By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Photos by ERIN SEITZLER

Vandegrift Viper football continues to be undefeated with a decisive 42-14 win over McNeil on homecoming, Oct. 12. VHS goes 7-0 overall and 5-0 in District 13-6A.

“We’ve never been 7 and 0. It’s pretty cool,” said Drew Sanders, VHS head football coach.

The team had to settle into the game a bit before it started putting up points. Isaiah Smallwood ran the first two touchdowns in later in the first quarter and then into the second quarter. Smallwood rushed for 76 yards during the game.

“They (McNeil) just beat Westwood, they’re a quality team,” Sanders said. “They did some new things we hadn’t seen and we had to adjust to that.”

 

For the next two touchdowns, quarterback Dru Dawson passed to Ryan Merrifield for 34 yard and 21 yard completions respectively. Dawson passed 206 yards during the game.   

“We did a good job with Timmy (Hanna) getting an interception early in the game. That turnover was real timely,” Sanders said.

The strength of the Viper defense shined in this game and only gave up 7 points.

“That last touchdown was on a fumble on the offense,” Sanders said. “So to give up 7 points, when they came in averaging 39, it’s just a testament to everyone.”

“Spencer (Jones) was all over the field again (Friday night). They had a hard time with our defensive front. We only had a three man front. They had a hard time  blocking those guys, so credit to the front guys,” Sanders said.

He adds that the defense is very balanced this year.

“It’s not any one position. We’re good at all spots. They proved it once again that they are a pretty elite group,” Sanders said.

Near the end of the third quarter, Brendan Bennett ran for 6 yards for another touchdown making the score 35-0. Bennett rushed for 54 yards in the game.

In the fourth quarter, Sanders took the opportunity to play a couple of sophomores: quarterback Ryan Back and running back Bowen Lewis. Lewis rushed for 80 yards total and ended up scoring the final touchdown of the game.

“They did a great job, and went and scored, which is really fun,” Sanders said.

Vandegrift plays at Westwood on Friday, Oct. 19, Westwood (3-3), an off week Oct. 26, then Leander (1-6) and Stony Point (4-2) remaining to finish off the regular season.