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Vandegrift Heads to State with Thrilling Victory

Austin Vandegrift over Humble Summer Creek in Semifinals 2024 by Steve Thomas

photos: Steve Thomas

The Austin Vandegrift Vipers thrive on people doubting them. Entering the season with a new starting quarterback, a retooled offensive line, and multiple other new starters on both sides of the ball, the Vipers appeared destined for a rebuilding year. Rather than simply accept these circumstances, the Vipers used the naysayers and doubters as motivation. With that motivation and work ethic inherent in the Vandegrift program, the Vipers won a district title and made a run to the 6A-D2 semifinals.  

Having reached the semifinals, the Vipers once again faced doubts about reaching the state title game. To reach the state finals for the second time in school history, the Vipers had to get past the defending 6A-D2 runner-up Humble Summer Creek Bulldogs. The Bulldogs were 12-2 and featured a plethora of talent including dual-threat quarterback Blake Thomas. Despite going down 14-0 early, the Vipers rallied secured a second trip to state with a thrilling 34-31 victory.  

Early in the game, the outlook for the Vipers was bleak. In the first quarter, Vandegrift's offense struggled to get any momentum. Blake Thomas put Summer Creek ahead 14-0 with a 26-yard touchdown pass to running back Caleb Williams and a nine-yard keeper. Thomas accounted for over 300 yards of total offense in the first half alone. 

Unfazed, the Vipers quickly turned the tide. Receiver Gavin Koester returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, and linebacker Jack Huerkamp recovered a fumble on the next Summer Creek drive. Following the fumble, running back Brendan Fournier tied the game on a two-yard touchdown run. Summer Creek responded with a 35yd field goal, and 64-yard touchdown pass from Thomas to receiver Benny Easter. Shortly before halftime, Vandegrift quarterback Miles Toedecki connected with receiver George Farley for a seven-yard touchdown pass.  

On the opening drive of the second half, Miles Toedecki connected with Gavin Koester for a 56-yard pass; and Brendan Fournier put Vandegrift back in front with a two-yard touchdown run. Summer Creek running back Kashawn Jackson put the Bulldogs back in front, however, on the next drive with a two-yard run. 

Early in the fourth quarter, Miles Toedecki made his biggest play of the night with a 57-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jack Rudberg. To add to the drama, the Bulldogs blocked the extra point. Following the touchdown, defensive back Matt Draeken intercepted Blake Thomas's pass at the Vipers' 19-yard line.  

With 18 seconds remaining, Summer Creek got the ball back at their own eight-yard line for one last shot at retuning to the state title game. After catching the last desperation pass from Thomas, however, the receiver fumbled the ball on a lateral; and the Vipers recovered.

After the game, an elated Vandegrift Head Coach Drew Sanders praised his team's character and resilience. "No one gave us a chance," Sanders said and credited his team for overcoming the challenges of the season. Next week, the Vipers will travel to Arlington to face the Southlake Carroll Dragons in the 6A-D2 Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. The Dragons advanced to the State Championship Game with a dramatic 20-17 win over Longview. 

Summer Creek finishes the season at 12-3

by Steve Thomas

Players Pictured

Vandegrift

#4 Brendan Fourner
#6 George Farley
#10 CJ Mooring
#42 Adam Scott
#48 Van Erwin
#63 Austin Lewis

Summer Creek

#2 Blake Thomas
#3 Brandon Jones
#4 Duryea Green
#14 Caleb Williams

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