Hippos football looking to build on big win
HUTTO — Victory was very sweet last Friday night for the Hutto High School varsity football team as the Hippos lit up the scoreboard with a resounding 52-31 victory against Temple High School at Hutto Memorial Stadium. This was a much-needed 6A-District 12 victory at home for the Hippos, who snapped a five-game losing streak and improved to 2-5 overall with a 1-2 mark in district play.
Following two shootout losses at home against Midway High School (48-45) and on the road at Harker Heights High School (44-35), the Hippos put together a superb offensive performance against the Wildcats of Temple. While standout senior quarterback Will Hammond threw for seven touchdown passes on an efficient 24-of-34 completion attempts for 380 yards, his favorite target was trustworthy senior wide receiver Alex Green. On a night where he torched the Temple defense all game, Green exploded for 16 receptions for 300 yards and six touchdown catches against the Wildcats.
In addition to the passing game clicking on all cylinders, the Hippos’ rushing attack was able to spread the wealth with 267 yards on the ground. Hammond and sophomore running back Keilan Chavies both rushed for 77 yards, while junior Braeton Anderson also had 62 yards rushing of his own on just eight carries.
Hutto’s defense stepped up against Temple and did just enough to keep the Wildcats at bay for most of the night in a 21-point triumph at home. Hippos senior linebacker Israel Medrano led the team with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery, sophomore defensive back Carlos Sorta had nine tackles of his own, senior defensive lineman Tristan Compton had two tackles and a sack and senior defensive back Steven Galindo had three tackles and a clutch interception before halftime that set up another Hutto score.
If head coach Will Compton and his Hippos handle business on the road Friday against a struggling 1-6 Copperas Cove Bulldawgs team that is winless in the district, Hutto will be in the driver’s seat for a playoff spot. A victory against Copperas Cove this Friday and Oct. 27 at home on senior night against the Vikings of Bryan High School should be enough for the Hippos to make the postseason, but a road win over the Bulldawgs comes first.
The Hutto High School varsity football offensive line gets ready to block for senior quarterback Will Hammond (far left) during the Hippos’ 52-31 victory Oct. 13 at home against Temple High School. Photo by Larry Pelchat
