The 2025 Llano Yellow Jackets enter into the season as heavy favorites in District 13- 3AAA, and expectations of driving deep into the State Play-offs makes for one more hurdle to breeze over.

The Jackets could say that 2024 was a dream season. Not picked to win the district, or ranked anywhere to be seen at this time last season. Running back was a question mark. The concern that sophomore quarterback Luke Davis could carry the offense. And who was on that offensive line?

For Llano to overcome 7 come from behind wins was one thing. But to sweep the district was another. And to go 12-2, matching the second most wins in school history. This all based on low expectations by all publications. The ones that did not read the reviews were the Yellow Jackets themselves and a Coaching staff that keeps players grounded and focused.

2025 will be different. Will another Trey Mote step up and rush for over 1,652 yards and have the 6th best single season rushing season? Would be a miracle. But we have been blessed over the past 8 seasons that Head Coach Matt Green has been in Llano. Most wins, most district championships, best winning percentage….and the offense has buzzed along with three quarterbacks making all-state. Offensive coordinator Ryan Priem has too been there with Coach Green for all 8 seasons.

Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine out in early July each year. It ranks every high school, from #1 to over 1,000 schools. It takes the last six years and and puts the numbers to several categories. Over the past 6 seasons, Llano is ranked # 9 in Class 3AAA, Division 1.

One category that caught my eye. DCTF magazine ranked the best records of schools with winning one score games. Llano was # 3 in the entire State with 6 wins in 2023 and 2024. Only State Champions North Crowley and Coppell ranked # 1 and # 2. Pretty nice company.

Next week we will start looking at our Jackets. A schedule that could have some pitfalls. Players that must step up. And misfortunes that must be over come.

At the end of last season I mentioned some of the greatest games of ALL TIME. I’ve never experienced anything like the Llano- Goliad game in the Regional Final game this past season. But other games to be included are the following. Also, please send me your thoughts. But here are a few that go down as some of the best ever. Llano beat #2 ranked Bastrop in Bi District 7-0 in 1973. In 1976, Llano lost to eventual State Champion Rockdale 10-9 in the final seconds of the game. The 2012 Salado game. The 2020 San Saba game in which Llano scored 2 touchdowns in the last two minutes to win 35-31. And seniors on this years team should remember the 2023 Austin Crockett game that Llano won in the last minute when RJ Coplin ran back a kick off to win. Jacket senior linebacker Jose Sillas, then a sophomore, threw the block that allowed RJ to score.

Momory makers all. I can’t wait …2025 season is here.