Vipers Payback the Dragons

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: October 16, 2022

Leander Vandegrift - Round Rock by Steve Thomas

photos: Steve Thomas

Leander Vandegrift Gets Revenge Against Round Rock

In District 25-6A, a new rivalry is developing between the Leander Vandegrift Vipers and the Round Rock Dragons. Despite only having ever played each other four times, the series was split at two games apiece prior to Friday night’s game; and the games were decided by an average of just under nine points. Adding to the intrigue, the games between the two teams factored heavily in the district title race.

This season, both teams entered the game at 3-0 in district and in a three-way tie for first place with Leander Vista Ridge (4-2, 3-0.) Also at stake for Vandegrift was a chance to avenge last year’s 38-20 loss to Round Rock. On Friday night, the Vipers got their revenge and took a major step towards recapturing the district title with a 30-22 victory.

In the first half, the Vipers took advantage of some Round Rock miscues and jumped out to an early lead; but the Dragons showed tremendous resolve and kept the game well within reach. On the opening drive, Vandegrift running back Alex Witt capped off a 75-yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run to give Vandegrift a 7-0 lead. On the ensuing drive, the Dragons drove the ball into Viper territory; but the Viper defense got its first of three stops on fourth down on the night. Early in the second quarter, kicker Kai Haruki netted a 45-yard field goal to put the Dragons on the scoreboard. The Vipers responded on their next drive when quarterback Brayden Buchanan found the end zone on a two-yard touchdown keeper. Following the touchdown, the Dragons once again drove the ball deep into Vandegrift territory; but the Vipers’ defense stiffened and forced another Round Rock field goal. Vandegrift wasted little time responding as Buchanan connected with receiver Miles Coleman for a 60-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the next drive. Shortly before halftime, the Dragons put together a drive that culminated in a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mason Cochran to receiver Adam Borel.

In the third quarter, the Dragons built on the momentum from the end of the first half. Starting with the ball after halftime, the Dragons drove the ball deep into Vandegrift territory; but the Viper defense once again held firm and forced the Dragons to settle for a field goal. After the Dragon defense forced the Vipers to punt, the Dragons put together a methodical drive featuring the three-headed rushing attack of Cochran and running backs Vincent Mighetto-Frueh and Ruben Ribiero. The drive took eight minutes off the game clock and culminated with Cochran giving Round Rock its first lead of the night on a one-yard touchdown keeper. The Dragons failed the two-point conversion, however, which left the score at 22-21.

With the defense gassed and players restless after the long methodical Round Rock drive, the Viper offense orchestrated an ideal response. On the ensuing drive, the Vipers put together their own lengthy drive of just under four minutes; and Buchanan put the Vipers back in front 27-22 with a three-yard touchdown keeper. The rejuvenated Viper defense then forced the Dragons to punt, and the Vipers caught a massive break when Cochran’s knee was ruled down at the Dragon four-yard line before he made the punt. Despite the excellent field position, a bad snap on the first play of the drive moved the Vipers back 13 yards; and the Vipers were ultimately forced to settle for a 29-yard field goal by Hayden Arnold.

With 2:44 left in the game, the Dragons got the ball back and had a promising start to the drive. Once again, however, the Vandegrift defense rose to the occasion. As the Dragons were approaching midfield, the Viper defense got a crucial sack of Cochran and also stopped the Dragons’ last-gasp attempt to convert on fourth down well short of the line to gain.

After the game, Vandegrift Head Coach Drew Sanders praised his team’s physicality and resilience. Sanders said that he felt that Round Rock was the more physical team last year and made that a point of emphasis this year. Sanders said, “All week we’ve been saying, ‘We have to be the more physical team;’ and in key situations, we were.” With the win, Vandegrift improves to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in district. Next week, the Vipers will travel to Kelly Reeves Stadium in Round Rock for a Thursday-night showdown against the Round Rock Cedar Ridge Raiders (4-3, 3-1.)

For his part, Round Rock Head Coach Jeff Cheatham credited his team with playing a tough physical game. He expressed optimism regarding the outlook for the rest of the season and believes his team is in a place to be very competitive throughout. With the loss, Round Rock falls to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in district. Next week, the Dragons will return home to Dragon Stadium for a district showdown with the Round Rock McNeil Mavericks (2-5, 0-4.)

Players Pictured

Vandegrift