The week of San Antonio Randolph is here. No more worries about looking ahead. No more wondering how the Ro-Hawks did last week. The game that many have anticipated for a whole year is here.

The Jackets took it on the chin last year 24-7, in what began a three game losing streak for the Jacket. I suspect what was most surprising is that Llano had won three district championships in a row, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The 34-5 record over those three years caused for expectations. But they did not get automatic wins. Each game had its own personality. And every win was hard fought.

Friday night will be no different. Randolph went on to a 10-2 record last season. They are undefeated this season at 7-0. Sam Oakland is their star returning from last season, playing running back and linebacker. Quarterback Collin Stucki returns and he threw for 26 TDs last season. Randolph makes few errors. Very few penalties and very few turnovers. Randolph is a very good football team.

So is Llano. The Jackets are scoring at a rate of 33 points a game. The defense is even better, allowing only 14 points a game. Penalties need to be cleaned up, and turnovers notched down to 0 The Jackets will win this game in the offensive and defensive lines. Few words are said about the guys that get dirty every Friday night. Seniors Stephen Barrack, Jaxon Johnson, Rice Thomas, Marshall Henderson, Thomas Caldron and Will Landers are all good football players. Juniors James Greenwood, Cason Stephenson, Zach Driskel, Ethan Griego, Hayden Bigger have been working hard for the Jackets running attack that averages over 200 years a game. This group needs to have their best night as Jackets to beat Randolph. Play one play at a time. It doesn’t have to get bigger than that.

The guys that have clogged the running attacks up front are playing great football….lead by senior nose guard Michael Logan. Sophomore Cole Kennedy is a great disrupter, and along with Logan Van Pelt and senior Isaiah Hernandez. While making lots of stops, they are so good about keeping blockers off the Llano linebackers. Senior Tate Morgan, and juniors Carsten and Gavin Hays along with Jose Sillas, Nico Arms and Mario Hernandez have made for hard sledding against Llano. No kidding ones self. The Jacket defense will have a super test Friday night. One play at a time.

The Jackets punting game has been fun for me to watch this season. Junior Jose Sillas punts, but not in the normal since. Don’t need a stop watch for the hang times. There is none. But, Jose usually kicks an end over end kick away from any punt returner, and usually ends up in the 30-35 yard range. He also has a very aggressive group of people that cover, lead by Carsten and Gavin Hays. They are always down field chasing Jose’s punts. Great effort by all.

The Jackets have played a tough schedule this year. Jarrell has won 4 games in their very tough district and in 4AAAA. 4AAAA Marble Falls gave Llano three hard quarters. Comfort will make the play offs. And Comanche is ranked in the top 20 in 3AAA. Randolph will be as talented as the Indians. But what I see, Llano has improved a lot since the Comanche game. The Jackets will be ready.

Llano 21 Randolph 9

You have 48 minutes to play the game and a lifetime to remember it…..Darrell Royal

Luck is what happens when preparation meets with opportunity….Darrell Royal

The harder I work the luckier I get.

To whom much is given, much is required.