WACO, Texas - Vandegrift is heading to the state championship!
The Vipers took on Humble Summer Creek in the Class 6A Division II state semi-final game at Baylor's McLane Stadium in Waco.
Vandegrift was down 14-0 early in the game, until wide receiver Gavin Custer cut it in half with a kickoff return he took to the house for a touchdown.
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Vandegrift Vipers to play for championship spot
The Vandegrift High football team will play for a berth in the state championship this weekend. FOX 7's Clif Thornton has a Viper preview.
In the second quarter, running back Brendan Fournier tied it up at 14 apiece on a direct snap.
The Vipers trailed 24-21 at the half, but Fournier gave them the first lead of the game in the third quarter after punching in a short touchdown run.
Vandegrift led 28-24, but then were down three in the fourth quarter. Then quarterback Miles Teodecki hit wide-open wide receiver Jack Rudberg down the middle. Rudberg then scored from 57 yards out to give the Vipers a 34-31 lead with under nine to go.
The Vipers defeated the Bulldogs 34-31 to punch their ticket to the championship.
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2024 Playoffs: Vandegrift vs Cibolo-Steele
The Vandegrift Vipers take on the Cibolo-Steele Knights.
"You actually got to see Vandegrift's spirit. That's exactly what we're about," said head football coach Drew Sanders. "One of the things we preach is we give great effort. No matter if we're up 14 or down 14. And the guys actually lived that out. And it was beautiful because that's what the results you get.
The Vipers will take on the Southlake Carroll Dragons in the state title game on Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
The Source: Information in this report comes from reporting by FOX 7 Austin's sports team.