Play to Win

I have written this article many times over this past weekend…all in my head…but only to try harder the next time.

After the first quarter Friday night in Alamo Stadium in San Antonio, I actually was thinking the first sentence would be something like this: “After one of the most disastrous first quarters in Llano High School football history, the Yellowjackets rebounded to win their Bi-District game against Hondo in San Antonio and now advance in the State Playoffs to play….”

Yes, I really thought…that after the Jackets first play, down goes Mr. Playmaker sophomore Case Kuykendall with a terrible arm and shoulder injury after an 8 yard sweep run to the right.  After a 15 minute delay  Case was carted off the field to a San Antonio hospital to have his elbow set and had surgery the next day on his arm.  How much affect did the injury have on the Jackets?  One can only wonder.  After that initial play, senior quarterback Cade Fly threw to junior Justin Yocum for a first down.  But three plays later, Llano was forced to punt.

The Jacket defense came onto the field, and forced the first of seven punts by Hondo.  Relentless play by seniors Kaleb Dodson, Mason Brooks , Drew Cooper, and juniors Quentin Franklin and Ryan Warner controlled the game. But an error changed that.  The Jackets were forced to punt after a 5 play drive.  The ball snapped to punter Dodson over his head ended up on the Jacket one yard line.  One play later and Llano was down 7-0.

Ok…we can overcome this.  So again…the Jacket offense had the ball.  19 yards by sophomore Donaven Arellano with blocks coming from seniors Tyler Lindell and Ethan Eastwood.  Cade threw to Kendall Downey for a first down and 10 yards.  Then a catch by senior Brooks Keele for 15 more down to the 25 yard line of the Owls.  End of drive, as Cade misfired  and Hondo had intercepted and stopped the promising drive.

Ok, we can overcome this.  But a very determined and very good running attack by the Owls were not to be denied. 4 yards, a 16 yard pass completion.  10 more.  5 more.  7 more. And then a lapse by the Jackets.  40 yards down the sidelines and Hondo lead 14-0.

Ok, we can overcome this.  But on the Jackets first play after the kickoff, Cade was intercepted again. But think goodness, the first quarter of one of the worst quarters ever…was over. Two turnovers, a bad snap, a 40 yard run, and Case was not part of the game plan.  It can only get better from here.  I did know that.

SECOND QUARTER:

The Jackets forced a punt, to negate the interception.  Strong play by Presley Lynch and Christian Kirby coming up to help make tackles from the secondary.  Linebackers Mason Baker and Logan Duggar hardened their play.

The Jackets finally got back to a place they felt comfortable.  7 yards by Mason.  A 23 yard completion from Cade to senior Ethan Tisdale up to the 34 yard line.  Another completion to junior Justin Yocum for 12 more.  But Hondo played tough, and the Jacket drive died, and Dodson punted.

Now, here was the test.  Llano was down 14-0.  Hondo runs the football so effectively. The Owls put together a 12 play drive.  From their own 35 yard line, down to the Jacket 44…only a net of 21 yards, but three first downs.  The Owls killed themselves with 4 penalties for 25 yards.  Strong play by Aiden Cuthbertson, and Downey kept Hondo at bay.  The Jackets had an opportunity to maybe score before the half.  A Fly pass to Tisdale got 29 yards. Junior Quincy Prince ran an end-around for a first down and 16 yards. But, no more…Llano punted and after s few more plays…the half was over.  The Jackets had 130 yards total.  Hondo had 152.  But something stood out to me at halftime. Take out the 40 yard TD romp, Hondo was averaging about 3.5 yards per carry.  I still knew we could overcome this.  Our defense would keep us close. This I believed.  But more important, The Jackets believed.

THIRD QUARTER:

Hondo got the second half kickoff and  drove 5 plays, one first down and forced to punt.  Drew Cooper was out of his mind in pursuit…never let up.  Close behind were Downey, sophomore Guillermo Davila and junior Jacob Cruz.  The Jackets’ Tisdale caught a punt so Llano had something, rather than starting out from inside the 10 yard line.  But the offense went dead.  Three plays and out.  Hondo began again.  One first down, but Justin, Cruz and Davilla forced a punt.  I glanced at the clock….holly cow, six minutes left in the 3rd quarter.  The Jackets decided to try something else.

