DAVID BARBER

Sports Correspondent

Coming off arguably their best team performance in their most important game so far in the 2023 football season, the Van Vandals are enjoying a break from their daily grind after playing eight consecutive games.

With their impressive 56-36 District 8-4A, Division 2, victory over the Center Rough Riders Oct. 13 at Van’s Memorial Stadium, the Vandals have now put themselves in a winner-take-all district championship encounter as they will prepare for a trip to Carthage Friday, Oct. 27 for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff against the undefeated Carthage Bulldogs.

Carthage (8-0, 4-0) is the defending Class 4A, Division 2, state championships and the current number one ranked team in the state. The Bulldogs played at Center Oct. 20.

Coach Jared Moffatt’s Vandals are ranked #10 in the state, according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine, as they will enter the District 8-4A, Division 2, championship showdown with an overall record of 7-1 and a district mark of 4-0. Van is currently on a six-game winning streak.

Looking back on the Friday the 13th victory over Center, who at that time was ranked #10 in the state, Moffatt said, “It was an amazing win. We knew Center was explosive on offense and their quarterback and running back were capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. The quarterback did that. Fortunately, we ran the ball well early.

“Defensively, we settled down and eventually got some stops which completely changed the game for us,” continued Moffatt. “When we were down 29-28 at halftime, we knew we could win the game if our defense could just get some stops, and they did that.”

The Vandals played most of the game against Center without their starting quarterback, Jaxon Moffatt, who left the game in the first quarter with an injury and did not return as Cannon Rainey took over at QB for the remainder of the contest against Center.

“We lost Jaxon early in the game which was unfortunate,” recalled Jared Moffatt. “When he was tackled, he hit his head hard on the turf. He was obviously not himself after that. Not having him in the lineup was an issue but our game plan offensively was to run the ball right at them so that did not change once Cannon came into the game. We felt like our running game and our offensive line was our strength and also, it helped to take time off the clock and keep Center’s offense off the field.

“I thought we would have to hit some pass plays as well but it did now work out that way but when Jaxon went out, it changed our mentality offensively, and we had to take some plays we had planned off the play list,” pointed out Jared Moffatt. “Also, Cannon plays every down on defense. We did not have the ability to get Cannon off the field on defense. He had to go both ways for us. He did a remarkable job.

“Our offensive line was tremendous,” pointed out the Vandal head coach. “We had three guys rush for over 135 yards each which is just remarkable. They did nothing fancy. They just lined up and blocked and did a great job for us.

“Our kickoff and punt coverage teams played well,” said Jared Moffatt. “Again, we made all of our extra points. We just got great contributions from all three phases of the game against Center. It was a tremendous team performance.”

Jared Moffatt recognized the performances of other Vandal players as well against Center including Rainey, defensive tackle Reggie Johnson, running back and defensive end Colton Miller, center Justus Anderson, right tackle Jose Suarez, right guard Ace Bostick, left guard Trae Derrick, left tackle Cooper Hullum, H-back Colten Grier, cornerback Gabriel Bachert, defensive end Logan Fattig, and linebacker Foster Rust.

While the Vandals are enjoying a break from their routine, the upcoming trip to Carthage on Friday, Oct. 27 is already on their minds, according to Jared Moffatt.

“We will both be undefeated in district if Carthage beats Center Oct. 20,” emphasized Jared Moffatt. “Carthage has not lost many games at home over the years. This will be a tough game on the road for sure, but we are excited about the challenge that is there for us.”

Jared Moffatt confirmed that Jaxon Moffatt did suffer a concussion against Center but is on schedule to return to action for the game against Carthage Oct. 27.

“I can’t envision a scenario where Jaxon would not play against Carthage,” emphasized Jared Moffatt. “He was begging and lobbying to get back in the game against Center, especially in the second half. At halftime, he got his wits about him pretty well. Our athletic trainer, Coach Jason Dodd, put Jaxon through a series of tests in the locker room and Jaxon passed all of them. I wanted to put him back in, but I couldn’t do that. I am not only his coach, but I am also his Dad. Ultimately, the decision to put him back in the game or not, is mine. I leaned on Coach Dodd and his expertise. He has been a licensed athletic trainer for 26 years. I trust his opinion. Putting Jaxon back in the game would not have been a wise decision.”

Going back to the win over Center, Jared Moffatt said, “It was one of the most timeliest performances in all three phases in a game that we had to have. At halftime, the message was that we had to win the second half. Even though we were down one point at halftime, I thought we were in a good position for the second half. Our kids responded in the right way. We just kept playing. We never got away from our game plan to run right at them.”

Looking ahead to Carthage, the Vandal head coach is excited to see how his team responds to playing against one of the top Class 4A football programs in the state.

“Our players are not scared of Carthage,” emphasized Jared Moffatt. “Our kids have the mentality that they are going to win every game that they play in. We are already preparing for that game during our bye week period.”

Van ISD is enjoying a Fall Break holiday from Oct. 20-22 which has affected the football team’s practice schedule during the open date period, according to Jared Moffatt.

“We practiced Monday (Oct. 16) and Tuesday (Oct. 17) and gave our players the rest of the week off,” said Jared Moffatt. “We definitely need some time to rest, players and coaches. I know that Jaxon will need the time to rest. We will be ready to go and get ready for Carthage starting Monday (Oct. 23). The players need this time off away from the coaches, and vice versa.”

For a preview of the Oct. 27 district championship showdown featuring the Vandals traveling to Carthage, check out www.vanzandtnews.com.