The Class 6A Division II Texas high school football state championship promises to be a clash of titans as the Southlake Carroll Dragons face off against the Austin Vandegrift Vipers. This much-anticipated showdown will take place on Saturday, marking the pinnacle of the season for these two powerhouse programs. Here's everything you need to know about the big game.
Southlake Carroll Dragons (15-0): A Legacy of Excellence
Head Coach: Riley Dodge (7th season, 93-8 record)
Key Players:
- QB Angelo Renda: The senior quarterback has been a cornerstone of the Dragons’ success this season, throwing for an impressive 3,550 yards and 36 touchdowns. His ability to make plays under pressure will be crucial in this matchup.
- WR Brock Boyd: With 98 receptions for 1,690 yards and 18 touchdowns, Boyd has been Renda’s favorite target all year. His speed and hands will test the Vandegrift secondary.
- RB Christian Glenn: A dynamic runner who racked up 127 yards and a touchdown in the semifinal win against Longview, Glenn will look to add to his 510-yard season total.
- DE Jack VanDorselaer: The defensive anchor has recorded 78 tackles and seven sacks, consistently disrupting opposing offenses.
Path to the Finals:
The Dragons earned their spot in the championship with a thrilling 20-17 victory over Longview. Kicker Gavin Strange sealed the win with a dramatic 36-yard field goal after a penalty negated his initial miss. Southlake Carroll is making its 11th state championship appearance and aims to capture its first title since 2011.
Austin Vandegrift Vipers (13-2): The Underdog with Momentum
Head Coach: Drew Sanders (15th season, 145-46 record)
Key Players:
- QB Miles Teodecki: The junior quarterback has been sensational, throwing for 3,016 yards and 46 touchdowns. His poise in the pocket and ability to make big plays will be critical for the Vipers.
- WR Jack Rudberg: Rudberg delivered the game-winning 57-yard touchdown catch in the semifinal against Humble Summer Creek, showcasing his knack for clutch moments.
- Safety Hollister Stephens: A tackling machine, Stephens has recorded 104 tackles in the postseason alone, including a season-high 19 in the semifinal victory.
Path to the Finals:
Vandegrift enters the title game on a 13-game winning streak. The Vipers' semifinal win over Humble Summer Creek was a testament to their resilience, with Teodecki and Rudberg connecting for the decisive score. This marks Vandegrift’s second state championship appearance, having fallen to DeSoto in 2022.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Offensive Firepower:
Both teams boast high-octane offenses led by standout quarterbacks. Southlake Carroll’s Angelo Renda and Vandegrift’s Miles Teodecki will need to exploit their respective defenses to keep the scoreboard moving. The Dragons’ Brock Boyd and the Vipers’ Jack Rudberg are two of the most dynamic receivers in Texas high school football.
2. Defensive Standouts:
The battle in the trenches will be pivotal. Southlake Carroll’s Jack VanDorselaer will aim to pressure Teodecki, while Vandegrift’s Hollister Stephens will lead the defensive effort against a balanced Dragons offense.
3. Special Teams Impact:
The kicking game could decide this tightly contested matchup. Southlake Carroll’s Gavin Strange has proven to be clutch, and his performance could tip the scales in the Dragons' favor.
What’s at Stake?
For Southlake Carroll, a victory would bring their ninth state championship, tying them with Celina and Mart for fourth-most in UIL history. For Vandegrift, a win would secure the program’s first-ever state title, cementing their place among Texas high school football’s elite.
This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic. With Southlake Carroll’s storied history and Vandegrift’s momentum, the game is poised to go down to the wire. Expect fireworks on offense and a defensive struggle that could come down to a key play in the fourth quarter.
