Junior kicker Juan Pablo Enriquez kicked the game-winning field goal as time expired to lift the Judson Rockets (1-1) past the Hutto Hippos (1-1) by a final of 31-29 Friday night at D.W. Rutledge Stadium in Converse, Texas.
The Rockets blasted off from the first snap of the game as sophomore running back Kayden Graham caught a 66-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Elijah Favela.
Judson quickly gained control of this game after Favela ran the ball in for a one-yard score to put the Rockets up 14.
“The first two series just weren’t our finest moments,” said Hutto Head Coach Will Compton.
Compton spoke to the team before the game about resiliency and overcoming adversity, which is exactly what Hutto did.
The Hippo’s defense responded to that adversity in the middle of the second quarter when junior safety Carlos Sorto came down with an interception, putting Hutto in position to make this game competitive. The interception led to a 35-yard touchdown reception from senior wide receiver Braeton Anderson to tie the game at 14.
Judson, having a 14-point lead at halftime, gave all the momentum to the Hippos, who was set to receive the ball at halftime, after a last-second interception by senior defensive back Khristian Medearis.
What looked to be a gametying touchdown midway through the fourth quarter for Hutto turned into a one-point deficit after a missed point after attempt that put Hutto down one.
With less than six minutes to go in the final quarter of action, the Rockets experienced a bad snap, that resulted in a safety after Enriquez punted it out of the end zone. This safety gave Hutto a 29-28 lead.
Hutto had a chance to seal the game and run the clock out before a fourth down attempt that ended unsuccessfully.
“That’s kind of our identity in those situations,” said Compton. “We go for it in those situations because that’s just who we are.”
Compton felt it was the decision they knew they were going to make and it just didn’t work out for them tonight.
That failed conversion allowed the Rockets to drive down the field for 55 yards with no timeouts to win it on a field goal as time expired.
In regards to the fourth down attempt Compton said, “Like I told the kids, it doesn’t come down to one last drive.”
“It’s where the money games start,” said Compton. “We feel like we‘re gonna compete for a district championship.”
Compton mentioned it is a rough district, but believes that he has the team to accomplish such a feat.
Hutto will start district play next week against Round Rock Cedar Ridge at Hutto Memorial Stadium.
Photo courtesy of Tim Walter
