The long trip to Lulling in District 13-3A Friday night proved a Jacket team getting better. The 53-13 score was the most points scored this season, and the 50 points scored at half-time was a nice relief in that more experience was gained by many players. The 4-2 Jackets are 2-0 in District play, and now face the beast of our District, S.A. Randolph.

While not to brush over the Lulling game, the Jackets were never troubled…except for an 81 yard TD run by the Eagles QB in the first quarter. Llano had seven players carry the ball, with everyone averaging over 4 yards per carry. Seven players caught passes. Carlos Sapalu was 6 of 7 on extra point kicks, and also had a 34 yard field goal. The defense was very good…..holding the Eagles to less than 200 total yards. Touchdowns by senior Dusty Miller (3), RJ Coplin, Fitz Kennedy, and Colton Bailey (2).

The most outstanding improvement was on the offensive and defensive lines. Will Landers and Dylan Kennedy dominated…..sophomore Carson Stephenson continues to improve. Seniors JJ Vaughn, Frank Machuga (Buddy by some), Hunter Brown, and Thomas Caldron along with junior Stephen Barrack all are playing great. And so happy that senior Billy Everhart at center looks to be near full speed. Blocking by tight ends Parker Parrish and Konrad Zwicke has been invaluable. Alex Kachura and Kaleb Payten are playing so good. And Jose Sillas is a star in the making…blocking and had sack on defense…really hustles all the time.

Wesley Whitaker may have had his best game….as did Mason Martin…and Jacob Hernandez…all playing hard…and the effort on special teams is noticeable…makes a difference.

The Jacket secondary will have their hands full Friday night. Senior Charlie White can be expected to have an inspired game. Junior Carter Bickett and sophomore JD Friday will need every ounce of experience this week. Aiden Beuke and Trey Mote will need to have outstanding games. And Aiden Detwiler will have to be at his best. Linebackers Tate Morgan, Fitz Kennedy and senior Jackson Hoots’ experience will be a factor. It will take a team.

Everyone will have to make a difference this week. Randolph comes to Llano riding a 6 game winning streak, and beating everyone soundly, including Blanco last Friday night. Blanco did not score until late in the fourth quarter. Randolph has only given up 71 points in 6 games. And they average about 38 per game. They are no fluke.

Randolph played Llano its closest game last season not counting the Edna game. 21-14. It was a very hard win. Randolph has the reputation of not beating itself. Very few penalties…very few turnovers…very few missed tackles. They won 9 games last season, with most players back this year. Llano has come a long ways over the last four weeks. Having fewer penalties…and fewer turnovers are difference makers. Everyone will need to play their best game…..to win.

The Jackets have scored 90 points the last two weeks, and given up only 13. The 17 straight district wins is on the line…as well as the 22 game home winning streak.

The one thing I do know about the Jackets is….they expect to win. That expectation…that resolve…that will….it is in the DNA of these players. Llano respect Randolph….but does not fear them.

Prediction: Llano 24 Randolph 21