Vandegrift raced out to an early lead behind the tag-team rushing attack of juniors Preston James and Evan Williamson. James (18-103, 5.7 YPC, TD) capped off a brutally efficient opening drive with a 15-yard run to stake the Vipers to an early lead.
But it wouldn’t survive the quarter.
Cedar Park got on the board with the first of three field goals from junior Jack Girdeau, a 45-yarder that made it 7-3. Then a 26-yard touchdown strike from senior David Cooper (14-17, 179 Yds., TD) to senior Brayden Jahns (6-100, 16.7 YPC, TD) put the Timberwolves up 10-7 after the first quarter.
The teams traded second quarter field goals: Viper senior Landon Klein tied the game on a 38-yard kick before Girardeau’s 21-yard chip shot put the Timberwolves back on top. Then came a huge momentum shift.
Late in the second quarter, Vandegrift recovered a muffed punt at the Cedar Park 17-yard line and appeared poised to take a halftime lead -- but couldn’t capitalize. Instead, a missed Viper field goal sent Cedar Park into the locker room with their 13-10 lead intact.
Both defenses dominated in the third quarter. With Vandegrift’s offense hobbled after losing Williamson to injury, Cedar Park’s balanced offense took advantage of a tiring Vandegrift defense. With seniors Lucas Viloria (28-82) and Kysen Pham (14-42, TD) grinding out the clock, Girardeau’s hat trick upped the visitors’ lead to 16-10 before Pham’s 6-yard run capped off the clinching drive.
Cedar Park (4-0, 8-0) has now defeated each of the other three top contenders for the district crown and appears poised to capture the title in their first year as a 6A program. The Timberwolves host East View Friday night (11/23) before closing out the season as the visitors at Gupton against Vista Ridge.
After experiencing a third regular season loss for the first time since 2017, Vandegrift looks to get back on track and solidify their playoff position against Leander Friday night (10/23) at Bible Stadium.
VYPE Live will broadcast all those games.
