HUTTO — The Hutto Hippos varsity football team earned a 35-28 win over the Bowie Bulldogs in the bi-district round of the Class 6A Division I playoffs on Friday, Nov. 14, holding off a late surge to advance to the area round.
Junior utility player Dylan Owens delivered one of his best performances of the season, finishing with 103 total yards and three touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the final minutes.
Hutto opened the night with an early spark as its defense intercepted a pass on the fourth play of the game. Senior running back Keilan Chavies cashed in on the short field, punching in a rushing touchdown to put the Hippos ahead 7-0.
Bowie answered with a rushing touchdown of its own to even the score, but Hutto responded quickly. Quarterback Kaden Stefek connected with receiver Jaiden Fields on a four-yard touchdown pass to restore a 14-7 lead. The Bulldogs found the end zone again late in the half, but a blocked extra point sent the Hippos into the locker room with a 14-13 advantage.
Chavies, who had 80 rushing yards on the night, battled an ankle injury and saw limited snaps after halftime. Hutto stumbled early in the third quarter when Stefek threw an interception on the third play of the drive. Bowie capitalized, marching downfield and converting a two-point attempt to take a 21-14 lead as it began to control the ground game.
The momentum shifted back to Hutto midway through the third. Owens broke through for a fiveyard touchdown run, tying the game at 21. Bowie struck back after a facemask penalty extended its drive, regaining the lead at 28-21.
Owens took over from there.
The junior powered in a one-yard touchdown to tie the game at 28 before delivering the play of the night— a 50-yard touchdown reception that put the Hippos up 35-28 with 2:08 remaining.
The Hutto defense sealed the victory on the next series, forcing a turnover on downs as Bowie failed to convert a fourth-and-17 from the Hippos’ 29-yard line with 40 seconds left. Hutto ran out the clock to secure the playoff win.
Stefek finished with 145 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Hippos advance to the area round and will face San Antonio Johnson on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Bob Shelton Stadium.
