Inside the St. Pius X Auditorium, it was all smiles on Wednesday morning.
Why shouldn't there have been? It was National Signing Day and six student-athletes were about to make life-changing decisions. They would sign to compete at the next level.
Football led the group as five athletes signed.
Andrew McGuire (Benedictine College), Cam McKeon (Nazarene University), Thomas Meadough (Oklahoma Baptist University), Jagger Pagano (University of San Diego) and Tony Ziegler (Wisconsin Lutheran College) all signed.
The final athlete to sign was Rushil Desai, who signed to run cross country at Trinity University.
On paper, it means almost nothing.
The Vandegrift Vipers are locked in as the top seed in Division II; the Round Rock Dragons have secured the top spot in Division I. But “almost nothing” isn’t the same thing as “nothing.” There’s still plenty at stake when Vandegrift and Round Rock collide Friday night (11/8) at Ed W. Monroe Memorial Stadium in the VYPE Central Texas High School Football Game of the Week, simulcast on 102.7 FM ESPN Austin radio.
For starters, the District 25-6A title is up for grabs. Yes, Vandegrift (7-0, 8-1) is guaranteed at least a share of the title, but the Vipers don’t want to share. Vandegrift is looking for its second straight undefeated district crown; a win by Round Rock (6-1, 8-1) would prevent that from happening and would allow the Dragons a chance to claim a piece of that title for themselves.
There’s also history to consider. Vandegrift has racked up a remarkable 48-2 district record since joining what was then District 13-6A, now 25-6A, seven years ago. Those two losses? Courtesy of Round Rock. So, while Vandegrift leads the overall series 4-2, this is a grudge match. Throw in pride, bragging rights and momentum and that makes this a huge game – the opposite of “nothing” – heading into the post-season.
Vandegrift has gotten healthier as the season’s gone on. At one time down to a 6th-string running back – who torched defenses in his two games – the Vipers have seen the return of seniors Brendan Fournier (91-578, 6.4 YPC, 11 TDs) and, more recently Marcion Williams. That power running game complements an explosive passing game led by junior quarterback Miles Teodecki (104-157, 1,827 Yds., 26 TDs, 5 INTs.) The Viper defense, meanwhile, has returned to form since Vandegrift’s Week 2 double overtime loss to Cedar Park. Vandegrift has logged three shutouts, its starting unit recently posting 15+ straight scoreless quarters.
Round Rock has followed a similar path. After a mid-season “how-did-that-happen” loss to Cedar Ridge, the Dragons have gotten hot and embarked on their second four-game winning streak of the year. Like Vandegrift, the Dragons have a new junior quarterback in Jack Appl (104-183, 1,364 Yds., 14 TDs, 7 INTs) directing an offense that’s posting 32.8 points-per-game. And like Vandegrift, Round Rock’s defense has done well, holding opponents to just 15 points per game.
Vandegrift vs. Round Rock will once again establish District 25-6A bragging rights. And that’s all that matters to both teams.
What: Vandegrift vs. Round Rock
When: 7:00 Pregame, 7:30 Kickoff
Where: Ed W. Monroe Memorial Stadium
Who: Merle Bertrand, Matt Sanders, Hank Hudson
Watch: https://www.vype.com/7pm-football-vandegrift-vs-round-rock-2669590571
Listen: 102.7 FM ESPN Austin, https://www.1027espn.com/
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