Friday night, the Vipers defeated the Boerne Greyhounds 35-9 at Monroe Stadium. For the first time in Viper history, the varsity football team remains undefeated three games into the season. “This football season is for the community,” senior running back Yuron Shears said via Facebook the Monday after the wildfires began. Over 80 Facebook friends “liked” Shears’ status.
Vandegrift had a more than promising win as they outrushed Boerne 269 to 37 yards.
“It was exhilarating seeing the boys win yet again,” senior cheer captain Hannah Simpson said. “I am so excited to say that we are undefeated. This is something us seniors are especially proud of.”
In the first quarter, Vandegrift set the tone for what would be an easy win with two touchdowns by junior wide receiver Dylan Hosek and a screen from senior quarterback Dakota Prukop to junior wide receiver Mark Giles.
“It was my first touchdown of the season. It was a really good feeling being able to give my team one of many touchdowns we would obtain in the night,” Hosek said.
In the second quarter, senior wide receiver Brandon Brown gave the Vipers a first down, setting Prukop up for an easy touchdown up the middle for their last goal in the half.
“I was confident in our team, knowing that if we brought our A-game, we would finish the game with a solid victory,” Brown said.
Senior greyhound kicker Taylor Knopf racked up six points in the second quarter with two field goals from the 7-yard line, ending the half with a 21-6 Viper lead.
“At the half, we were not excited; if anything, we were a little disappointed. We received motivating words to bring energy back to the team,” senior corner Cameron Harris said.
The Vipers started off the second-half strong with a touchdown from Prukop with 8:42 left in the third quarter.
“As a team we struggled through some adversity with turnovers and penalties, but we came together and our defense shut the Greyhounds down,” junior wide receiver Dylan Hosek said.
Knopf’s field goal kick to start the fourth quarter was a success, giving Boerne the last points they would receive in the game.
“It was a long ride and I didn’t know if our team was ready to play. I knew it would be a good game if we played well,” Boerne senior defensive lineman Kris Keller said. “But my team wasn’t putting in the effort we brought in the first half. “
Senior kicker Rand Fredrickson attempted a field goal with 7:59 left in the game, but the kick failed as it hit the left upright.
Prukop ran up the left with 5:04 left in the game for the last points for the night.
“Although a win is a win, we had a few mishaps and mental errors that gave the Greyhounds some steam when we should have put the game away,” Prukop said. “On the flip-side our defense did an amazing job.”
Compared to the close seven-point win last year against the Greyhounds, Vandegrift showed their superiority over Boerne with a final score of 35-9.
“I am always satisfied when we win, but we have a lot of things to work on for district play. Our district is one of the toughest 4A-Districts in the state and these pre-season games help us get ready for that,” Vandegrift athletic coordinator and head coach Drew Sanders said.
Next week is the last pre-season game for the Vipers as they take on the Crockett Cougars at Monroe Stadium.
