The Hutto Hippos varsity football team will host the Converse Judson Rockets on Friday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m. The Hippos will look to bounce back from a 40-27 loss to San Marcos last week in Head Coach Eli Reinhart’s debut.
Hutto has extra motivation after falling to Judson 31-29 last season on a last-second field goal. To reverse that outcome, the Hippos will need to take care of the football. Senior quarterback Kaden Stefek threw two costly interceptions in the first quarter against San Marcos that helped put his team in an early hole.
The Hippos’ newlook offense showed flashes last week, scoring 20 points, but will seek more consistency against a Judson defense that gave up 45 points in a 45-7 loss to Johnson in Week 1. Junior wide receiver Jaiden Fields will be Stefek’s top target as the two aim to get back in rhythm.
Defensively, Hutto must tighten up after allowing more than 350 yards of total offense to the Rattlers. While Judson’s offense sputtered in its opener, the Hippos cannot afford to let the Rockets find their footing early.
The keys to victory for Hutto will be avoiding turnovers and establishing rhythm on offense. A clean performance from Stefek and the Hippos’ skill players will be crucial in preventing short fields and scoring opportunities for Judson while allowing Reinhart’s scheme to find its stride.
