Vandegrift fought off an early challenge from the much-improved McNeil team and gradually pulled away for a tougher-than-it-looks 42-3 win Friday night (10/6) at Dragon Stadium.
After Vandegrift jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead on a 46-yard TD pass from Deuce Adams (Sr. QB) to Miles Coleman (Sr. WR). It seemed as if the rout was already on.
But the Mavericks, under the drirection of head coach – and former Vandegrift DC -- Scott Hermes, mounted an impressive drive that resulted in a field goal to trim the Vipers’ lead to 7-3. McNeil’s defense gave the Mavs two more opportunities to lead but the Viper defense came through to allow Adams and company to get back on track.
Jr. RB Brendan Fournier darted in the end zone for a 10-yd score, followed by Adams completing a 26-yarder to twin brother Eli to expand the lead to 21-3.
Adams (14-19, 243 Yds, 4 TD, 1 INT) then heaved a 45-yard Hail Mary that Sr. TE Jase Skoglund tipped to Sr. Jordan Oliver in the back corner of the end zone for a 28-3 halftime lead. Skoglund would catch a TD pass of his own, while Jr. DB Aiden Jones tacked on a pick-six to close out the scoring.
Vandegrift (6-0, 3-0) returns to Dragon Stadium for a Thursday night showdown against Round Rock, with the winner having the inside track to the district title.
McNeil (3-3, 1-2) faces Westwood in a critical contest at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex on Friday.