The 28-13 win over 4-A Jarrell Friday night was a strong win at Jacket Stadium and playing the first time on the new surface, installed just weeks ago.

I felt strongly that the defense would need to show up against a team that last season scored 26 points against a great Jacket defense. With a very athletic and talented quarterback in Nico Rodriguez, the Cougars were always only a run or throw away from scoring. Yet the defense did not disappoint. On the 6th play from scrimmage, Llano’s sophomore defensive back stepped in front of a Nico pass and intercepted for the first turnover of the season for this defense. JD Friday in his first varsity game showed why he is a starter. His played sparked the offense.

On the first play from scrimmage, sophomore Brayton Shaw scored from 40 yards out and Llano took an early lead after freshman Carlos Sapula kicked his first of four extra points. According to Head Coach Matt Green, Sapula is the first freshman to start for him as a freshman.

The Jacket offensive line can stand proud on this performance. Lead by senior Dylan Kennedy, the Jackets were able to rush the ball for 255 yards Friday night. Seniors Billy Everhart at center and Josh Cooper were very good in their first Jacket starts. Seniors JJ Vaughn and Frank Machuga showed their experience and were both very good. Senior two year starter Parker Parish had several key blocks. Seniors Jackson Hoot and Hunter Brown had several key plays in key spots. And sophomores Konrad Zwicke and Carson Stevenson were outstanding in their first varsity games. There will be much to improve on as the season progresses, but this was a good start.

One of the very good moments, being four of them, was the punting of senior Cooper McWilliams. Cooper’s first punt put the Cougars at their own 2 yard line. And his four punts for the night averaged over 37 yards. A wonderful debut for Cooper. And a great weapon for the Jackets. Also, good coverage by junior Wesley Whitaker and Charlie White on Kick offs. This will help Sapula’s kick off game, keeping the Cougars 31 yards and deeper each time.

The Jacket defense continued to show up when needed. Linebacker senior Fitz Kennedy had several outstanding defensive plays, while also playing running back and carrying the ball 13 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Full evening for Fitz. Junior Tate Morgan lead the team in tackles with 8. Sophomore Friday, had 7 solo tackles. Muchuga played so tough in the middle of the defensive line. And old timer Charlie White continued his play from last season with a very strong game. Senior linebacker Dusty Miller was in on 5 tackles from his linebacker position. And Brayton Shaw playing on defense, he also lead the team in rushing with 15 carries and 109 yards and a TD. Not a bad nights work for the sophomore. Sophomore Aiden Detwiler showed why he is on the varsity with a good first game at defensive back. The Jacket defense held on fourth down 3 times, forced 4 punts, and intercepted twice.

New players will be stepping up every week. This roster has 18 juniors and sophomores. I know I missed some in this first week, but I too plan on getting better. Such a surprise to me and such wonderful memories were brought back when I saw Kaleb Payten lining up at cornerback. Kaleb’s first year in Llano, is Tommy Duncan’s grandson. When I was a sophomore, I was honored to play with Tommy when he was a senior. Tommy was one of Llano’s all time greats at running back and defensive back.

And Carter Bickett had a great varsity debut. Carter plays safety I think…maybe corner. But his interception in the fourth quarter sealed the Jacket victory. Carter is the son of Billy Bickett, one of the greatest safeties to ever play for Llano. Billy started as a sophomore along with Bradley Kassell in the secondary. Nearly 30 years ago!

The running game of the Jackets was exciting, and until junior quarterback Colton Baily really gets a good feel for the passing game, will need to carry the offense for a while. Colton completed 5 of 11 passes for 94 yards. Not at all a bad start. But Colton helped his own cause with 13 carries and 58 yards rushing. Along with Fitz and Brayton, a strong running game is perfect at this point. Junior Trey Mott also came in and showed a burst of speed with two carries. I think this offensive line of Kennedy, Vaughn, Machuga, Everhart, Brown and Cooper is built to have a strong running game. It will be needed this Friday night.

I have asked around. I have been to every game played in the present Burnet stadium when Llano played, since it was built. I do not think the Jackets have ever beat the Bulldogs in their green stadium. If we have, please let me know. So this would be a great time to start. Burnet has one of their strongest teams in years. And they still have not gotten over Llano’s win last season. Let’s make it two in a row.

LLano 28

Burnet 12