For only the fourth time in school history, the Llano Yellow Jackets are 10-0, headed to Bi District play against Cotulla, a team the Jackets have never played. Llano beat Ingram Moore Friday night at Jacket Stadium to finish the District in sole first place, with a perfect 6-0 district record.

The Jackets have now won 14 straight district games, over the last three years. The best previous three year stretch was over the 1973, 1974, and 1975 seasons, in which the Jackets of 47-49 years ago went 14-1 in district play. The Jackets won two district championships over that three year period.

The 2022 Jackets have now won three straight district crowns. Furthermore, by winning Friday night, Llano has extended its home winning streak to 19 games.

Llano now takes on the second part of the season. Llano plays Cotulla in Bi District play Thursday night in Hondo. Llano has a four game winning streak in Bi-District play, going for five in a row against Cotulla. I can find no where that the Jackets have ever played the Cowboys of South Texas.

Llano played a great game Friday night against Ingram, with nearly every Jacket player getting into the game. The Jackets took a 28-0 after the first quarter, and had a 49-0 lead at half-time. Ingram scored their lone touchdown in the third quarter with 1:22 left in the quarter.

I think we have all learned that with the play offs, the sole importance becomes about the team. Friday night I saw so much of the encouragement of senior and experienced players encouraging every Jacket that got onto the field. Llano has a team of players that know every player has a role. And however small that role may be, it counts. It all counts.

With many players recovering from injuries and time outs, 7 Jackets carried the football Friday night against Ingram. 8 Jackets have rushed for more than 5 yards per carry this season. Carson Kuykendall, Miguel Hernandez, Remington Hipp, Hayden Manahan, Braeden Hatfield, Dusty Miller, and quarterback Green. Our four top pass receivers, Jackson Dillard, Coy Kelso, Ross Prokop and Sam Sueltenfuss caught passes from quarterback Briggs Green Friday night. Llano has many difference makers.

Like to mention, only slightly that extra point kicker and field goal kicker, Bryce Mize is having an extra special season in his kicking game. But his play on the defensive line is nothing but outstanding. Special team player. Along with Bryce’s play, several players play hard on kick coverage. Little mention of these unsung players, but what an effort. Ulisses Marinez, Caden Bauman, JJ Vaughn, Dusty Miller, Luke Turner, Jackson Hoot and linebacker Fitz Kennedy. All are competitive on these coverages. Tremendous extra effort.

The Jacket defense has allowed 111 points in 10 games. Maybe the one single reason is the interceptions and fumble recoveries. Every play, it is on the minds of this Jacket defense. Caden Bauman thought about it twice Friday night, as he hauled down two interceptions. Linebacker Brock Fly too thought about it, with a take away and his first TD of the season. This defense will keep the Jackets in every game going forward. It is that good.

Coach Matt Green mentioned earlier this year how strong he thought our district was. Looking back, I more than agree. Blanco ended as the second seed, and face Poteet in Bi District. Blanco, with a 6-4 record will be expected to win. Randolph with an 8-2 season record, is the third seed out of our district. I thought they were the best team we played this season. They play Hondo Friday night, and I expect the Ro-Hawks to win. And the surprise out of our district is Lulling. The Eagles beat Marion Friday night for the fourth seed. Good for the Eagles. But they face a tough Jourdanton team. Still will be a good week end for District 13.

Llano’s pre district games of 4A Jarrall, 5A Crockett, and 2A Coleman are all in the play offs. Burnet missed the play offs by 2 points. Pretty solid resume. Llano wins its fifth Bi District game in a row. Llano by 38.