SAN MARCOS — Fresh off their UIL ban, the San Marcos Rattlers defeated the Hutto Hippos 40-27 on Friday night at Toyota Rattler Stadium, earning their first victory since 2022. Senior running backs Justin Tardy and Donovan Garcia powered the Rattlers’ offense, combining for four touchdowns and more than 250 all-purpose yards. “We were unsure of what (San Marcos) was going to look like, with 12 guys that were ineligible for three years coming in, seniors who are really unknown, and we only have a scrimmage film to go off of,” Hutto Head Coach Eli Reinhart said. “Early on we took a little bit of time to get adjusted, but eventually found our footing. We just needed to do it a little bit earlier. We’ve got to do a better job — I’ve got to do a better job — of making sure our kids are prepared.”
San Marcos capitalized on mistakes early, as Hutto senior quarterback Kaden Stefek threw interceptions on backto- back drives deep in Hippo territory, giving the Rattlers short fields and a quick 13-0 lead.
The Hippos answered late in the first quarter when senior linebacker Brayden Daniel returned an interception for a touchdown. But with just over three minutes left in the second quarter, Tardy broke loose for a 76-yard score to extend San Marcos’ lead. Hutto responded in the final minute of the half as Stefek connected with sophomore wide receiver Michael Broom on a 6-yard touchdown pass, cutting the deficit to 20-14 at halftime.
The Rattlers pulled ahead again midway through the third quarter, while Hutto struggled with costly penalties — including a 75-yard touchdown wiped away on a flag.
“We’ve got to clean up some things, and there were plays out there for us to have,” Reinhart said.
Down 20 in the fourth quarter, Hutto mounted a late rally with two touchdowns and back-to-back onside kick recoveries. Trailing 33-27, the Hippos had one final chance to complete the comeback, but Stefek’s third interception of the night sealed the win for San Marcos.
Reflecting on his head coaching debut, Reinhart said, “It feels bittersweet. It felt good to have an opportunity to be in this position and do this, but I just wish the result was a little bit better.”
Hutto will look to rebound in its home opener against the Judson Rockets on Friday, Sept. 5.
