When a program has only been around for 14 years, it doesn’t have many “old” rivals. However, for Vandegrift, Vista Ridge counts.
The Vipers brought the intensity to last Friday's contest, grinding down a tough Rangers defense to turn a 17 point halftime lead, before ultimately walking away with a 45-0 victory at Gupton Stadium.
Vandegrift's Miles Coleman (Sr. WR) spun out of a would-be tackle to turn a short hitch route into a 48-yard TD from Deuce Adams (Sr. QB). Following a 3-and-out, Adams connected with sophomore Brock Chilton to set the table for a Zaid Oliver to rush into the end zone from five yards out in order to extend the Vipers' lead.
Vista Ridge has struggled on offense all year, and with standout linebacker Grant Anderson moonlighting at quarterback for injured starter Jackson Arnot, the Rangers could had trouble getting anything going.
Coming into the matchup, the Vipers had averaged a mere 7.5 points per game, and they bolstered that stat-line by completing their second shutout of the season.
This would allow Vandegrift’s high octane offense to exploit the Rangers’ tiring defense in the second half, with Adams (17-226, 252 yds., 3 TDs) connecting on scoring strikes to Coleman and Brock Chilton (So. WR), while Brendan Fornier (Jr. RB) and Ben Emanuel each reached pay-dirt on the ground.
With the win, Vandegrift (9-0, 6-0) maintains their perfect season, and effectively clinched sole possession of the District 25-6A crown, which marks their sixth consecutive district title.
The Vipers will host the resurgent Westwood this Friday night on at Monroe Memorial Stadium. Vista Ridge (6-3, 3-3) travels to Dragon Stadium Friday for a critical game against Round Rock ahead of the upcoming postseason.