On September 14, 2023 the Rockets (1-3) won their first game of the season at home in a triumphant showdown against the Hutto Hippos (1-3), 29-19. 

The first quarter began with the Rockets on defense, making  big plays and forcing  the Hippos to punt. With some back and forth between the Hippos and Rockets, the Hutto Hippos got on the board with a field goal, putting  them up, 0-3. The first quarter ended with the Rockets down 0-3, but they left the stadium buzzing with their energy and efforts on offense.

To start the second quarter the crowd was roaring after two big tackles from Senior Kevin Duhart, who stopped the Hippos from crossing into the end zone. With the offense back in, they quickly went to work and Senior Parker Stofa broke through the Hippos’ defense for a first down. The Rockets were unable to score and opted to punt the ball to the Hippos. The Rocket defense burned through the Hippos, and possession was awarded back to the Rockets. With a catch from Senior Terrell Smith, the Rockets completed a first down. With that play, the Rockets were rolling, and a touchdown by De Morlean McGarity they took the lead 7-3. The defense stifled the Hippos, and the Rockets took possession. Senior Donovan Brown rushed for a first down, and Junior Jack Call scored the touchdown to add onto the Rockets lead, 13-3. To end the quarter Senior Myles Davis intercepted Hutto’s pass, ending the quarter with the Rockets in possession, 13-3.

The third began with the Rockets on offense, but with a fumble it was the Hippos’ ball. Judson played some great defense to force a turnover, and get the ball back at their own 18-yard line. Junior Andres Rojas rushed for a 62-yard touchdown extending the Rockets’ lead 19-3. To end the quarter the Hippos went on a run and trimmed Judson’s lead with a touchdown and two-point conversion making the score 19-11. 

The fourth quarter began with Junior Davian Watson, completing a pass to put the Rockets up by fifteen points and making the game 26-11. After the play the Hippos had possession, which ended after the Rockets recovered a fumble by Hutto. The Rockets opted to kick a 43-yard field goal and Senior Douglas Tolliver easily finished the play, 29-11. At the very end of the game, the Hippos surged again and ran to the end zone for a field goal, and opted for the two point conversion to put them at 29-19. The Hippos’ final effort came too late and the game ended 29-19.

The Rockets (1-3) will play the Midland Legacy Rebels away at Astound Broadband Stadium on September 22, 2023. The theme for next week’s game is Jersey Day, so put on your favorite sports threads and come out and support!