The 2021 Llano Yellowjackets beat Marion in Bi District for the second time in as many years in a hard fought 53-26 victory played in Pflugerville Friday night.

The Jacket defense again shut out their opponent in the first quarter of the game, and having only allowed 3 points all season in the first quarter. But the score was a bit deceiving. Marion played hard to the end, and in the fourth quarter narrowed the score to 31-26. But with 10 minutes left in the game, Llano scored 22 points from that point which included an on side successful kick, recovered by junior Isaiah Bush. Carson Kuykendall scored from 10 yards out with Bryce Mize kicking the extra point. Senior quarterback Maddox Green scored from 4 yards out, and then threw for the two point conversion to Carson. Sophomore Alex Kachura scored the final TD with a 16 yard TD catch from sophomore Briggs Green playing at quarterback. The 53 points scored by Llano is a school record for most points scored in a Play-Off game.

Llano looked like we were on cruise control by the end of the first half, and leading 25-13. But Marion had other ideas.. scoring 13 points early in the fourth quarter.

The Jackets changed the attack somewhat in the fourth quarter. While senior quarterback Green had 184 yards passing in the first three quarters, Llano shifted more to running the football in the final stanza. Carson had his best game rushing as he finished with 23 carries and 184 yards and 3 TDs. Junior Miguel Hernandez finished with 16 carries and 86 hard fought yards. Maddox also had 48 yards rushing along with three Td passes.

Junior Sam Sueltenfuss lead all receivers with 5 catches and 149 yards and 2 TDs. catches. Jackson Dillard had 2 catches and 18 yards. Sophomore Parker Parrish had one catch for an 11 yard TD catch. Ross Prokop had a catch and Brock Fly carried the ball once. Llano finished with over 500 yards in offense.

The defense played steady and with little drama. I know these defenders did not want to give up 26 points, but I really think coming off the “off week” that we started slow. And do give credit to Marion. They played to the end and played hard. Llano still had 6 sacks…Junior Kyle Gilliland, and senior Kaden Raborn had their first sacks of the season. Very strong games from Isaiah and sophomore Fitz Kennedy. Senior Jenin Basteyns had one of his best games. Jaxon Rhea was stud, helping to block, getting a sack, and causing havik. Junior Hayden Manahan lead the defense and the number of tackles. Aiden Henderickson and Ricky de la Torre so tough on the outside. Senior Matthew Whitley had a good game playing at times both ways. So too Zach Watson. And again, two interceptions helped turn the game. Both Caden Bauman and Briggs Green stopped drives with their interceptions. Fitz Kennedy, and Sam may have both had their best games.

Llano plays San Diego this Friday night in “Area” game. San Diego is 9-1, and came in second in their district. They won their district last season, so this winning thing is not new to the Vaqueros. Expect a strong run game with good and big offensive lineman. We all meet Friday night in Seguin at Matador Stadium. I guess we have all learned that any team at this level can win. The Jackets will have to show up early and play late to win this Area game. Experience will help, but it will not always make the difference. Penalties need to be at a minimum. The Jackets have done so well taking care of the football. Only 7 losses in 10 games. The defense can keep us in any game. Our offense is scoring at a 34 point pace. Llano wins # 9 in a tough one. 9-2 looks nice headed to Thanksgiving.