Timely defense and three turnovers, allow the district’s best scoring defense, the Vandegrift Vipers (6-2, 5-1), take down the district’s top scoring offense, the Hutto Hippos (6-2, 5-1) 44-34 in a shootout at Hutto Memorial Stadium Friday night.
Even though the Hippos recorded more than 500 yards of total offense, costly penalties and Vandegrift’s ability to make plays at the right moment ended up being the difference as the Hippos suffered their first loss since week one in August at San Marcos.
“The season’s not over by any means,” said Eli Reinhart, Hutto Head Coach. “We have everything we want still in front
of us.” Vandegrift received the opening kickoff and found the endzone in the first 90 seconds off a flea-flicker that found the hands of senior wide receiver Marshall Linenberger. Hutto responded with what looked like a promising 75-yard drive, but the Hippos were stood up at the one-yard line.
Halfway through the second quarter the Vipers held a 24-7 point lead until Reinhart’s offense used some trickery of its own. Off a double pass senior wide receiver Dylan Owens connected with senior running back Keilan Chavies for a 23-yard score putting the Hippos down 10.
After Vandegrift scored on every possession in the first half, the Hippos needed a stop to crawl back in it. Both teams traded scores in its first two drives of the second half, before trading turnovers on downs in each’s next two. Hutto finally had the stops it needed to chip away at the Vipers’ lead.
Down 10 with seven and a half minutes to go, the Hippos drove 97 yards and score in 65 seconds. Senior quarterback Kaden Stefek capped the drive off with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Chavies to put Hutto down three, 37-34.
Hutto’s offense stalled out in its final two drives of the game as the Vipers had a 42-yard touchdown run in the final minute. Though the Hippos never led in the game, their effort never waivered.
“They could have easily went into halftime feeling sorry for themselves, and really got blown out in the second half,” Reinhart said. “It could have went sideways on us, but our kids kept playing hard, so I’m very proud of their fight.”
Hutto is now tied for first place in district with Vandegrift and will turn around to take on Vista Ridge (6-2, 4-2) next Thursday at John Gupton Stadium.
“We get an opportunity, if we win, to host the first round playoff game,” Reinhart said. “They got an explosive offense and a strong defense, so we’re gonna have our hands full.”
Photo by Tim Walter
