The Fighting Llano Yellow Jackets defeated the Crystal City Javelinas Friday night in San Antonio by a score of 48-14. The Yellow Jackets now have a season record of 10-1, tied for the fourth best record ever recorded by the Yellow Jackets.

Both teams got the jitters out of the way early. Llano threw an interception on the fourth play from scrimmage, so the Jackets defense went to work. Three plays by the Javelinas produced no yards. Senior Colton Bailey, junior JD Friday and Logan Van Pelt put the pressure on and forced a punt. A punt that bounded all the way to the one yard line.

Senior Trey Mote found no yards on his first carry. But on second down, Trey found the right hole. Seniors Will Landers, Konrad Zwicke, and Stephen Barrack did the blocking. And Trey raced 99 yards for the record breaking 99 yard run. Francisco Caravano kicked good and Llano lead 7-0. Trey’s run of 99 yards breaks the school record held by Lance Dickey. Lance’s 97 yard run was in the Alamo Dome in 1997.

Crystal City’s best effort came next. The Javelinas put together a 9 play drive, helped by a Jacket 15 yard penalty. The Javelinas had two passes for 43 yards, and ran the ball 6 times. The score was tied with 4:48 left in the first quarter.

The Jackets next drive was stopped when Llano went for a first down on fourth down and were stopped. But on the Javelinas next possession, senior Carter Bickett intercepted for the Jackets and the quarter ended. In the first two quarters of the game, the Jacket defense forced Crystal City to punt 5 times, and were held to 67 total yards on 28 plays. Outstanding play by seniors Tate Morgan and nose guard Michael Logan. Also great effort covering those five punts by Crystal City. Zach Horton, Wesley Whitaker and Carter were always there.

The Jackets played maybe their best football in the second quarter. Sophomore quarterback Luke Davis found sophomore Cash Lynch for the first score in the quarter. A 13 yard TD toss and the score was 13-7. On the Jackets next possession Luke found senior RJ Coplin 29 yards down field and Llano lead 20-7. And on the next possession, Luke threw a short flair out pass to Trey, who took it 81 yards for the score. Now it was 27-7. Crystal City had the ball 17 plays and had 12 yards.

Llano scored first in third quarter, when Colton dropped the Crystal City back for a loss in the end zone and a safety. Crystal City kicked, and Llano ran 7 plays. Luke threw to RJ for 13. Trey ran for 9. Cody Greenwood ran for 7 more. And on third and 11, Luke hooked up with senior Heith Rhea for the 11 yard TD reception. Llano lead 35-7.

Still in the third quarter, junior linebacker Jose Sillas played a bouncing fumble perfectly and returned it for the Jackets score. With 5:35 left in the third quarter, Jose had put the Jackets up by 42-7. Crystal City was able to score late in the quarter. Going into the fourth quarter, Llano lead 42-14.

The Jacket defense was so strong. Gavin and Carsten Hays( Brothers) were tough as nails. Austin Humphries from his cornerback position had a great solid night. Sophomore Cole Kennedy is so strong down in the trench, helping Llano to 9 plays for minus yards. At one point, Crystal City had 9 incomplete passes. Juniors Isaiah Aguilar and linebacker Niko Arms and sophomore Mario Hernandez are improving every week coming into the game and giving very valuable snaps.

The Jackets were able to play most all players, and even a few JV players got into the action. Maybe what was not suppose to happen, as Llano played the last few minutes. Greenwood came into relieve Trey, who had over 200 yards rushing. Cody decided he too would show his potential with 9 quality carries. And then Coach Green put running back Brady Kelly in for a few plays. Brady took it to the house with a 39 yard TD run. Final score 48-14.

There are 32, 3AAA, Division 1 schools left in the state play offs.

Llano plays Friday night again near San Antonio. We play Orange Grove, who beat San Diego last Friday night 26-21. Llano has never played the Bulldogs. Orange Grove had a record last year of 7-5. And this year stand at 8-3, losing only to Edna, Rockport-Fulton and Goliad. The Bulldogs have won their last four games. The only connection to Orange Grove is that long time ago Brent Kornegay offensive coordinator of Llano, went and became head coach at Orange Grove for many years. He retired a few years, and then returned back….then retired again. I think he is head coach now at Three Rivers.

Being in the state play offs in nothing new to the Bulldogs. They will come into the game very confident. Texted with Art some…he thinks they run the ball most of the time. (Right into our strength) . Logan, Michael, and Cole will be tested. The Jackets need to be extra aware of the penalties. 9 last week was not good. Still…Llano is playing their best football.

Llano 30 Orange Grove 14.