Vandegrift Advances to State Championship with Thrilling Win
WACO — In a dramatic showdown, the Vandegrift Vipers overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat Houston Summer Creek 34-31 in the Class 6A Division II state semifinal held at McLane Stadium on Saturday. This victory puts the Vipers just one win away from claiming a state title.
Quarterback _Miles Teodecki_ was instrumental in the win, throwing for _338 yards_ and two touchdowns. Running back _Brendan Fournier_ added to the Vipers’ success with _84 rushing yards_ and two scores. An electrifying 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by _Gavin Koester_ also highlighted the Vipers’ performance, while _Jack Rudberg_ made nine catches for _134 yards_ and a touchdown.
The Vipers will face _Southlake Carroll_ in the state championship game next Saturday at 3 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The excitement built as the Vipers quickly bounced back from their early struggles. After trailing 24-21, Vandegrift opened the third quarter with an impressive 87-yard scoring drive, showcasing a significant _66-yard pass_ to Koester which led to Fournier’s 2-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 24-24.
Summer Creek, leading 24-14 thanks to a 75-yard touchdown drive capped by _Keshawn Jackson’s_ 2-yard touchdown, seemed to have the momentum. However, their scoring would be stifled in the second half. Teodecki connected with Rudberg on a crucial 57-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter, marking the game-winning play.
Defensive plays also shaped the game’s outcome, with _Matt Draeken’s_ interception halting Summer Creek’s efforts to respond. The Vipers strategically used the clock, running nearly four minutes off before ultimately punting the ball back to their opponents with only seconds remaining.
For Summer Creek, _Blake Thomas_ threw for _315 yards_ and two touchdowns while also rushing for _175 yards_ and a touchdown. His connection with _Caleb Williams_ on a 26-yard touchdown pass helped stake the Bulldogs to an early lead. However, Vandegrift’s defense adjusted and contained their opponents effectively in the critical moments of the game.
