Round Rock suffered its most decisive defeat in nearly a year, falling 35-6 to the Vandegrift Vipers on Friday night. This loss marked the Dragons’ third straight setback against the Vipers, a team that has become a tough rival for Round Rock. Despite the tough outcome, senior running back Joaquin Maldonado was a bright spot for the Dragons, rushing for a career-high 126 yards, even as Round Rock’s four-game winning streak came to an end, leaving them with an 8-2 record. Vandegrift, on the other hand, continued their winning momentum, extending their streak to eight games and finishing the regular season at 9-1.
The Vipers seized control of the game in the second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to put distance between them and Round Rock. Vandegrift’s senior running back, Brendan Fournier, led the charge with two touchdowns and 102 rushing yards, while quarterback Miles Teodecki threw for three touchdowns, guiding the Vipers to their second consecutive undefeated district title. This win also cemented their dominance in district play, where they hold an impressive 49-2 record since moving to 13/25-6A.
The game began with both teams in a defensive standoff, with the only first-quarter score coming from Teodecki’s five-yard touchdown pass to Marcion Williams. However, the Vipers broke things open in the second quarter. After Round Rock failed to convert a fourth-and-1 deep in their own territory, Fournier capitalized with a 15-yard touchdown run, putting the Vipers up 14-0. Teodecki soon followed with a 36-yard touchdown pass to Jack Rudberg, who found himself wide open over the middle, extending the lead to 21-0. Fournier’s second rushing touchdown capped a long drive, sending the Vipers into halftime comfortably ahead, 28-0.
Round Rock remained committed to their ground game in the second half. Maldonado continued to break through Vandegrift’s defense with his 24 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Junior quarterback Jack Appl also scored on a 15-yard run, finally putting Round Rock on the board. The Dragons appeared poised to close the gap when they advanced to the Vipers’ 3-yard line, but a series of penalties and Vandegrift’s resilient defense forced a turnover on downs, stalling Round Rock’s momentum.
In the closing minutes, Vandegrift’s Scott Buchanan made an athletic interception, setting the Vipers up at Round Rock’s 14-yard line. Teodecki capitalized with a 10-yard jump pass to senior tight end Hudson Ratcliff, sealing the 35-6 victory.
Vandegrift, now 9-1, will enter the playoffs as the top seed and host Austin High on Friday, Nov. 15, while Round Rock, at 8-2, will take on Lake Travis in their bi-district playoff opener.
