Q&A

Drew Sanders

VHS Football Head Coach

1) At 4-0, what do you attribute Viper football’s success to so far this season?

Our success always starts with how we prepare mentally and physically for each game. Our preparation from way back in January in the weight room through conditioning in summer along with the way we practice weekly and prepare in our position meetings allow for us to attack the field each game night ready to win. And as usual, we have tough, smart Vandegrift kids that know how to play the game and give max effort.

2) Can you share a couple of key highlights from the last game?

We have some special athletes this year that will provide fans with highlights each game, but specifically vs. Stony Point, new starting corner Aidan Jones started that game with an INT on the first drive, along with first year starter Deashon Morgan having a huge sack.  Offensively, Miles Coleman and Deuce Adams had big time plays for us, but senior running back Tate Stephens capped off the night with an electric run. 

3) What has the varsity team executed well and what areas does the team still need to improve?

We have quite a bit of experience up front offensively and the offensive line unit along with tight end Jase Skoglund have really led the way with our run game and pass protections giving our skill guys the ability to make plays. Defensively, I am super proud of the way our returning leaders have helped bring along several new starters and continuing the tradition of excellent defense characterized but good tacklers and swarming to the football.   

One area we are working hard to clean up is the amount of penalties we have committed early in the season. Our goal is to have 6 or less and we have not met that goal just yet. In addition to that, we are still figuring out how to finish games the right way, but I have no doubt our guys will find a way to do that.

4) Looking at this week’s homecoming game vs. Manor, can you share any play calling adjustments that you may have in mind?

Manor is a very quality opponent that we are working hard to game plan for and it will start defensively with slowing down their great running back who already has over 1,000 yards. Offensively, we want to continue to spread the ball around to multiple players in various looks to keep the fast Manor defense on its heels.

5) Anything else to add?

We appreciate all of Viper Nation coming out to support us each Friday night, not many high school programs can say they sell out every home game minutes after tickets go on sale. We are thankful to the Viper band, Legacies, and cheerleaders, and all the future Vipers that help make the magic each and every Friday night. We will see y’all at the game, go Vipers!