The Hutto Hippos varsity football team will open district play against the Cedar Ridge Raiders on Friday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. at Cedar Ridge High School.
The Hippos are coming off a 28-17 win over Converse Judson, while Cedar Ridge fell to Hewitt Midway, 58-31.
Hutto’s defense was the difference last week, sealing the win with a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown by senior linebacker Brayden Daniels. The Hippos’ secondary held Judson to 120 passing yards and came up with three interceptions.
That performance will be crucial again this week against Cedar Ridge, whose senior quarterback, Tillman Subocz, threw two interceptions in the loss to Midway.
However, Hutto has struggled to stop the run, allowing 200 rushing yards to the Rockets last week. The Raiders will likely test that weakness after piling up 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Midway.
Cedar Ridge is led by senior running back Noah Devonish, who averages 115 yards per game on the ground.
Offensively, the Hippos will look to finish drives more consistently in the red zone. Senior quarterback Kaden Stefek threw two touchdown passes last week — one to junior utility player Dylan Owens and another to junior wideout Jaiden Fields. Hutto will also lean on its ground game, led by senior running back Keilan Chavies.
Last season, Hutto edged Cedar Ridge, 63-56, in an overtime thriller to open district play. This year, the Hippos will aim for a more decisive outcome.
Key factors will be Hutto’s ability to convert in the red zone and protect the football. The Hippos lost one fumble against Judson but avoided interceptions after throwing two in their season opener against San Marcos. Meanwhile, Cedar Ridge will try to control the game with its rushing attack and limit Hutto’s high-powered offense by keeping it off the field.
