Hutto Holds off Manor

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: November 3, 2019

photos: Steve Thomas

Hippos use ground game and opportunistic defense to down Mustangs

On Friday night, the Hutto Hippos and Manor Mustangs squared off in a crucial District 11-5A DI showdown. Both teams were 3-1 in district play and tied for second place behind district leader Cedar Park. After losing to Cedar Park two weeks prior, the Hippos entered the game coming off a convincing 54-7 rout of Pflugerville last week. Manor, meanwhile, was looking to bounce back from a 56-35 loss to Georgetown last week and keep their district title hopes alive.

For most of the game, the Mustangs kept pace with the Hippos; but the Hutto defense and ground attack made several keys plays in the fourth quarter which allowed them to pull away for a 42-20 victory. Running back Mekhi Kimble rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns, and running back Kendall Williams rushed for 77 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Grayson Doggett threw for 107 yards and connected with receiver Jairiez Lambert for a touchdown. The Hippo defense also forced two interceptions and two key fumbles to end promising drives for Manor.

Offensively for the Mustangs, running back Tahj Brooks rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns; and running back Lavonte Benford ran for 90 yards and a touchdown. The Mustangs also made several key mistakes and failed to capitalize on multiple opportunities. With the game tied at 7-7 in the second quarter, Mustang defensive back Tyrek Marshall intercepted Doggett’s pass and returned it to the Hutto 38-yard line. Three plays later, Hutto defensive back Jordan Phoenix intercepted Manor quarterback Matthew Hill’s pass deep in Hippo territory and returned it to the Hutto 49-yard line.

In third quarter trailing 21-14, the Mustangs started with the ball in Hutto territory; but the offense stalled and was forced to punt. On the first play of the ensuing Hutto drive, Mekhi Kimble broke free for 82 yards and his third touchdown of the night. Early in the fourth quarter, the Mustangs trailed 28-20 but were putting together a promising drive. On first down from the Hutto 15-yard line, however, Hutto defensive back Landyn Watson recovered a muffed exchange between Hill and Brooks and returned it 81 yards for a touchdown. Late in the fourth quarter, Manor receiver Julius Ochoa caught a 55-yard pass from Matthew Hill but fumbled it at the Hutto one-yard line. The Hippos recovered the fumble to seal the game.

With the win, Hutto improves to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in district. Next week, the Hippos will return home to face the Leander Rouse Raiders (1-8, 1-4). Manor, meanwhile, falls to 5-4 overall and 3-2 in district. Next week, the Mustangs will travel to Gupton Stadium to face the Cedar Park Timberwolves (8-1, 5-0). The Timberwolves have clinched at least a share of the District 11-5A DI title following their 42-21 win over Pflugerville.

by Steve Thomas