Vandegrift claims first UIL football title, beats Southlake Carroll 24-17 for 6A Division II crown

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Similar to how the Texas Longhorns beat the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoff, the Vandegrift Vipers ran roughshod over Southlake Carroll to win the UIL 6A Division II football championship 24-17 Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. It's the first football state title in program history for the Vipers.

The Vipers racked up 193 rushing yards on 38 carries led by Brendan Fournier's huge night. He rushed for 160 yards on 28 carries with a second-quarter touchdown, adding in a receiving score just before the halftime horn.

Southlake Carroll took an early lead following a touchdown pass by Angelo Renda in the first quarter, but the Vipers answered with a score of their own — an 84-yard bomb from Miles Teodecki to George Farley with 2:31 left in the first quarter. Vandegrift took the lead with Fournier's 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and never let the Dragons back in front. Fournier hauled in a 10-yard pass with 0:14 left in the half to give Vandegrift a 21-7 lead at halftime.

Teodecki finished the night 14 of 17 passing for 248 yards with two touchdowns. Farley had four catches for 134 yards with the long touchdown.

The Vipers defense held the Dragons to 53 rushing yards on 17 attempts. Renda threw for 351 yards on 27 for 38 passing with two scores and two interceptions. Brock Boyd had 13 catches for 178 yards and a touchdown.

Adam Scott led Vandegrift with nine tackles and a forced fumble. Matthew Draeken and Jack Huerkamp had interceptions for the Vipers.

Vandegrift finished the season 15-1 with a 49-46 loss to Cedar Park in Week 2 as the only blemish. Southlake Carroll also finished the season 15-1 with its only loss to Vandegrift.