The Hutto Hippos varsity football team will host the Bowie Bulldogs on Friday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs.
This is the first postseason under head coach Eli Reinhart, who has led Hutto to a strong turnaround in his debut season.
“It’s been a great year,” Reinhart said. “Our kids have been awesome and have really accepted the challenge to turn this thing around. We are excited about this opportunity and have made the most of it.”
The Hippos enter the playoffs with momentum after clinching a share of the district championship last week with a 52-49 win over McNeil. Bowie is coming off a 34-7 victory over Austin High.
Hutto brings one of the most explosive offenses in Central Texas, led by senior quarterback Kaden Stefek, who threw for 232 yards and four touchdowns last week. His top targets are juniors Dylan Owens and Jaiden Fields, who have been key playmakers throughout district play.
Senior running back Keilan Chavies leads the rushing attack, surpassing 1,000 yards on the season after rushing for 285 yards against McNeil. The Hippos have averaged nearly 50 points per game in district play and will look to keep that pace Friday night.
Bowie leans on its ground game, led by junior Rhys Moreno, who has over 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns this season. The Bulldogs have run the ball 355 times compared to 160 pass attempts.
Hutto will need to tighten up defensively after giving up 258 rushing yards to McNeil. Bowie’s passing game is led by senior quarterback Christian Heywood, who has thrown for 650 yards and six touchdowns.
Under Reinhart, the Hippos will look to secure their first playoff win since 2019.
“I know it will be rocking again next week, so it truly is a home-field advantage. It’s really great to have a home playoff game and for our kids to experience it,” Reinhart said.
