Preseason Review - Hutto Hippos

After finishing the 2024 season with a 4-6 overall record and 3-5 in district play, the Hutto Hippos are back with a new head coach, Eli Reinhart, and a renewed mindset. With a fresh culture, revamped energy, and a commitment to hard nosed football, the Hippos are ready to leave last season in the rearview and charge into 2025 with something to prove. Here are some key players to be on the look out for this season:   2025 Hutto Hippos Football Schedule   11/7 – vs McNeil*   8/29 – @ San Marcos   9/5 – vs Judson   9/19 – vs Manor*   10/2 – @ Round Rock Westwood*   10/10 – vs Round Rock*   10/17 – @ Stony Point*   10/24 – @ Vandegrift*   10/30 – @ Vista Ridge*    Jaiden is a dynamic playmaker for the Hippos, excelling as a lockdown corner who can also slide over and make plays at safety. His combination of speed, instincts, and physicality allows him to blanket receivers in man coverage while also reading the field and creating turnovers from the secondary. Known for his ability to track the ball in the air and deliver strong, clean hits, Jaiden brings both versatility and leadership to the defense. His talent hasn't gone unnoticed — he currently holds offers from top programs including Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas A&M.     Kevin is a poised and productive quarterback who showcased his ability to command the offense last season, throwing for over 2,000 yards with 27 touchdowns against just 9 interceptions. He displays excellent pocket presence, delivering accurate passes under pressure and showing the ability to read defenses quickly. His arm strength allows him to push the ball downfield, while his touch on intermediate and deep routes keeps defenders guessing. Kevin's leadership on and off the field, combined with his decision-making and competitive edge, make him the kind of quarterback who can change the outcome of a game. With another year of experience and the weapons around him, he's primed for an even bigger season.     Keilan is a tough, explosive running back who has already committed to Tulsa after an impressive season racking up over 700 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. He runs with a low center of gravity, excellent vision, and the patience to let blocks develop before hitting the hole with burst. Once in the open field, his balance and acceleration make him difficult to bring down, and he's just as dangerous catching passes out of the backfield. Keilan's work ethic, consistency, and ability to pick up yards after contact make him a reliable weapon in any offensive scheme. With his college future set, he's locked in on leading the Hippos' ground attack and closing out his high school career with a statement season.     Braylon is a powerful, downhill runner looking to make his mark in the Hippos' backfield this season. He brings a physical style to the running back room, lowering his pads and finishing runs with authority. With good vision and the ability to break arm tackles, Braylon is the kind of back who can wear down a defense over four quarters. As he continues to develop his speed and versatility, he has the potential to become a key contributor alongside the Hippos' established rushing attack.     Hunter is a reliable backup quarterback who has made the most of every opportunity when called upon. He steps in with confidence, manages the offense effectively, and has shown he can make key throws in crucial moments. Hunter's preparation, poise under pressure, and ability to keep the offense moving make him a valuable asset to the quarterback room. Whether it's sparking a drive or closing out a game, he's proven he can deliver when his number is called. He also showed sometime on defense recorded 36 total tackles.     Matthew is a versatile athlete who makes an impact on both sides of the ball, excelling as a physical tight end and a disruptive defensive end. On offense, he's a dependable target with strong hands, the ability to create mismatches in coverage, and the toughness to block effectively in the run game. Defensively, Matthew brings relentless effort off the edge, using his size, strength, and quickness to pressure quarterbacks and set the edge against the run.     Carlos is a hard hitting safety who racked up 65 tackles last season, showcasing his ability to be a consistent force in the secondary. He plays with great instincts, reads plays quickly, and isn't afraid to come downhill to stop the run. In coverage, Carlos uses his range and awareness to limit big plays over the top. This year, he's focused on elevating his game sharpening his coverage skills, increasing his turnover production, and becoming a vocal leader on the defense.     Briggs is a relentless linebacker who thrives on making plays behind the line of scrimmage, racking up an impressive 67 tackles for loss last season. His quick first step, instinctive play recognition, and aggressive pursuit allow him to disrupt offenses before they can get going.   Briggs plays with high energy and physicality, shedding blocks and closing in on ball carriers with authority. His production and leadership in the middle of the defense make him a tone-setter for the Hippos, and he's looking to build on his dominant performance as a key anchor of the defense this year.     