The seniors of the 2023 football class will look back at some point in time and appreciate better what they were able to accomplish. The four years of wonderful football and leaving behind records and accomplishments that will be hard to match. Yet the lessons learned will be more important.

I can tell you that over the past 50 plus years, the relationships, friendships and sense of knowing fairness and never giving up have been more important. The seniors have had moments that seemed impossible. The Crocket game this year. Winning with less than a minute to play. What lesson is that? They come from behind three seasons ago against San Saba? What a memory. And even last season playing to a season with four shutouts for the defense, in which two were in the playoffs. Will be hard to duplicate. All of these moments will be remembered by these players forever.

Might be interesting to also remember that the Jackets played eight teams that made the state playoffs. And in the first week of state playoffs, five of those teams won. 5A Austin Crockett won their first playoff game in 27 years. 4A Burnet won, 2A Coleman won, as did the top two teams in our district, SA Cole and Blanco. Llano beat Cole 37-0 and that still feels good.

Missing next year will be senior and two year starter Fitz Kennedy. Fitz was a force last season at linebacker, and this year had 37 solo tackles and 10 were for loss yardage, along with 3 quarterback sacks. But most of us remember Fitz carrying the heavy load of running the football, usually on third or fourth down. He had 82 carries and 363 yards and 8 running touchdowns. Fitz also blocked a punt against Ingram and also caught the ball and ran it in for the TD. Great Jacket career.

His brother, Dylan played on the offensive line. Simply dominating. Starter for two years. Offensive tackles don’t garner many statistics, but Dylan has been great. And so hard to replace.

Cooper McWilliams may be missed the most. A starter at the punting position, and had a good 28.1 yard average with a longest of 58 yards. But his coming into games late at running back became a fan favorite. Cooper only carried 30 times this season, but finished with 167 yards and a 5.6 yard average. His 150 pound frame was tough and fast, and the call by fans in the later part of the season is one reason to have been excited about this 2023 season.

I watched as senior Gage Arms was the good soldier. Always positive and excited for the players as they came off the field. Coaches made sure Gage got into the Ingram game. I saw Gage after the game, and he was beaming…a great teammate. What being a Yellowjacket is all about.

Dusty Miller had some great moments on both sides of the ball. He had 30 carries for a 5.4 yard per carry. Quick as a cat. And made special plays on defense for two years. Had 43 solo tackles this season with 1.5 sacks. His 9 tackles for a loss was third on the team. His energy and great enthusiasms will serve him well as he goes forward.

Players like Mason Martin, Jose Hernandez, Aiden Beuke, and Forrest Homesley had so many missed games due to injury. Briggs Green too can be included here. Their contributions are still valuable. And they get to have the same memories as most…Good teammates all.

Tight end Parker Parish was out with injury for 4 games. Yet the returning all district player had great moments. He had 5 catches for 28 yards and a TD. Very strong blocker. Mentored Sophomore Konrad Zwicke and junior Logan Van Pelt. Great leadership skills.

Charlie White missed the last game of the season with injury. But his contribution of 10 catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns were always exciting. But Charlie was a great defensive back. 44 solo tackles, 6 plays for loss yardage, and 3 interceptions. Might get recognition on the all district team.

Senior Alex Kachura was the Jacket’s most valuable player on offense. The tall 6’2 wide receiver ended the year with 36 catches and 647 yards, both numbers making the record book. Alex had so many clutch catches on third and fourth downs. His 5 TD catches was second only to junior RJ Coplin’s 6. It will take big shoes to replace Alex next season….he was special.

Jackson Hoot had a good senior year, despite missing two games. Playing cornerback and wide receiver, Jackson had 15 solo tackles. A very good downfield blocker, and an excellent special team player, lots of extra effort getting downfield fast. ..we needed more like Jackson.

Center Billy Everhart became invaluable. Injured for several games, when he returned the Jackets improved. Billy kept up a long tradition of very strong and smart centers. His buddies in crime in the offensive line were seniors Josh Cooper, JJ Vaughn, Hunter Brown and Frank Machuga. Their experience missed will end up telling how the Jackets can do next season. These veteran players were so good so many times. Statics don’t tell the value of offensive lineman. These seniors had a good year. Machuga on defense had 19 solo tackles with 2.5 sacks, and one blocked field goal. Hunter had 9 solo tackles and many games played both sides of the ball, as well had a blocked field goal. JJ seemed to show up everywhere. A sound blocker, and 5 solo tackles on defense.

2024 started last Monday. As we see the seniors go off into all different directions, one thing they will all get to know. They will always be Yellowjackets….thanks for the memories

I’ve started on the record book….many entries to make, and the next article will try to let you know what has been entered. Let me know when I miss some…always do. I found an entry from 2001 last week!! Go to: Play to Win by Mikel Virdell…can click on Yellowjacket Records