VYPE Austin Central Texas Game of the Week Recap: Vandegrift runs over Rouse
Anyone looking at the stats for Vandegrift’s 42-28 win over Rouse might be left scratching their heads. After all, the Raiders ran nearly twice as many plays (71-39) as the Vipers, amassed more total yardage (370-281), had more first downs (17-11) and dominated the time of possession.
So how exactly did the Vipers come away with their clutch 41-28 win in our VYPE Austin CenTex Game of the Week last Friday night (10/30)? Credit some of that two long kickoff returns for touchdown by junior Preston James and senior Ontario Jackman with providing the spark to keep the Vipers ahead.
There were plenty of fireworks early as well.
Rouse Senior Aubryn Davis’s (11-60, TD) 1-yard plunge capped off a long drive to stake the Raiders to an early lead. James (23-184, 8.0 YPC, 4 TD, KO Ret. TD) finished consecutive drives in the end zone after rushes of 14 and 6-yards to put the host Vipers ahead late in the second quarter.
Rouse quarterback Chase Whitten (17-26, 253 Yds., 2 TD, INT) had other ideas, however. The senior signal caller connected with senior Coen May to tie the score again at the half.
Then someone lit the fuse on the Vandegrift specials teams. James took the second half kickoff 95 untouched yards for a touchdown to help Vandegrift reclaim the lead before stragglers at the concession stand could finish their sausage wraps. After the Vipers defense stiffened to force a turnover on downs, James’ fourth touchdown of the night from 1-yard out seemingly put the hosts comfortably ahead at 28-14.
The Raiders weren’t ready to concede, however. Sophomore Amauri Dickson hauled in Whitten’s swing pass and hauled it 39 yards out to again make it a 1-possession game.
Cue Jackmon, who scooped up the ensuing bouncing kickoff and streaked for an 81-yard return to nudge Vandegrift up to a 35-21 lead.
The teams traded fourth quarter scores – Davis to Jordan Cooke on a running back pass after a reverse for Rouse; James’ fifth touchdown of the night for Vandegrift – as Vandegrift held on for the clutch win.
Rouse (2-3, 4-5) hosts East View Thursday night (11/5) with the winner advancing to the playoffs. Vandegrift (4-1, 6-3), meanwhile, clinched a playoff spot for a 14th straight season with the win. The Vipers travel to Hutto Friday night (11/6) to close out the regular season. VYPE Live will broadcast both games.