The 3-2 Llano Yellowjackets play Friday night at Comfort to open the 3-A Div. I District 13 race playing at Comfort. The Jackets hold a 3-0 advantage lifetime against the Bobcats. Comfort is 1-5 going into District play, having played good teams in Mason, Marion and Hondo.

With the cancellation last Friday of the Lake Belton game, the Jackets take to the road for the second game in a row. Comfort is a very strong program with consistency of playing hard and surprising many teams. Comfort made the playoffs last season. And while pollsters may pick the Jackets to win, that is hardly the case many times, as the Jackets found out two weeks ago when traveling to Ballinger. Teams play harder on the home fields. Teams play harder and sometimes differently when District begins. District play is a new season. Injured players get well. Adjustments are made on both sides of the ball. To take Comfort lightly would be a big mistake.

The Jackets too should be more well. I say that as game time will tell the details. Starters that may return to play include Jaxon Rhea, Jackson Dillard, Briggs Green, Jordan Coronado and others. Depth is so important when the whistle blows Friday night. Having strong and well players ready to go into a game at any moment is crucial. Llano being well is a must. Unless miracles happen, Abel Prince is not expected to play this season. Having Miguel Hernandez and Carson Kuykendall to step right in at the running back position has been a life saver.

The Jackets have the same District as last season. Lago Vista at 3-2 will come to Llano the following week. Then Llano travels to Blanco, and the last regular season game has Lulling coming to Jacket Stadium. We can’t get ahead of ourselves. The only game that counts is beating Comfort. One game at a time.

This is a time of the year I point out the importance of the seniors. Leadership by players that have been there is crucial. Senior Maddox Green quarterback is the leader, followed right behind with two way starter Zack Watson. Offensive lineman Matthew Whitley has been so good and solid all year. Aiden Guido really stepped it up this year. A great effort all year. And Jenin Basteyns with Kaden Raborn are helping is role spots. Just wish there were more of them. This is their final season as Jackets. They can make every play count. And show younger Jackets this is the time of the year that we get serious. Getting serious by beating Comfort Friday night is the first step.