21.

Unlike the past two years, this year was Round Rock’s turn for a storybook ending. On the opening drive of overtime, Seth Ford capped off a three-play drive with a four-yard touchdown keeper which put Round Rock in front 28-21. Following the touchdown, the defense once again rose to the occasion. On the first three plays of the ensuing Vandegrift drive, the Dragons held the Vipers to one yard on the ground. After two incomplete passes, the Vipers were down to their final play on fourth down. With everyone at Dragon Stadium holding their collective breaths, Dragon defensive back Jalen Gilbert deflected Ryan Back’s pass in the end zone to seal the victory.

Amidst the jubilant celebration after the game, Dragon quarterback Seth Ford praised his team’s performance and expressed great joy at getting such a huge win amidst all of the uncertainty of the season. Regarding overcoming the moments of adversity late in the game, tight end William Layne said, “All we have to do is look at each other,” expressing the solidarity the players felt amongst each other.

Ford also praised the defense’s performance especially in tough situations. Coach Jeff Cheatham also praised his team’s resiliency both in the game and throughout the season. With win, Round Rock improves to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in district. The Dragons will conclude their season on December 4th against Round Rock Westwood (2-3, 3-4.)

Vandegrift, meanwhile, finishes the regular season at 7-2 overall and 6-1 in district. The win total includes a win by forfeit against Round Rock Stony Point.

After the game, head coach Drew Sanders and his players were resolute in their determination to bounce back from the loss. Receiver Taylor Dummar said, “We’re going to brush this off and focus for next week.” Sanders echoed Dummar’s sentiment saying, “My guys are rock solid. They’re fired up and ready for another game right now.”

by Steve Thomas