Donaven for 4 yards.  A pass completion to Ethan for 18 more.  Then Cade ran three straight times for 10 yards and a first down.  Next he handed the ball four straight carries to senior Mason Brooks. 5 yards.  4  yards.  One yard for the first down.  And from three yards out, Mason scored with :14 seconds left in the quarter.  Score 14-7.

4TH QUARTER:

Again, the Jacket defense held and forced a punt. The ball rolled to the 8 yard line.  Cade went to work.  5 yard pass to Ethan.  2 more to Ethan. and 5 more to Ethan, catching 6 for the night.  Brooks caught one for 8 more. Donaven had a 3 yard catch. But it was not enough. Facing 4 and 11 with about 6 minutes left in the game.  A few Jacket fans around me wondered if maybe Llano should go for it on fourth down.  Reminding everyone, Llano might not get the ball back.  These Owls were stingy.  So, one of the defining moments in this game.  Do you punt, knowing Hondo was very capable of running 6-8 plays and taking up all of the clock?  Can the Jacket defense do it again? Llano punted.

Hondo ran five plays in a row, gaining 26 yards and making two first downs.  But, on second and third downs, Hondo went away from what they do best.  They threw two incomplete passes. Yocum, Baker, Cooper, Cruz, and Duggar put the pressure on. And facing 4th and 13 yards, Hondo punted with 2:35 left in the game. And the ball, not caught, rolled to the 9 yard line. 2:05 on the clock.

Back in 2002, Llano had one of the best passing attacks, ever.  All time leading Jacket record holder, Michael White was fast.  Jason Smith was quarterback.  Playing in a forgotten game against Burnet, Smith hit the lighting fast White for a 90 yard TD. In a blink of an eye, Michael was in the end zone. School record.

Friday night in Alamo Stadium, quarterback Fly dropped back and threw deep to the fastest player in the Stadium. Quincy Prince was 5 yards behind the nearest defensive back of the Owls. Pass was perfect, and no one was catching Quincy.  91 yards. School record.

Now we had to either kick the extra point to tie, or go for two to win.  This was a no brainer.  Mr. Dependable and also school record holder, sophomore Diego Miguel came in and calmly kicked for the tie.  14-14 . His 31 of 32 extra points this season is now being taken for granted.  But it may be the hardest play of the game.

If you thought this was over and going to over time, you were wrong.  With less than two minutes to play, here comes Hondo.  First play. 23 yards. Then on a fourth down, they run for 7 more and another first down.  Hondo is at mid field. Now they go to their passing game.  Four incomplete passes.  Kirby, Lynch, Yocum, Franklin, and pressure from the front four sealed the tie, and go to over time.  Oh my. ( Llano last played in a over time game in the play offs in 1998.  Llano lost to Industrial 19-16.)

OVER TIME:

Llano got the ball first on the 25.  An incomplete pass, then runs by Cade of 4, 15, and 6 for the score.  Llano ahead for the first time, 21-14.  First down, Llano defense stops for a loss.  Next Hondo runs for 11.  And on the fourth play, a pass, and Mr. Justin Yocum steps in front of the tipped ball, and intercepts.  Llano wins. The 7-4 Jackets advance in the State Play Offs.

Since 1922, Llano has had 17 teams to win 8 games or more in one season.  6 of those teams did not make the play offs.  Twice, in 1973, and 2007 did Llano win two play off games in one season.  The 1973 team lost to eventual State Champion Friendswood  in the quarterfinals and ended up with a 9-3-1 record. The 2007 team lost to Palacios, and ended up 9-4.  Getting to 8 wins is in pretty good company.

The Jackets go back to familiar territory.  Going back to Alamo Stadium Friday afternoon.  And playing the number one team out of District 15-4A, DII, Corpus Christie West Oso.  Their 7-4 record looks familiar.  They too won a tough and close game against Port Isabel.  West Oso will throw the football a lot.

As I said last week, I expect our defense to play great.  Because it is outstanding ( Allowing 17.9 Points per game).  Llano has players that are not ready to call it a season.  These seniors have played their hearts out.  All Jackets should be so proud. But juniors and sophomores never understand that moment, when it may be your last play.  Llano is very capable of going into an elite class by winning this second game in the play offs. Being only one of three teams in history is exciting, and should be humbling.  For some strange reason, I have had a feeling since August about this team.  I had that feeling at the end of the first quarter against Hondo.  I never thought Llano would lose.  And I feel strongly, the Jackets will beat West Oso. 8-4 would look nice. Elite.

