The Hutto Hippos varsity football team (7-2, 6-1 district) will host the McNeil Mavericks (6-3, 5-2 district) on Friday, Nov. 7,
at 7 p.m. With a win, the Hippos would secure at least a share of the district championship with Vandegrift. The last time Hutto claimed a district title was in 2018, when the team went undefeated in District 13-5A.
The Hippos are coming off an emotional 35-34 comeback victory over Vista Ridge, rallying from a 27-13 deficit in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, McNeil enters the matchup after defeating Manor, 42-21, last week.
Hutto’s offense has been among the most explosive in the district, averaging 43.3 points per game. Senior quarterback Kaden Stefek completed 21 of 37 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns against Vista Ridge and has now thrown for 2,477 yards and 30 touchdowns this season.
His top targets are juniors Jaiden Fields and Dylan Owens. Fields leads the team with 1,198 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Owens follows with 729 yards and eight scores.
Senior running back Keilan Chavies has paced the ground game with 670 yards and eight touchdowns, while Stefek has added nearly 200 rushing yards and three scores of his own.
The Hippos will face an inconsistent McNeil defense that allowed just 14 points to Vandegrift but has also given up more than 30 points per game in district play. The Mavericks’ ability to contain Hutto’s balanced attack could determine how competitive the game remains.
McNeil also boasts one of the district’s top offenses, averaging 40.2 points per game. Senior quarterback Jadon Sultz leads the way with 1,320 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. His favorite targets, seniors Jarell Gary and Zach Christie, have combined for more than 1,200 receiving yards and 13 scores.
The Mavericks rely heavily on their rushing attack, featuring three players with at least 500 yards on the ground. Stopping the run will be key for a Hutto defense that has struggled at times against strong rushing teams.
The deciding factor could be Hutto’s ability to get off the field defensively. McNeil will likely try to control the clock and limit the Hippos’ offensive possessions. If Hutto’s defense can force key stops, the Hippos will be in position to secure a share of the district championship.
