HUTTO — The Hutto Hippos varsity football team defeated the Converse Judson Rockets 28-17 on Friday, Sept. 5.
Senior linebacker Brayden Daniels sealed the win with a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown in the final two minutes. His picksix came after Hutto’s offense was stopped on a fourth-and-1 attempt at the four-yard line, giving the Rockets a chance to rally before the defense shut the door.
Head coach Eli Reinhart praised his defense for coming through in the clutch.
“Our defense stepped up when we needed it the most,” Reinhart said. “We moved the ball on offense, we just couldn’t finish drives, so we have to clean that up. But as a coaching staff, it doesn’t matter what the score is as long as we come out with a win.”
The victory marked Reinhart’s first at Hutto.
“It’s really important for us to get this win and build momentum going into district,” Reinhart said. “I told the kids it’s really hard to win and to never take it for granted. It means a lot—it’s a special win. I wish it was a little cleaner, but it’s a big relief to get that first one.”
The Hippos struck first on a five-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Kaden Stefek to junior utility player Dylan Owens. Judson responded with a field goal before junior wide receiver Jaden Fields extended Hutto’s lead with a 16-yard touchdown catch, making it 14-3.
The Rockets scored on a 12-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds left in the first half, but Fields answered again for Hutto, returning a punt 70 yards for a touchdown to push the lead to 21-10 early in the third quarter.
Judson put together a long scoring drive in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 21-17. Hutto had multiple chances to extend its lead but turned the ball over on downs twice inside the Rockets’ red zone. With under two minutes left, Judson advanced to midfield before Daniels’ interception return put the game out of reach.
Hutto improved to 1-1 on the season and will open district play against Round Rock Cedar Ridge on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at Cedar Ridge High School.
