The Hutto Hippos football team saw their season come to an end with a 42-24 loss to the McNeil Mavericks on Friday, Nov.
8. The Hippos needed a win to secure a playoff spot.
Hutto started strong, forcing a three-and-out and scoring quickly on a 25-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Kaden Stefek to senior wide receiver Braeton Anderson, putting them up 7-0. Anderson finished the game with two touchdowns.
However, the momentum shifted when McNeil scored on a 30-yard touchdown pass and added a defensive score with a fumble recovery, taking a 14-7 lead.
The Hippos struggled to contain McNeil’s fast-paced rushing attack as the Mavericks extended their lead to 21-7 with a drive fueled by quick runs. Hutto’s offense, hindered by the absence of junior running back Keilan Chavies due to injury, failed to establish a consistent ground game. McNeil continued to pull ahead with an 8-yard touchdown pass, making it 28-7. Hutto managed to trim the deficit with a 34-yard field goal late in the first half, but McNeil answered with a quick drive and a score, sending the teams to halftime with the Mavericks up 35-10.
Penalties plagued Hutto throughout the game, including several costly pass interference calls that extended McNeil’s drives.
The Hippos’ offensive struggles continued in the second half when Stefek threw an interception that was returned 44 yards for a touchdown, pushing the Mavericks’ lead to 42-10. Hutto fought back in the fourth quarter with a 9-yard rushing touchdown by Anderson and a 26-yard touchdown pass from Stefek to junior running back Braylon Beckworth, narrowing the score to 42-24.
However, after recovering an onside kick, another interception by Stefek sealed the game.
Hutto ended the season with a 4-6 overall record and 3-5 in district play, missing the postseason for the third consecutive year.
