Many LHS football seasons have come and gone, but this season is one I enter with as little of first hand knowledge as ever. The 2023 Jackets bring back All District quarterback Briggs Green with a career 33 TD passes. The Kennedy brothers return. (And their Dad, Coach Joe) Two of the very best from last season. Dylan in the defensive line (2nd Team All-district) and Fitz at linebacker (1st Team All District) return. And 2nd Team All District tight end Parker Parrish. These four team leaders will be the core of a very talented but less experienced Jacket team.

Receiver Alex Kachura, defensive back Charlie White and very special team player and running back Dusty Miller make up a talented group that will have expectations high in Jacket land.

When a 3AAA school has 27 seniors, you can expect good things. The 2022 season and a 13-1 record, tying the best record in school history was awash with experience. But even last season, no one expected Jackson Dillard to have the season at the receiver position to have the home run season he had. No one saw Jaxon Rhea being one the best defensive lineman in school history. Or the play of Bryce Mize. Seniors that came in and played like they were four year starters. Remington Hipp comes to mind. And so many clutch plays by Cole Franklin. They all grew up. And played like veterans.

The returning of JJ Vaughn, Donaven Rodriguez and Frank Machuga will help this team come together sooner rather than later. Hunter Brown could be a difference maker. And glimpses of Jordan Coranado last season who could become a bright star. Jackson Hoot saw action last season, and he too will bring savvy to this 2023 season.

Llano lost alot, including two running backs with nearly 3,000 yards rushing. Four offensive lineman that had multiple years of starting. And an unmatched defense that gave up only 12 points per game. Not easily to be replaced. But….we will.

One ingredient that Llano still has is the winningest head football coach in school history, Matt Green. We return offensive coordinator Ryan Priem. And Llano returns defensive coordinator Matt Anastasio. I can’t imagine three better high school coaches all at one school. The Jackets in 2023 face an uphill battle from the first game on. These three coaches along with a group of super assistances will figure it out. Llano has gone 34-5 over the past three seasons. Three District Championships.

The Jackets face four teams in pre-district play that could all beat Llano. Jarrell, in 4A, Crockett in 5A, and Coleman in 2A all made the state play-offs last year. And by all accounts, Burnet has one of the most talented teams they have had in a decade. Llano plays at Coleman and at Burnet.

Our Yellow Jackets face one tough road ahead, but I fear not. These Jackets will surprise, exceed, and play beyond their expectations and make their goals come thru. 2023 will be an exciting season, and I can’t wait to see what happens. I’m along for the ride.

Next Monday we’ll talk about the schedule, and look at how soon August 25th will get here. The scrimmage this Friday is here in Llano on the new playing surface. Llano will play host to Mason.