A Blocked punt, 3 interceptions, an 84 yard punt return pushed the 2018 Yellowjackets record to 4-1 that earned Llano a victory over a large homecoming crowd in San Angelo Friday night. The Jacket defense just about played a complete game against the Chiefs of Lake View.  The Jacket defense forced a punt or held on fourth down on 6 series. The secondary defenders of junior Justin Yocum, senior Christian Kirby, and senior Presley Lynch each picked off Chief passes. Add a defensive blocked punt, and then to top it off, junior Quincy Prince did his magic with a breath taking 84 yard punt return for a TD.

The Jacket defense was bending at times.  But Llano players were relentless.  And maybe the most improved part of the Jacket defense maybe the secondary tackling.  Few times do these guys miss.  Thomas Adams, Mason Brooks, Christian, senior Dylan Inge, Justin, Presley, junior Logan Duggar, senior Ethan Tisdale and Joe Pogany all know how to tackle and bring a ball carrier to the ground. Presley on one series was in on every tackle, and then intercepted on third down. Best secondary I have seen in may years.

Logan Duggar ( 23 solo tackles), Mason Baker ( 32 solo tackles), Drew Cooper, and Quentin Franklin (23 solo tackles) are playing lights out defense.  Holy smokes.  I know they make mistakes.  But the hustle.  Jacob Cruz is a monster. And Adams along with sophomore Guillermo Davila are trying to make Llano fans forget about last season’s front four. Guillermo I think blocked the punt of the Chiefs in the second quarter.  Junior Ryan Warner keeps making key plays. And senior Kalen Dodson is making play after play.  Great effort. And # 10.  A sophomore.  Moved up this week from JV.  Aiden Cuthbertson.  Man, who let you loose.  Great addition. This defense is exciting.  And I do not think they will be backed down by anyone we play.  Just tremendous effort on all parts.

Oh yes…our offense showed up too!!   Several things to note.  The best thing I see about our offense is 10 players handled the football.  Either catching passes….senior Brooks Keele ( 3 catches), Quincy, sophomore Case Kuykendall (7 catches, 116 yards, one TD), senior Kendall Downey ( 4 catches), Ethan Tisdale ( 3 catches), senior Dylan Inge, and Yocum.  Or running the football…Mason Brooks, Donaven Arellano, Justin, Quincy, and Kendall, along with senior quarterback Cade Fly.  Strong group.

Cade was 20 for 30 passing…269 yards.  Just another day at the office for Cade.  But he spreads the ball around.  Hard to double up on anyone.  Always a threat to run, but this season Cade has been more selective.  His awareness very good.  Maybe why Jackets are averaging about 35 points per game.

High point maker was sophomore Diego Miguel.  3 extra points, two field goals, each 33 yards.  Nice nights work! ( Cade is his holder)

The offensive line is gaining confidence.  I can see it. Alex Shaw, Ethan Eastwood, senior Tyler Lindell, Jason Stark, junior Jose Villa, Heath Godfrey, and sophomore Luke Hicks. Ends Ivan Godo and Pogany even throw a few blocks.

Penalties are getting better…that does not sound right…anyway….let’s get that down to 3-4 a game…winning football.

We rest for a day or so.  With no game this week, the Jackets go to work harder.  Great TEAMS DO.  New season beginning October 12 in Jacket Stadium.  Navarro comes to Llano.  No time for party.  Llano shoulda, coulda beat Navarro last season.  This season it can.  But it starts now.  Prepare. Work hard.  Work smart. Be the first team to ever beat Navarro.  This Jacket can be that team.

Have a few other tid bits, but will save until later in the week…or make corrections from this week.  4-1…EVEN SOUNDS NICE!!

The 47-28 victory by the Llano Yellowjackets Friday night in Brady came with some hurt.  The possible loss of senior receiver Brooks Keele to an injury quieted the crowd, and sunk the Jacket team with an emotional blow. Keele’s 3 catches for 42 yards lead the team in catches, but the fourth quarter injury still put a damper on an other wise very good night. Keel’s ability to play again this season is not known at this time.

