The 4-AAAA Burnet Bulldogs come to Jacket Stadium Friday night in the 82nd meeting of the two schools. This rivalry started in 1927, a cool 99 years ago. The series is tied at 40-40-1.

Llano won the first contest 7-6. The series has been feast or famine for both teams. From 1963 to 1979, Llano won 15 of 16 years. From 1982 to 1995, Burnet won 11 of those 14 years. Llano picked it back up in 1993, 1994, 1996 and 1997.

Yet over the past 29 years, and playing 16 games, Burnet won 14 and Llano won 2. The Jackets won in 2022, 29-21. Burnet won in 2023, 47-12. Llano’s win in 2022 was at Jacket Stadium. Most can remember when Burnet’s old stadium was right on State Highway 29 East going out of Burnet. Then Burnet built the “Green Stadium.” Maybe 25 years ago. Llano has never won at the green stadium.

Burnet now is in District 12 of 4-AAAA D 1 with a high school enrollment of 985. Llano moved to Region 1 in 3-AAA, D 1. Our enrollment is 509. Burnet is picked to make the state play offs according to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football. Burnet is in the district with State Champion Stephenville, as well as Marble Falls, Lampasas, Jarrell and China Springs.

Burnet had a good defense last year and made the play offs in 4-AAAA. They expect to be better this season. Should be another classic game, going against a Jacket offense that many of us think could become special.

The Jacket offensive line will average about 265 pounds, likely the biggest in school history. After watching the Jackets scrimmage, the running game could be fun. Sophomore Cole Landers brings with him this year several younger running backs that appear all can carry the load. Cole averaged about 15 carries per game last year. This offensive line will be tested against Burnet. For Llano’s passing game to light up…the running game needs to be very productive.

If you are one to watch like a veteran, watch the defensive line of the Jackets. These veterans will have to carry the defense for a time until the secondary and linebackers get some experience. Stopping the Burnet run is a must, but getting that pass rush as important. Lead by All State Mario Hernandez…and his other lineman….these guys will be fun to watch.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the Jacket Coaches find players to take over the kicking game…all will be new to the field. Someone will step up. Did last year..and the year before, and the year before.

Llano has won 28 of the last 29 games at Jacket Stadium. San Antonio Randolph was the last team to beat the Jackets at home, in 2023.

Expectations…that is what the Jackets have become…Llano expects to win every time they take the field. Even against larger schools like Burnet. Llano expects to beat Burnet. I do too. Llano 35 Burnet 21.