The Hutto Hippos varsity football team defeated the Stony Point Tigers 35-31 on Friday, Oct. 18. The Hippos improved to 4-3 overall and 3-2 in district play.
Both teams started their backup quarterbacks under the Friday night lights.
For Hutto, sophomore quarterback Hunter Frenette replaced junior Kaden Stefek, who was out for an undisclosed reason. The Tigers started junior Mason Treyer in place of junior Kalbus Kinnick, after Kinnick struggled in the previous game against Manor.
Despite the quarterback changes, both offenses found the end zone early. The first quarter saw five touchdowns — three for Stony Point and two for Hutto. All of the Tigers' points came from senior wide receiver Andrew Gomez, who caught three touchdown passes from Treyer. Hutto's touchdowns were scored by junior running back Keilan Chavies and sophomore receiver Jaiden Fields, each on rushing plays.
The offensive fireworks dimmed in the second quarter, which saw only one touchdown — a run by Chavies that tied the game at 21-21 heading into halftime.
“They had those three big plays in the first half from miscommunication, bad technique and some new guys in the secondary,” Hutto head coach Will Compton said. “We just have to work on getting a little bit better.”
The Hippos came out strong in the second half, forcing a three-and-out on the Tigers' first possession. Fields then returned the ensuing punt for a touchdown, giving Hutto its first lead at 28-21.
Following a series of stalled drives, Frenette broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 35-21 midway through the fourth quarter. With four minutes remaining, Hutto's defense made a critical stop in the red zone, forcing an incomplete pass intended for Gomez.
The Tigers managed one more defensive stop, but their final drive ended with an interception by Hutto sophomore linebacker and running back Rudy Villarreal, sealing the win.
“Hunter was playing safety for us the past few games, and we thought he has a unique ability to run the football really well,” Compton said. “We felt we could do some things with him.”
Next, Hutto will prepare to face the top team in the division, Vandegrift (6-1, 5-0 6A Division). The Vipers have held their last two opponents scoreless. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Ed W. Monroe Memorial Stadium.
