The 2013 football season got off to a slow beginning in Wimberley last Friday night.  Yet a Yellow Jacket defense that held on fourth down after an 11 play drive to the 12 yard line put a spark into the Jackets’ offense.  On third down senior quarterback Layton Rabb hit junior Jalen Bauman on a pass in which Jalen fought off three defenders all the way into the end zone.  It was the first score of the game, and Jalen’s effort nothing less than Yellow Jacket tough.  Then junior David Forrister kicked true for a 7-0 lead.

   The problem was not effort.  It was the little things.  Llano’s defense still could not get the Texans off the field.  A 12 play drive by Wimberley and a score still had Llano up by 7-6. But now the Jacket defense had play 23 plays in the first quarter.

   Rabb found Jalen again for a 27 yard completion, as well as a 12 yard completion to senior Kralen Dickerson.  Eigth more to senior Issac Hutto…9 more for completion again to Jalen, and a screen pass to senior Carter tatsch for 13 had the jackets on the 40 yard line.   There the offense stalled.  And Wimberley roared back in four plays and scored .  Then the wheels came off.  An interception that was run back for a TD, a Jacket fumble and Llano never recovered.

   The first game must be “where do we need to improve”?  A quick look.  Issac and Layton punted well, coverage was great..Eliazar Villegas gets down field, and love the way he plays cornerback.  Mason Ladd played like the senior and experienced player he is.  Had two interceptions.  Had a great game.  Caleb Penny was all over the place playing the 3-technique (In the middle).  Ryan Mansell could grow into being a great defensive player.  Needs to play hard every down.  Junior Lance Reven had a great game at linebacker.  Becoming a real leader early in the season just by style of play.  Colton Ekstrom had a strong game.  Chance Ware will get better.  Had a good game at cornerback.

   I have to believe the offense will get better, and more consistant.  sophomore Colton Center along with Gilberto Arredondo and Cody Harp were off on their timing a bit.  Will need to give Layton a little more time.  Layton will also need to speed the game up a bit.  And the line must help with the run game.  Senior Carter Tatsch was smothered as he took the ball.  Holding blocks will change everything.  Issac will be open on the down and out, but he must get the ball.  Jalen shows what he can do when he does get the ball.  Hold those blocks longer men.

  My expectations are still the same.  Llano will play better this week against Bangs.  Bangs is a top 20 team in 2-AA.  May even be picked to beat Llano this week according to “Harris”.  Harris picked Wimberley last week by 17.  I think again, he just got lucky, and this week, I will be the lucky one.  Llano by 14.