SMHS FOOTBALL
After a long offseason, one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory is finally here for the Rattlers, who will take the field for the first time this season at home against the Hutto Hippos.
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.
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 named 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.
The Hippos return five offensive starters and six defensive starters from last season as Hutto will look to build on last year.
Quarterback Kaden Stefek will look to lead the offense once again. The senior quarterback passed for 2,061 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Hippos last season while rushing for 338 yards and four touchdowns.
In the passing game, junior Jaiden Fields will look to lead a young wide receiving core after catching 56 passes for 832 yards and 10 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 senior linebacker Brayden Daniel. Daniel led the team in total tackles with 101 along with 27 solo tackles and 20 tackles for loss. Also returning on defense is senior Briggs Bujnoch who made 67 total tackles along with 11 tackles for loss.
The showdown between San Marcos and Hutto will be the fourth all-time meeting between the two schools with all of the 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 7:30 p.m. Friday at Toyota Rattler Stadium.
