The Hutto Hippos have endured UIL-induced journeys to the hinterlands of Killeen, Waco, College Station and points in-between for the past two seasons as part of a hodge-podge district. Thanks to the latest round of redistricting, however, the Hippos are back closer to home, once again part of an expanded nine-team District 25-6A for at least the next two years. Hutto opens district play against Cedar Ridge on Friday night from Hutto Memorial Stadium in the VYPE Central Texas High School Football Game of the Week on 102.7 FM ESPN Austin.

After throttling San Marcos to open the season, head coach William Compton’s Hutto squad is coming off a controversial 31-29 loss at Converse Judson and takes a 1-1 mark into district play. Junior quarterback Kaden Stefek (25-38, 496 yds., 8 TDs) leads a young Hutto offense, often targeting senior Braeton Anderson and sophomore Jaiden Fields. Junior running back Keilan Chavies (25-180, 5.1 YPC) provides balance on the ground.

Junior Brayden Daniel (13.5 T/G, 5 TFL, 1.5 sacks) and senior Cashton La Plante 11.0 T/G, 2 TFL, 0.5 sacks) pace Hutto’s stingy defense.