The 4-4 Llano Yellow Jackets have put themselves in a big hole, after going down 28-21 in Marion Friday night. The lose puts the Jackets at 2-2 in District play, 4-4 for the 2023 season. What many thought would be THE contest of the year this coming Friday night between the Jackets and Blanco, has turned into a fight for survival.

The 13-3AAA District has turned into a grinder. Last Friday night, weak sister Ingram played District bully Randolph to a 14-6 nightmare. Marion, considered not too strong, went down just a few weeks ago to Blanco by over 40 points. Llano meanwhile took care of San Antonio Cole, and now every team in the 7 team district, including Cole, has visions of possible play-off chances.

When I did the statistics at halftime Friday night against Marion, the Jackets had over 270 yards. I felt strongly that with that kind of production, despite mistakes, we would prevail. The Jackets did have four turnovers at that point, but settling down seemed reasonable.

The Yellow Jacket defense looked different. Marion scored on its first two possessions. On the fourth play from scrimmage, Marion’s quarterback ran straight up the middle for a 34 yard TD run. Then after a Jacket fumble, Marion’s QB ran up the middle again for 26 yards and a 14-0 lead.

Llano did wake up. Freshman quarterback Luke Davis hit senior receiver Alex Kachura for the longest scrimmage play of the year and 71 yards later the score was 14-7, after an extra point by junior Tate Morgan. We were in business.

But with 3:22 left in the first quarter, Marion connected on a 25 yard TD pass and catch that put the game at 21-7.

Llano came right back in the next series. Runs by junior Trey Mote, and then a 64 yard TD pass from Davis to junior RJ Coplin put the Jackets right back into the games, now with the score at 21-14.

Optimism was running high. The Llano defense caused three fumbles in three possessions of the Bulldogs. Outstanding play by seniors Dusty Miller and Charlie White. Senior Fitz Kennedy and junior Tate Morgan had very productive nights. And junior Colton Bailey had his best night as a defensive player. I had Colton down for three tackles for loss yardage. Junior Wesley Whitaker and senior Frank Machuga had several key stops. At the halfway mark, Llano was in a good position. If we could play this bad with this many mistakes, the second half would belong to Llano.

Well, to quote two old Yellow Jacket fans, Jerry Butler and James Beesley as they quote Waylon Jennings..”Wrong”.

Llano began as everyone expected. Scored on the first play from scrimmage of 66 yards…but called back for a penalty. Then scored on the second play, 52 yards…and called back for a penalty. Llano punted.

The defense put its big boy britches on. Marion’s first possession saw only 21 yards gained, and a force punt. Sophomore Aiden Detwiler made the key stop on third down.

The Jackets got two easy first downs, lead by Fitz Kennedy and 11 yards. But another turnover gave the ball back. The defense again held Marion and forced another punt. Good plays by junior Carter Bickett and senior Hunter Brown gave the ball back to Llano.

Llano’s next drive was impressive Starting on their 20 yard line, runs by Davis, Mote, and Dusty. Completions to Charlie White and RJ. But a fumble, recovered by senior Dylon Kennedy, and two penalties forced the Jackets to go for a first down on fourth down. It was not good, but the Jacket defense again saved the day. Three plays and out by Marion. Brown, Dusty, and sophomore Brayton Shaw forced the punt.

Llano had the ball on the 46 yard line. Runs by Davis and Mote…first down. Dusty carries twice for 11 yards, first down. Fitz got 13 more, and another first down. Key blocks from center Billy Everhart, JJ Vaughn and Dylon made it look easy. And into the end zone by Fitz for the tying score at 21-21.

But this time Llano’s defense was worn down. Marion went to the air. Three completions for 61 yards and a final 9 yard run by who else…QB from Marion. With only 3:02 left in the game, Marion was ahead 28-21.

The Jackets turned the ball over for its’ 6th turnover for the game. Marion ran out the clock.

In 2019, Llano lost two district games in a row. Still made the play offs, and won the Bi-District game.

Llano has played excellent at times, and very poorly at times. The inconsistency results in a 4-4 record. I believe Llano can beat a very good Blanco team. Llano must stop the terrible penalties. And the turnovers can be killers. A win against Blanco can put the Jackets in a position to take second place in the District race. This time next week…that would be a great place to be sitting.

Same as last years score: Llano 17 Blanco 6