The Llano Yellowjacket quest for a District Title begins this week in Llano against a foe that has been hard to handle. Navarro came into the Jacket’s district four years ago, and it has been hard. But last season Llano played Navarro as good as anyone could have hoped. The 21-7 loss was even closer. Considering the Panthers went on to an 11-2 season, and their four year starting quarterback was just brilliant.
But there has been little drop off for Navarro. Two weeks ago they beat the number 2 ranked 4-A school in the state, Giddings. Usually a running team, with spotted passes thrown in, Navarro has been over the past decade one of the top 4-A schools in the state.
Last season, Llano’s great strength was the defensive line. And that Jacket line did its’ job. Only senior Drew Cooper returns from that group. Seniors Jacob Cruz and Tyler Lyndell, along with Ethan Eastwood and doing everything asked of them. But this season, the Jacket defense over all, is better. Not only does Drew have his defensive line playing superb, the linebackers are cleaning up better than I could have expected. Then throw in a secondary that is playing extremely well, lead by seniors Presley Lynch, Kaleb Dodson, and Thomas Adams, and that is the reason this defense is averaging allowing only 16.6 points a game. Allowing only 14 points over the past 8 quarters is winning football. I really think the Jackets can keep Navarro under 21 points, Llano wins.
The offense can do even better. Averaging nearly 35 points a game, senior quarterback Cade Fly has his troops moving the football very well. And I need to say that he has more help than last season. Having completed passes to 8 different receivers, and 6 different running backs have all played well, lead by senior Mason Brooks. Seniors Kendal Downey, Ethan Tisdale, Christian Kirby, and Dylan Inge make this team click. Add seniors Joe Pogany, Iver Godo, Alex Shaw, and Jason Stark….you have the seniors showing pride and leadership. Senior Brooks Keele, a real warrior at split end is playing his best football. These 18 seniors all want this game badly.
How do you beat Navarro? You play smart. Penalties at a minimum. Secure the football. And stop their running game. I really think our defense can do that. When that happens, leave it up to Cade to get Llano into the end zone. His weapons of underclassman, will prevail. This team can be so good. Lets’ see it all come out this Friday night as Llano gets victory number one in District play.
Play to Win 