SMHS FOOTBALL
Rattlers host Hippos for the 2025 season opener
The Countdown to Kickoff series returns to preview the 2025 season for the San Marcos Rattlers before they hit the gridiron in August.
The Rattlers are looking to improve from last season and snap their long losing streak while also looking to make a return trip back to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
San Marcos will start the season at home as the Rattlers will host the Hutto Hippos.
The Hippos are coming off a 4-6 season after missing the playoffs. Three of Hutto’s district wins came against Round Rock Cedar Ridge, Round Rock Westwood and Round Rock Stony Point.
Hutto averaged 35.0 points per game while allowing 33.0 points per game.
In the last meeting between San Marcos and Hutto, the Hippos rolled over the Rattlers 63-8 in the season opener.
Going into the 2025 season, Hippos will be under new leadership as former head coach Will Compton was elevated to Hutto ISD Athletic Director. Taking over for the Hippos is former North Crowley offensive coordinator Eli Reinhart. Reinhart was one of the architects of the North Crowley offense that averaged 54 points per game last season en route to winning the 6A Division I state championship.
Hutto will return quarterback Kaden Stefek who will look to lead the offense once again. The now senior quarterback passed for 2,061 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Hippos while rushing for 338 yards and four touchdowns.
Also returning for the Hippos is leading rusher Keilan Chavies. Chavies, a Tulsa commit, led the team with 121 carries for 789 yards and seven touchdowns while catching 15 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns.
On defense, the Hippos will be led by linebacker Brayden Daniel. Daniel led the team in total tackles with 101 along with 27 solo tackles.
The showdown between San Marcos and Hutto will be the fourth all-time meeting between the two schools with all games being the season opener for both teams in the last three seasons. The Hippos currently lead the series 3-0.
Kickoff for San Marcos- Hutto is set for Friday Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. from Toyota Rattler Stadium.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
Game Preview
Game: Hutto @ San Marcos
Date: Friday Aug. 29 7 p.m.
Series History: Hutto leads San Marcos 3-0
Last Meeting: Hutto defeated San Marcos 63-8 in the season opener last year.
Memorable Moments: San Marcos and Hutto engaged in a offensive firework performance as the Hippos defeated the Rattlers 66-36 in the season opener of the 2023 season. Both teams combined to score 102 points while hitting many explosive plays including a 62-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Kutter Gage Webb to wide receiver Tony Diaz.
