Vandegrift Downs Rebuilt Dripping Springs
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Updated: September 1, 2024
photos: Steve Thomas
Austin Vandegrift Aces Opening Test Against Dripping Springs
Austin Vandegrift passed a formidable test on Friday in their season opener with a 31-14 win over Dripping Springs. Both teams had high expectations entering the season, but they also faced challenges. Dripping Springs featured an almost entirely new defense from last year. The Tigers also featured several new faces on the offensive line but also returned veteran quarterback Maddox Maher and workhorse running back Jack Tyndall.
Vandegrift similarly featured a new offensive line and a new starting quarterback. On defense, the Vipers were as dangerous as ever. The Vipers returned several key veterans including linebacker Adam Scott and defensive lineman Daeshon Morgan. Vandegrift Head Coach Drew Sanders praised his team’s performance, especially in the first half, saying, “You could tell we were mentally prepared for our performance.”
In the first half, Vandegrift dominated on both sides of the ball. The Vipers’ defense wreaked havoc on Dripping Springs, and the offense made several big plays. Dripping Springs did not convert a first down in the first quarter. Offensively, the Vipers were able to move the ball effectively. In his first-ever varsity start, quarterback Miles Toedecki looked very comfortable in the pocket and made several big plays to put Vandegrift up 21-0 early in the second quarter. Toedecki threw for three touchdowns including a 34-yard pass to receiver Brock Chilton, a 50-yard pass to receiver George Farley, and a 19-yard pass to receiver Gavin Koester. Toedecki finished the game 18/25 for 226 yards.
The lone score for Dripping Springs in the first half was a 34-yard touchdown pass from Maddox Maher to receiver Cooper Reid in the second quarter. Running back Brendan Fournier responded with a 50-yard touchdown for Vandegrift, and kicker Wiley Olson netted a 27-yard field goal before halftime.
In the second half, Dripping Springs began to find their footing. Maher was able to find a few gaps in the Vandegrift secondary, and Jack Tyndall was able to establish more of a power run game. Defensively, the Tigers’ defensive line did a better job containing the Vandegrift run game and got greater pressure on Toedecki. The secondary also did a better job containing the Viper receivers. Late in the third quarter, Maher scored a one-yard touchdown keeper and cut the Viper lead to 17; but that’s as close as the Tigers got.
Despite the loss, Dripping Springs Head Coach Galen Zimmerman credited his team’s perseverance Zimmerman said that his players did not “hang their heads,” and instead fought to the end. Zimmerman also said that the game was good learning experience, especially for his young team.
Next week, Vandegrift heads to Gupton Stadium for a showdown with Leander ISD rival Cedar Park.
Dripping Springs, meanwhile, will return home to face San Antonio Wagner.
by Steve Thomas
Players Pictured
Vandegrift
#1 Brock Chilton
#5 Ian Witt
#6 George Farley
#9 Scott Buchanan
#94 Hugo DeLaVara Vazquez
Dripping Springs
#1 Case Hubbard
#5 Maddox Maher
#8 Nick Tyndall
#18 Jack Tyndall
#74 Hudson Whitenight
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