KBVO Game of the Week: Hutto’s comeback win over Vista Ridge 35-34 strengthens playoff position

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hutto roared from a 20-7 halftime deficit to edge Vista Ridge 35-34 in a key District 25-6A tilt at Gupton Stadium Thursday in the KBVO Game of the Week.

Hippos quarterback Kaden Stefek hit Jaiden Fields for a 13-yard touchdown with 6:56 left in the game to take the lead, and then the defense made a huge stop with 4:21 left to seal the win. Hutto outscored Vista Ridge 28-14 in the second half.

Vista Ridge came out of the gates hot with a touchdown on its first possession, a 39-yard strike down the middle of the field from Cameron Lacek to DeShaun Castillo. And then it looked like the Rangers were going to pour it on even more after they recovered an onside kick that surprised just about everyone in the stadium.

Hutto kept in contact, however, keeping the Rangers out of the end zone after the onside kick and then scoring for the first time. Keilan Chavies juked past a Rangers defender on his way to a 17-yard touchdown to get the Hippos on the board in the second quarter. The score cut Vista Ridge’s lead to 10-7 early in the frame.

Vista Ridge stretched their lead to 20-7 at the halftime horn, but Stefek and the Hippos offense came to life. Stefek was involved in all four of Hutto’s scores, throwing for three and rushing for the other. He hit Fields for two and Chavies for one, and then sprinkled in a 2-yard run to help the Hippos take a half-game lead in the district with a 6-1 record. Vandegrift, who beat Hutto last week, plays Westwood on Friday and can keep pace with the Hippos with a win.

Hutto (7-2, 5-1) faces McNeil in the regular season finale Nov. 7. Vista Ridge (6-3, 4-3) plays Westwood. The Rangers are in a precarious position at 4-3, a half-game behind Round Rock and McNeil, out of playoff position. McNeil takes on winless Manor, and Round Rock plays Stony Point on Friday.

More highlights