State Champ Vandegrift Falls in Opener
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Updated: September 1, 2025
photos: Steve Thomas
Dripping Springs Shocks Austin Vandegrift
Before the season, the Dripping Springs Tigers faced several questions. Could quarterback Chase Ames lead the offense despite little varsity playing time? Could running back Jaceton Gotta fill the massive shoes of former stalwart Jack Tyndall? Could the Tigers compete with perennial powerhouses including Austin Vandegrift, Austin Westlake, and Lake Travis, and could the Tigers accomplish their goal of playing 16 games and winning a state championship?
With all of these questions, the Tigers made a resounding statement in their opener Friday night. Behind a tough physical performance on both sides of the ball, the Tigers dominated the defending 6A-D2 champion Austin Vandegrift Vipers 41-14.
For most of the game, the Tigers were in control. The Tigers led 20-0 before Vandegrift finally found the end zone late in the second quarter. In his first start, Chase Ames proved he was ready for the starting job throwing for three touchdowns. Standout receivers, Cooper Reid and Merrik Bloomgren each caught a touchdown along with Jaceton Gotta. Gotta stepped into his new role admirably. Gotta rushed for 84 yards and added 100 yards receiving. Running back Lawson Attaway scored two touchdowns on the ground, and receiver Will Foreman scored the game’s final touchdown.
Most of Gotta’s receiving yards came from one of the biggest plays of the game. Early in the third quarter, Vandegrift was starting to find its stride. Quarterback Miles Teodecki connected with Gavin Koester for a 56-yard pass, and running back Justin Moore punched it in two plays later. On the ensuing drive, the Vipers pushed the Tigers backwards On 3rd and 20 deep in his own territory, however, Amers connected with Gotta for a 71-yard pass. The Tigers then converted a fourth down, and Gotta caught a 17-yard touchdown pass two plays later.
Defensively, the Tigers held the normally potent Viper offense in check. Vandegrift failed to establish a run game, and Teodecki and his receivers looked out of sync at times. Following Gotta’s touchdown, Dripping Springs defensive back Colten Tripp made a critical interception, and the Tigers sealed the game.
While acknowledging the significance of the win, Head Coach Galen Zimmerman also emphasized that his team had bigger aspirations. “This is just one game,” Zimmerman said. “We want to play 16 games (and win a state championship.” Zimmerman praised his team’s physicality as well as their focus performing under pressure.
by Steve Thomas
Players Pictured
Dripping Springs
2 Cooper Reid
11 Colton Hanson
14 Kyle Daniel
27 Jaceton Gotta
28 Dylan Brasher
62 Braxton Jones
75 John Ault
Vandegrift
1 Brock Chilton
6 Parker Davis
8 Tobias Gray
9 Hugo DeLaVara Vazquez
12 Miles Teodecki
22 Joey Fennell
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