Vandegrift Outplays Southlake Carroll for Title
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Updated: December 21, 2024
Class 6A Division II State Championship Game
Austin Vandegrift Vipers Claim First State Title with Gritty Win Over Southlake Carroll
Arlington, TX – The Austin Vandegrift Vipers etched their name in Texas high school football history with a hard-fought 24-17 victory over the Southlake Carroll Dragons on Saturday at AT&T Stadium. The win marked the first state championship in Vandegrift's history, a remarkable redemption after falling short in the 2022 title game.
First Half Action
Southlake Carroll (15-1) struck first with quarterback Angelo Renda connecting on a precise 9-yard touchdown pass to Brody Knowles in the first quarter, capping a 7-play, 74-yard drive. However, the Vipers (15-1) responded immediately. On just their second play of the ensuing drive, quarterback Miles Teodecki unleashed an 84-yard bomb to George Farley, tying the game at 7-7.
Vandegrift’s offense gained momentum in the second quarter. Running back Brendan Fournier scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, concluding a methodical 7-play, 75-yard drive. Just before halftime, Teodecki found Fournier again for a 10-yard touchdown pass, giving the Vipers a commanding 21-7 lead at the break.
Second Half Drama
The Dragons regrouped in the third quarter. Renda orchestrated a swift 3-play, 71-yard drive, highlighted by a 23-yard touchdown strike to Blake Boyd, narrowing the deficit to 21-14.
In the fourth quarter, Vandegrift extended their lead with Noah Kalberer’s 33-yard field goal, but Southlake Carroll refused to go quietly. With less than a minute remaining, kicker Gavin Strange converted a 47-yard field goal to cut the lead to 24-17. An onside kick attempt followed but was secured by Vandegrift, sealing the historic victory.
Key Stats
Teodecki delivered a near-perfect performance, completing 14 of 17 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns. Fournier was a workhorse, rushing for 160 yards on 28 carries and adding 27 receiving yards with a touchdown.
For Southlake Carroll, Renda passed for 351 yards and two touchdowns but was intercepted twice, including a pivotal turnover by Jack Huerkamp in the second quarter.
Team Statistics
- Vandegrift: 441 total yards (193 rushing, 248 passing), 17 first downs.
- Southlake Carroll: 404 total yards (53 rushing, 351 passing), 21 first downs.
Defensive Highlights
The Vipers’ defense made crucial plays, forcing two interceptions and recovering a fumble. Linebacker Adam Scott led the charge with nine tackles and a forced fumble.
Quotable
The Vipers capped their 15-1 season in storybook fashion, overcoming one of the state’s most storied programs in Southlake Carroll. As the final buzzer sounded at AT&T Stadium, the Vandegrift faithful celebrated a championship years in the making.
Offensive MVP: Miles Teodecki (Vandegrift)
Defensive MVP: Scott Buchanan (Vandegrift)
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