Vandegrift accepts coach's challenge, humbles Manor 51-6 in district blowout
Vandegrift football coach Drew Sanders told his players that their "manhood" would be tested Friday against the hottest running back in Central Texas.
The Vipers spent the week planning to contain Manor senior Titus Petteway, who needed only four games to surpass 1,000 rushing yards this fall. Their goal was to hold the Manor star to fewer than 100 yards and keep him out of the end zone.
Mission accomplished.
Vandegrift's defense limited Petteway to 74 yards — only 21 in the pivotal first half — during a surprisingly easy 51-6 victory at Monroe Stadium.
"All week we talked about locking him down, making him go sideways," Sanders said.
It was a near flawless game for Vandegrift (5-0, 2-0 District 25-6A). Led by quarterback Deuce Adams and receiver Miles Coleman, the Vipers scored touchdowns on six straight offensive possessions before the dynamic duo left the game midway through the third quarter.
Adams was spectacular, completing 16 of 21 passes for 273 yards and six touchdowns — three to his brother Eli, two to Coleman and one to running back Brendan Fournier. The transfer from New Braunfels Canyon, who has pledged to Louisville, has 15 touchdown passes through five games and has not thrown an interception.
Vandegrift earned a 369-167 edge in total yards.
But while the offense impressed a strong fan base on homecoming night, no group excelled any better than the Vipers' defense. Vandegrift did not allow a touchdown until Manor quarterback Jayson Zardavets threw a 20-yard pass to Jayden Buck with 28 seconds remaining in the game. Vandegrift played without All-Central Texas safety Alex Foster, who's expected to miss two to three weeks with an arm injury.
Among the Vipers who sparkled on defense were linemen Ian Witt and David Overhauser, linebacker Adam Scott and safety Aidan Jones. Witt, who was credited with some devastating tackles in the first half, said his teammates accepted Sanders' pregame challenge.
"I think we played great," Witt said. "We had that goal of 100 yards or less for (Petteway) and we held him for a long time. We dominated the whole game."
Manor coach James Keller offered no excuses, saying Vandegrift appears to have improved from the 2022 team that went 14-2 and reached the Class 6A Division II state finals against De Soto.
Sanders likes to tap the brakes when speaking about his team's chances to reach state again. He said the Vipers "do a good job" of staying in the moment.
It helps to have three terrific transfers join the team this year. The Adams brothers have already connected on six touchdown passes and guard Jacob Henry has solidified a strong offensive line.
Deuce Adams said he has been throwing passes to his brother since they were about 4 years old, and the chemistry between them is obvious. While Coleman, who also contributed a 58-yard punt return for another touchdown, remains the team's most dynamic weapon, the Vipers have depth at that position.
While most of his teammates had left the field after the game, Adams talked about his transition to a new school. He considers himself "blessed" to be part of Vandegrift's program and gives Sanders ample credit for its success.
"In my opinion, (Sanders) is one of the best leaders in Texas," Adams said. "He's great to play for. He's been good to me and my family, and he's been good for the football team."
Game of the night
Weiss was on the verge of losing its first game of the season until quarterback Jax Brown and receiver Jacques Spradley-Demps came to the rescue. They connect on a 46-yard touchdown pass with 54 seconds to go in a 28-25 victory over Temple. The Wolves improved to 6-0, 2-0 in District 12-6A.
McNeil makes a stand
The most eye-catching final over the weekend was McNeil's 7-6 victory over Vista Ridge. The Mavericks scored their lone touchdown on a hook-and-ladder play engineered by quarterback Jaden Sultz and Jarell Gary and Josh Gayden.
Clinging to its 7-6 lead in the fourth quarter, McNeil (3-2, 1-1 in District 25-6A) proceeded to run the final 7:30 off the clock without allowing Vista Ridge (4-1, 1-1) another possession.
Coach Scott Hermes said his staff spent much of the bye week going over tackling drills, adding that the Mavericks "swarmed to the ball" all night. Senior linebacker Kaden Patty led the team with 12 tackles.
Noteworthy
Anderson receiver Ed Small didn't have to play a full game to make an impact in a 50-13 victory over Akins. All four of his first-half catches resulted in touchdowns. He did not play in the second half because the Trojans had a 37-0 lead at halftime. ... Austin High won its first game of the year by beating Bowie 31-27, spoiling Bulldogs coach Jeff Ables' quest for his 150th career win.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Vandegrift quarterback Deuce Adams fires six touchdowns in victory
