The Llano Yellow Jackets, playing at home for the first time this season, came from behind Friday night to beat an old rival, the Marble Falls Mustangs 20-13 to up their record to 2-1 for the season.

Marble Falls took the lead into halftime 13-7. It took the Jackets a full half to get the offense rolling. Llano had over 100 yards rushing in the first half, and over 100 passing. But only 7 points. The Jackets first two drives covered 70 yards and 15 plays. A punt and a missed field goal was all Llano had to show. Graham Prokop had a 41 yard pass reception from sophomore quarterback Luke Davis to set up the field goal try.

On the other hand, the defense kept the score knotted at 0 to 0. The defense forced a punt with strong play by JD Friday, Carsten Hays and Austin Humphries. The Mustangs went for the first down on fourth down on the next series, only to be stopped. Senior Colton Bailey had one of his best games, in on several tackles and playing pass defense. Carter Bickett at safety and Brayton Shaw stopped the Mustangs.

Llano scored first in the second quarter. Luke completed three passes in a row to RJ Coplin, and two receptions by junior tight end Konrad Zwicke. Senior running back Trey Mote would have his best game. Trey ended the game with 162 yards. Luke ran for 23 yards on this drive and Trey scored from 8 yards out. Tate Morgan kicked good for the 7-0 lead.

The Jacket offensive line also had their best game. Playing against what looked like a very big Mustang defensive line, Llano paved the way for Mote and Brayton Shaw, who had 79 yards. Jaxson Johnson, Cason Stephenson, senior Will Landers, junior James Greewood and junior Zach Druskel had great games. With seniors Stephen Barrack and Thomas Caldron and Isaiah Hernandez, the Jackets line is in good hands.

The Mustangs had two big plays in the second quarter. A 58 yard run that set up their first score, and a 40 yard pass and catch for a TD. JD Friday kept the score close with a super effort and blocking the extra point try by the Mustangs. Marble Falls lead 13-7 at halftime.

There were rumblings coming out of the Yellow Jacket dressing room at halftime, but no one knew what was said. The only thing anyone really knows is that Llano came out in the second half and were on fire. On the third play run by Marble Falls, Carsten Hays got his first varsity interception of the year, setting Llano up on the 47 yard line. Luke steered the offense down the field. 14 yards by Trey. A completion to Carter for 7 yards. Luke ran for 8 more. The speedster Brayton Shaw ran for 29 yards down to the five yard line. And two plays Shaw scored and with Tates’ extra point kick, Llano lead 14-13.

The defense came to play in the second half. Another take a way. This time Michael Logan recovered a Mustang fumble and the Jackets had the ball on the 30 yard line. The defense held the Mustangs to 24 total yards in the third quarter. Exceptional play by Michael, junior Jose Sillas, senior Logan Van Pelt and sophomore Cole Kennedy. These four guys set up shop in the Mustangs backfield. The Mustangs managed only 26 yards rushing in the fourth quarter. # 19 Gavin Hays had a great second half from his defensive secondary position. Colton and Shaw lead all tacklers with 11 each. Tate, as usual was outstanding from his linebacker position had 9 tackles.. Jose, Wesley Whitaker, and Michael Logan were over powering.

Llano scored the winning touchdown on a drive at the end of the third quarter. Shaw, Trey and Luke ran the football. Trey scored from 19 yards out. Llano went up 20-13.

The Jacket defense faced the Mustangs on 12 series. They forced 4 punts, held on fourth down 4 times, and got three turnovers. The Mustangs were held to under 300 yards of offense. Llano had over 400 yards of offense. A great win against a good 4A school.

The Jackets play again at home this week against Jarrell. Another 4A school. Jarrell made the play offs last season and have 8 returning starters. Their quarterback, Nico Rodriguez threw for 2,598 yards last season with 28 passing TDs. Llano has beaten the Cougars in the only two meetings, winning last season 28-13.But last year won’t help much. The Jackets can expect a very strong group of athletes, and the ball will be in the air. Llano must get a good pass rush and the secondary must be ready. Expect Jarrell to score points. I expect Jarrell to be as good as Comanche. But I do see Llano getting better each week. Llano 31 Jarrell 26.