Lake Travis Kicker Clinches Dramatic Win with Last-Second Field Goal
In an exhilarating match-up during the bi-district playoff round of Texas high school football, Lake Travis sophomore kicker Braydon Doane delivered a sensational last-second field goal to secure a dramatic 13-10 victory over previously undefeated Vandegrift. The game, played at Monroe Stadium on Friday, showcased Lake Travis’ resilience and solid defensive performance against a formidable opponent.
Head coach Hank Carter expressed his pride in Doane’s exceptional display of skill, remarking that his consistency in practice had prepared him for this crucial moment. Carter also commended his team for their unwavering determination and physicality throughout the game.
Despite being the number two seed from 6A-District 26, Lake Travis showcased impressive defensive prowess in containing Vandegrift’s high-scoring offense, which had averaged an impressive 44.3 points per game. The Cavaliers held the Vipers at bay, denying them any touchdowns and maintaining a 7-3 lead heading into halftime. Lake Travis’ Kadyn Leon, typically a quarterback, made an impact as a receiver by scoring the game’s first touchdown with a 31-yard screen pass from Chaston Ditta in the second quarter.
Doane extended the Cavaliers’ lead with a successful 33-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, putting them ahead 10-3. However, Vandegrift responded with a touchdown pass from Deuce Adams to Jace Skoglund, tying the game at 10-10 with 8:11 remaining.
The pivotal moment arrived when a backward pass from Ditta was dropped by Lake Travis, but Vandegrift failed to capitalize on the turnover. After a punt, Lake Travis embarked on their final drive to secure the victory. Running back Nico Hamilton played a crucial role, converting a fourth-and-1 play and then making a significant 9-yard run that set the stage for Doane’s game-winning field goal.
Leon’s outstanding performance included 12 catches for 175 yards, while Hamilton surpassed the 100-yard mark with his impressive rushing yards.
With this memorable win, Lake Travis (9-2) advances to the area round of the playoffs and will face San Antonio Johnson, who secured a 36-31 victory over New Braunfels. Vandegrift, last year’s Class 6A Division II runner-up, exits the playoffs with their first loss of the season.
The enthralling climax of this bi-district playoff game highlights the captivating nature of high school football in Texas, showcasing the grit, determination, and skill of these young athletes. As Lake Travis celebrates their hard-fought victory, they prepare for another challenging battle in the upcoming round, while Vandegrift reflects on a remarkable season that unfortunately concluded sooner than they had hoped.
