A season when you were not picked to win your district…a season when star power was lacking…a season when you fall behind in 6 games, by as many as 19 points in a state play off game and still come back to win…a season when injuries put starters out for extended periods….all turned out far better than many could have ever imagined. A 12-2 season, the third most wins in a season in the history of the school…the word magical does not say enough….but this team will have bragging rights for decades going forward…a team that narrowed the field down to 8 teams before being eliminated.

The Yellow Jackets Friday night played a less than a perfect game against #2 ranked Edna. The five turnovers would have sealed the game for most teams. Yet in the third quarter Llano scored making the score 28-14. Hundreds of Llano Llano fans had seen this before. A comeback by a group of young men that never quit…did not know they might be out talented, and maybe even faster and quicker. The Jackets just kept fighting…all the way to the final whistle. The final score of 41-14 will be long forgotten, but this season and even this game will be apart of the memories of these players forever. For so many of us, it was magical.

To point out just a few of the high points of the Edna game….Llano was forced to punt 5 times for an average of 34 yards per punt…Junior Jose Sillas has been consistent all year…averaging 39.2 yards per kick, second highest average in the history of LHS. Jose ‘s name is in the LHS RECORD BOOK.

The Jacket defense has been excellent all season long. The Jackets forced Edna to punt 5 times. Seniors Michael Logan, and Logan Van Pelt in the trenches had great seasons. Logans’s interception in the third quarter stopped a 9 play drive of the Cowboys. Having seniors Tate Morgan at linebacker, and Carter Bickett ( 3 interceptions for the season) at safety was as good as it gets. Tate was ahead in Max Prep state wide in tackles as of last week. Wesley Whitaker played a very valuable role at linebacker and moving over to cover receivers. Isaiah Hernandez was a valuable player also playing in the down positions, and on special teams. Senior Heith Rhea had a great season, after missing much of the season. But his play on both sides of the ball cannot be dismissed. So great to have him back the second part of the season. And enough will never be said of the play of senior Colton Bailey. Always making the big plays. And his interception in the second quarter against Edna will be long remembered. Zach Horton played hard. And nothing harder at times than coving punts and kick offs. His always 100% effort was noticed. A great team player. That’s what a Yellow Jacket is!

Senior Trey Mote also will be listed several times in the record book. Second most points in a season (172 points and 28 TDs) only behind James Grantham’s 176. 1,652 rushing yards…# 6 all time. I will be working on the RECORD BOOK for several weeks. Such as Trey’s career totals still to be entered.

This gives me the opportunity to mention to you all….please email me to make sure all records get entered. I miss a lot. But welcome your additions and corrections. The record book belongs to you. Many have said they can’t find it….Easy way is to just type in PLAY TO WIN, by mikel virdell…stroll down to Yellow Jackets Records….now over 90 categories….also pretty sure it is on the LHS web page.

One thing I think I have got correct….but please check:

Coach Matt Green: 8 seasons….70-28 record…13 play off wins…winning percentage of .714….No one else is even close. Three best seasons ever for LHS. Only Coach John Baskin coached 8 seasons and finished with 48 wins.

Have all kinds of data to enter into the records….RJ Coplin will see his name many times…as will additions for quarterback Luke Davis. All a work in progress.

When the All District team is announced, I’ll publish…..and the ones that never see their names….the offensive line and other blockers unless they get a penalty. Offense next week…

But for all that’ said and done….12-2 was MAGICAL.