Brayden is the heartbeat of the Hippos' defense, patrolling the middle linebacker spot with toughness and consistency. He piled up an impressive 101 tackles last season, showing excellent instincts, lateral quickness, and a nose for the football. Brayden diagnoses plays quickly, takes smart angles, and wraps up with textbook tackling form. His leadership on the field and ability to communicate defensive adjustments make him a trusted anchor in the middle. With his work ethic and determination, Brayden is primed to lead the defense to another strong season.     Michael is a promising defensive back who's looking to make a bigger impact for the Hippos this season. After gaining valuable experience in limited playing time last year, he's ready to step into a larger role in the secondary. Michael brings speed, competitiveness, and a willingness to challenge receivers, along with the versatility to contribute in coverage and run support. With more reps and the opportunity to prove himself, he's poised to be an important piece of the Hippos' defensive unit in 2025.     At 5'8", Rudy is a tough, physical linebacker who plays with high energy and a nose for the football. He's dependable against the run, filling gaps quickly and making solid tackles, while also showing the athleticism to drop into coverage when needed. Rudy's hustle, physicality, and willingness to do the dirty work make him a valuable part of the Hippos' defensive unit. This season, he's looking to step up as a consistent playmaker and help set the tone for the defense.     Samuel is a disruptive defensive end who uses his strength, quickness, and relentless motor to make life difficult for opposing offenses. He excels at getting off the line quickly, setting the edge against the run, and applying consistent pressure on the quarterback. Samuel's physical style of play forces offenses to account for him on every snap, and his effort from whistle to whistle sets the tone for the defensive front. This season, he's focused on turning pressures into sacks and being a difference maker in the trenches for the Hippos.     At 5'7", Joshua is a strong, determined running back who runs with purpose on every carry. He combines good vision with a powerful running style, allowing him to break tackles and pick up tough yards between the tackles. Joshua's balance and lower-body strength make him difficult to bring down, while his patience lets him find openings in the defense. As he continues to develop his speed and versatility, Joshua is looking to become a key contributor to the Hippos' ground game this season.     Douglas is a young, developing offensive lineman eager to step into the role of tackle for the Hippos. He brings size, raw strength, and a willingness to learn, making steady progress in his technique and footwork. Douglas shows promise in pass protection with improving hand placement and the ability to anchor against pressure, while his physicality in the run game helps open lanes for the backs. With continued growth and experience, he has the potential to become a reliable presence on the offensive front.     Dylan is a talented transfer from Elgin High School who's ready to make an immediate impact for the Hippos. Bringing fresh energy and experience, he adds depth and versatility to the roster. Dylan's athleticism, work ethic, and ability to adapt to new systems quickly make him a valuable addition on both sides of the ball. As he settles into the program, he's expected to compete for playing time and contribute to the Hippos' success this season. Dylan shows that he can make play happen at the WR position.     Jayden is a dominant offensive lineman whose size, strength, and technique have made him one of the top trench players in the area. His ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes has drawn the attention of multiple college programs, earning him several offers. Jayden plays with a mean streak in the run game, driving defenders off the ball, while his footwork and balance make him a steady force in pass protection. As a leader on the offensive front, he sets the tone with his physicality and consistency, making him a cornerstone of the Hippos' line.    With a new head coach in Eli Reinhart, fresh energy throughout the locker room, and a roster filled with both proven playmakers and rising talent, the Hutto Hippos are ready to turn the page from last season. Even though they're a young team, the Hippos are finding ways to make it happen showing grit, growth, and the drive to compete every Friday night. From explosive offensive weapons to a hard hitting, determined defense, this team has the pieces to battle in every game. The blend of veteran leadership and hungry newcomers gives the Hippos a renewed sense of purpose and with their eyes set on a playoff run, they're prepared to prove that Hutto football is back and ready to make noise in 2025.

After finishing the 2024 season with a 4-6 overall record and 3-5 in district play, the Hutto Hippos are back with a new head coach, Eli Reinhart, and a renewed mindset. With a fresh culture, revamped energy, and a commitment to hard nosed football, the Hippos are ready to leave last season in the rearview and charge into 2025 with something to prove. Here are some key players to be on the look out for this season: