On Friday, Nov 29, the Vandegrift varsity football team defeated Steele at the Class 6A Division II regional semifinal playoff game, moving them one step closer to their ultimate goal: the state championship title. This season has been a remarkable success for the team and a sentimental finish for the senior players.
“It’s really special for all of the seniors,” senior Adam Scott said. “After being in the program for four years now and finally getting to have your senior year makes it a lot of fun.”
The team’s success has been a redemption from last year’s season when the Vipers fell to Lake Travis in the opening round of playoff games. Two years ago, the team made it to the state championship which is the ultimate goal for this year’s players.
“Last year, we had a bit of a letdown with the first round exit,” Scott said. “We’re trying to repeat what we did two years ago and got all the way to the state championship, and I think we have a decent shot to do it this year, we [have to] keep working hard and go from there.”
The football team has already achieved great heights, including an undefeated record in districts– which is not an easy feat in the world of Texas high school football.
“[I’m proud of] going undefeated in districts. It’s not easy to do in 6A Texas, and we’ve done it [multiple] times in a row now, I’m just glad we were able to keep that streak going,” Scott said.
For Scott, the journey from freshman year to senior year on the team has been a transformative learning experience. The team has offered him the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of the game, with the pace and intensity increasing as he navigates his final season.
“It’s completely different, just how much more you [learn] as a senior on varsity than you did as a freshman,” Scott said.
The grit and resilience required by football has the ability to shape players on and off the field. The program forms lifelong bonds between players and for Scott, football creates a space for members to improve themselves holistically.
“Football definitely makes you a tougher person, just because you have to battle adversity every week,” Scott said. “If you stick with the program, you always come out tougher [and a] better human being.”
As the 24-25 football season draws to a close, players can reflect on their journey and look back at the experience of playing under the Friday night lights. To most players, there is no other feeling quite like being on the field.
“[There’s] a lot of excitement, [It] feels great outside, the band’s playing, the crowd is always packed, there’s really not another feeling like playing under those lights,” Scott said.
The Vandegrift football team is set to face Harlan this Friday at the 6A Division II regional finals. With an already successful season under their belt, the team looks to add more victories to their record as they continue their journey to the state title.
