For Vandegrift, Friday’s game marks the beginning of a new chapter following a historic 2024 campaign that saw the Vipers finish 15–1 and claim their first-ever UIL state title with a 24–17 victory over Southlake Carroll at AT&T Stadium.
Head coach Drew Sanders — named District 25-6A Coach of the Year — returns a battle-tested core hungry to prove last season was no fluke.
Leading the charge is senior signal-caller Miles Teodecki, a three-star Kansas State-commit who put together one of the state’s most prolific seasons last fall. Teodecki threw for over 3,200 yards and 48 touchdowns, adding four more scores on the ground to earn district Offensive MVP honors.
He’ll once again have top target Brock Chilton at his disposal. The Air Force-bound senior wideout earned first-team, all-district recognition last fall and brings a blend of quickness and sure hands to the perimeter.
Up front, the Vipers will be anchored by a veteran offensive line featuring Parker Cecil, the reigning District Offensive Lineman of the Year, alongside Carter Mannon, another first-team selection.
Defensively, Vandegrift’s front-seven brings back proven starters in linebacker Parker Davis and defensive end Hugo De La Vara Vazquez. Both earned second-team, all-district honors last season and will be instrumental in slowing down a high-powered Dripping Springs passing attack.
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The Tigers, meanwhile, come into 2025 with plenty of motivation after finishing 8–4 in one of the state’s most competitive districts. Coach Galen Zimmerman and co. placed third in 26-6A — behind juggernauts Westlake and Lake Travis — and advanced to the Area Round before falling to a surging Harlan squad.
Offensively, Dripping Springs boasts one of the top wide receiver duos in the area. Senior Cooper Reid, an Arizona State-commit, returns after posting over 1,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns en route to unanimous first-team, all-district honors. He’s joined by Merrik Bloomgren, a reliable second-team selection who adds depth and experience to the group.
Up front, the Tigers feature a promising mix of youth and experience, headlined by junior Hudson Whitenight — a three-star tackle and Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2024 — and senior John Ault, a first-team, all-district honoree.
On defense, Malachi Igharo leads the secondary after earning first-team recognition at cornerback, while Kyle Daniel and Dylan Brasher round out a versatile linebacker unit that will be tasked with containing Vandegrift’s balanced offensive attack.
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Though it’s only Week 1, both programs enter with expectations — and rosters — built for deep postseason runs.
For Vandegrift, the target is squarely on their back as the reigning champs. For Dripping Springs, it’s an early opportunity to show they belong in the conversation. Under the Friday night lights, those ambitions will begin to take shape — one possession at a time.
