Austin Vandegrift Wins District Opener Over Georgetown East View

Both the Austin Vandegrift Vipers and Georgetown East View Patriots entered Friday night's District 24-6A contest searching for a much-needed victory. The Vipers were eager to put a heartbreaking 41-38 loss to former district rival Round Rock behind them, while the Patriots hoped to recover from a 61-7 rout at the hands of Hutto in their district opener the previous week.

Led by the running back tandem of Preston James and Evan Williamson, the Vipers earned a hard-fought 28-14 victory. Williamson rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a 71-yard scoring run, while James added 77 yards and a touchdown of his own. Receiver Ontario Jackmon also hauled in a touchdown reception as Vandegrift built an early lead. Defensively, the Vipers held East View's potent rushing attack to 149 yards and came up with two key interceptions from defensive backs Griffin Gorrebeeck and Colt Stevens.

Despite falling behind 21-0 early in the second quarter, East View refused to go away. Following Vandegrift's third touchdown, quarterback Chance Pearce scrambled 13 yards for a score to put the Patriots on the board. East View then caught the Vipers off guard with a surprise onside kick, recovering the ball in Vandegrift territory. Running back Jalani Culpepper capitalized on the short field, punching in a 10-yard touchdown run to trim the deficit to 21-14.

In the second half, Vandegrift's defense tightened up. Head coach Drew Sanders credited his team's improved play at the line of scrimmage and sure tackling for slowing the Patriots' offense. Meanwhile, Williamson and James, whom Sanders nicknamed "Thunder and Lightning," helped the Vipers control the clock and field position. With less than two minutes remaining and East View driving in Vandegrift territory, Stevens made his second-half interception to seal the victory.

With a young roster featuring a number of new contributors, Sanders emphasized the importance of winning close, competitive games.

"This team has to learn how to win those types of games," Sanders said.

Sanders also credited players such as James and Williamson for rising to the occasion and becoming leaders on the young team. Williamson said that he and several other players had been playing JV last year and praised his teammates for how they have grown into their roles.

Next week, Vandegrift (3-2 1-0) will face rival Cedar Park Vista Ridge on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Gupton Stadium.

East View (2-4, 0-2) will have a bye next week and will host Vista Ridge on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Players Pictured

Vandegrift:

#0 Griffin Gorrebeeck

#1 Gavin Koester

#2 Preston James

#4 Ontario Jackmon

East View

#4 Josiah Bowens

#8 Jalani Culpepper

#17 Justin Wright

#28 Tre Marshall III

#64 Brian Hodgkiss

#71 Lucas Soria