After the 55-16 lose in Cuero Friday night, the pretty good Yellowjackets have a dug a hole that they badly need to dig out of. Now at 0-2 in District play, Llano needs to finish strong. Like 3-0 strong. This team that has average nearly 35 points a game on offense, and allowed just a bit over 16 points on defense before District play must right the ship. There is no glossing over the truth. Cuero is very very good. Llano just played poorly, and without much zip….but this is a new week. The players must put the Cuero game in the rearview mirror, and begin this week getting ready to play an odd Bandera team.
Llano had good moments against Cuero. But not many. Most came in the second half when the game was out of reach. But that was one of the good things I saw. The offense lead by seniors Cade Fly, Mason Brooks, Tyler Lindell, Jason Stark, and Ethan Eastwood got the ball in the fourth quarter on their own one inch line, and drove the length of the field to score a meaningless TD. But not meaningless to all. It showed pride.
Senior Drew Cooper never gave up. Had two sacks in the second half. Presley Lynch never stopped coming up from the secondary to make stops on some pretty tough runners. And the coaching staff thought they were giving Mason Brooks a break by letting him play defense most of the game. Problem was he often was the last man standing to prevent another score.
Sophomore Diego Miguel kicked his 5th field goal of the season. Iver Godo replaced Diego when he went down with an injury. Iver kicked an extra point. Senior Thomas Adams had some good plays, as did good hustle from Kendall Downey and junior Quinton Franklin. Ethan Tisdale and Brooks Keel played hard.
Bandera has often played teams hard in the first half this season. Took it to Wimberley in the first half Friday night. Llano is 15-7 all time against the Bulldogs. In the Jackets’ last winning season, 2010, Llano beat Bandera 39-20. The Jackets finished that season at 8-4. That is very doable for this Jacket team. Our defense is strong. The offense dangerous and capable. These seniors must realize there is an opportunity here to be pretty darn good. Maybe real good. They must dream big. And then back it up with very tough strong play. Smart play.
The real season begins Friday night in Jacket Stadium. Bandera too will be playing for a spot in the play-offs. It means everything to the Bulldogs to beat Llano. To dismiss this Bandera team would be a bad mistake. This should be the most important game all season to Llano. And to the seniors. This is your year. Make it count. And do not miss the opportunity you have Friday night.
Play to Win 