Llano began by giving the football to senior Mason Brooks. Mason had two carries for 21 yards and set up the Cade Fly to junior Quincy Prince with a strike over the middle for 43 yards and a TD.  Prince would catch another TD before halftime for 64 yards.  Senior Dalton Moore had two carries before Quincy’s catch to set up that score.  Dalton ran two times for 25 yards. All in all, the runs set up the passing game.  Senior quarterback Cade Fly had his best night of the young season, hitting 10 of 18 passes for over 200 yards. But make no mistake, the Jacket running game is in good hands.  Brooks and Moore and are good running backs.  Both very different.  And now that Donovan Arredondo has started carrying part of the load, the Jackets can be hard to manage.  Donavan had over 50 yards rushing, Moore, averaged over 12 yards a try, and Mason had over 170 yards rushing.

Seven Jackets caught passes.  Quincy, Keele, Dalton, senior Ethan Tisdale, senior Thomas Adams, sophomore Case Kuykendall, and senior Kendall Downey. Add in a few runs by Fly when he sees a little light, and the 47 points were the nice result.

Just a moment on a great night again by a defense that gets better every week.  Brady had some very fast and tough running backs.  But the defense had four,  3 plays and punt, and forced two fumbles.  Great nights by Jacob Cruz, Mason Baker, Presley Lynch, and Logan Duggar.  Sometimes these guys are out of control.  And with senior Drew Cooper manning the front four, Llano has a defense.  Quinton Franklin, Ryan Warner, Jose Villa, Kendall, Mason, Justin Yocum.  All come to play.  Alex Shaw is making noises.  So is Guillermo Davila.  Good aggressive play. And seniors Christian Kirby  and Kaleb Dodson play hard every play.  Case Kuykendall from the safety position made a great tackle that saved a TD.  Tyler Lyndell and Ryan Warner are always in on the action.  Love it!!

But this week, the offensive line needs a nod.  Maybe even more than that.  Tyler, Shawn Hensley, Ryan, Ethan Eastwood, Villa, Heath Godfrey, big Alex Shaw, Joe Pogany, Luke Hicks…these guys are playing very very good.  We all recognize the Jackets have a few skill players.  Skills are hard to show off when you are tackled before you hand off or throw.  That was a worry three weeks ago.  My confidence in these lineman has grown.  This unit is doing a good job.  And getting better each week will allow our skill folks to do even more. It’s called getting better every week.

The 2-1 Jackets are back at Jacket Stadium this Friday night for Homecoming. Lago Vista will play their best game against Llano.  Llano will need to play its’ best game to win.  Llano’s success depends on getting better every single week.  Not taking time off because you feel good about last week.  The seniors need to know.  Winning Homecoming is one you will remember for the rest of time.  The Jackets will win because they work harder and then play smarter.  It starts today.

At halftime in Lulling I was thinking how much more I thought the Jacket defense had improved.  Improved from an attitude stand point.  Aggressive,  all out pursuit.  Gang tackling. Playing with heads up and seeing action as it happens.  I wrote about this last year when Llano had one of the best defensive front fours in recent memory.  Most of those players were seniors.  But Drew Cooper was a junior.

Playing hard every play on defense is not a sometime thing.  To be good, you take no plays off.  To be very good, you push harder every play, and everyone around you sees that kind of “never let up”.  Drew Cooper had that last year.  He carries it over this year.  And at this early part of the season, it is hard to see this seasons front four on defense being the run stuffers those were last year. But a different kind play has started to take shape.

The front four is smaller. Drew at times plays on the inside, not defensive end.  I see Kendall Downey moving inside.  Then junior Quentin Franklin lines up outside. Guillermo Davila plays several places. Jacob Cruz gets tackles from everywhere, so I can’t see where he line up! I bet these four guys are outweighed by 100 pounds from last seasons front four. But quick?  My, my.  Do these players know how to be a menace. And they do so in such a nasty and aggressive way, that the Jacket linebackers make most of the tackles.

Drew gets some of this credit.  This senior leads by example.  A great example. The Jacket defense, so far this season, plays like Drew.

Junior Ryan Warner, Sophomore Matt Baker, Junior Logan Duggar, Junior Jacob Cruz, senior Tyler Lindell, senior Kaleb Dodson all, are playing good.  This group I think, competes against itself.  Everyone of these linebackers expect, and want to be the top tackler on the team. This is just fun to see.

