After what Lone Star Gridiron considered a “stunning” 17-14 loss to McNeil on Oct. 3, varsity football now has a 3-2 record halfway through the season.

The loss to the McNeil Mavericks marks the Vipers’ first district loss since 2021, and the first time the team has ever lost to the Mavericks. It is also the first instance since 2020 that varsity has lost two regular-season games. Compared to last year’s state championship team, the biggest statistical difference has been from the offensive side of the ball, with the offense averaging 21.6 points per game now, compared to 41.5 a season ago. 

The rushing game is averaging 40 yards per game less than the past season, partly due to last year’s starter, Brendan Fournier, graduating. Many offensive players are out for the season due to injury, with starters such as junior wide receiver Gavin Koester, senior offensive lineman Chase Springer, and sophomore running back Preston James being lost for the season due to injury. Seniors from last year’s team graduating, such as George Farley and Jack Rudberg, have made an impact on the passing game, which is averaging 16 yards per game fewer than last year. Senior quarterback Miles Teodecki is averaging one touchdown pass per game after averaging three per game last year in his first year as the starter.

                                                                           Stat Leaders:

Passing: senior Miles Teodecki- 946 yards and 5 touchdowns

Rushing: senior Justin Moore- 314 yards and 6 touchdowns

Receiving: senior Brock Chilton- 388 yards and 3 touchdowns

Tackles: senior Parker Davis- 38 total tackles

Sacks: senior Hugo De La Vara Vazquez and senior Parker Davis- 2 sacks

Interceptions: senior Brady Srncik – 1 interception

                                                                        Rest of Season Outlook

The schedule over the last half of the season appears a little bit easier record-wise, as only Hutto has a record above .500. Other opponents like Westwood and Manor have records of 2-4 and 0-5, respectively. However, three out of the five games are away, which can be challenging, as two of the last three losses tracing back to last season have been in away games. If the offensive stats can improve, there is a path to finishing 8-2. 

The team returns to the field tonight against Cedar Ridge at Dragon Stadium.