The secondary at this point in the season is tackling as good as I have seen it in years.  When they get to the ball carrier, then just do not let go.  Senior Presley Lunch, junior Justin Yocum, senior Dalton Moore, junior Quincy Prince, senior Mason Brooks, sophomore Dylan Inge, senior Christian Kirby, and senior Thomas Adams.  Please keep this up.  Great effort all.

I had senior quarterback Cade Fly passing for 143 yards, on 12 of 23 passes.  3 touchdown runs.  Mason Brooks is the workhorse carrying the load up the middle and a touchdown.  Dalton runs very tough. Ethan Tisdale good reliable receiver with 2 catches.  But, Cade has few favorites. 8 Jackets caught passes Friday night. Dalton with 3. Downey with 2. And on first down and 30 yards for a first down, Cade hit Case Kuykendall for a big 46 yard gain and a first down, all the way to the 15 yard line. I see good things in this offense.  Consistency could make it dangerous.  Penalties still slow it down.

Sophomore Case Kuykendall got our show rolling Friday night when on the first play, he outran everyone on a 64 yard romp and a Diego Miguel extra point had Llano ahead 7-0 with but 14 seconds off the clock. I like playing when we are ahead.

Love the effort from the guys playing on our special teams.  Hustle and effort is all it takes.  Brooks Keele, junior Donaven Arrellano.  Warner.  Lynch.  Cooper. Kirby. Dodson. Senior Joe Pagany.  And Case returning punts.  Senior Iver Godo kicked his first varsity extra points.  Now 2 for 2.  He and Diego both nice to have.

For many, this week is a very important game.  The Brady Bulldogs.  One of the Jackets oldest rivalries.  Over-all record is 26-26-2.  That means it has been very close.  But nothing…nothing is better than beating Brady…in Brady.  Just a touch of a reminder.  In 1964 ( 54 years ago) In Llano, Brady was ahead 64-6. With seconds left in the game, Brady drove down, and called time out.  Then lined up to kick a field goal.  They missed.  But few ever forget such shameful behavior.  I will continue to remind.

See you in Brady.

The Llano Yellowjackets’ first half against the Hondo Owls Friday night just about doomed any chance of a comeback.  And while the first half for Llano was not good, the comeback and and complete change of energy showed promise that cannot be dismissed.

Hondo took the opening kickoff and in 9 plays scored with just 7:04 left in the quarter.  82 yards rushing, 8 passing and the Owls had 4 penalties that they overcame for 30 yards.  Llano’s first series of the season was three and out.  A fumble by the Owls set the scene with the Jackets on the 18 yard line.  Took senior Dalton Moore one carry to score and we were tied 7-7 after Diego Miguel kicked good.

Hondo was on the march again. the quarter ended with the Owls on the Jackets’ 12 yard line.  Hondo had run 19 plays for 147 yards rushing and one pass completion for 7. 6 plays were for more than 13 yards each.  The Jackets had four plays. for 19 yards.

Jacket defenders were playing hard.  Mason Baker, Presley Lynch, Kendall Downey, Drew Cooper, Mason Brooks, Logan Duggar, Tyler Lindell, and multiple plays by Quentin Franklin. But something happened about mid way in the second quarter.

In the second quarter, the Jackets started coming to life.  Senior quarterback Cade Fly threw to sophomore Case Kuykendall in the flats and Case went 65 yards to score, until a yellow flag brought it back on holding.  Cade on the next play hits a streaking #1, junior Quincy Prince over the middle and with speed to burn, Quincy was standing  in the end zone for a 75 yard TD. The score was tied 14-14.

Again, in the second quarter, Hondo will have the ball 17 plays, the Jackets 12.  Llano was 3 for 6 passing.  Cade had a nice 33 yard run. Mason Brooks  had two carries for 18 more.  But Hondo rushed for 110 yards on 15 carries and scored with 1:23 left in the half.

Ryan Warner played great in the quarter.  As did Justin Yocum, Lynch, Ethan Tisdale , and Christian Kirby.  Franklin and Moore combined for a sac on the elusive Hondo quarterback, Brandon Garcia.

The second half looked and felt like a different game.  Downey had a quarterback sac.  Cooper was more aggressive and caused havac.  And Cade found old reliable, senior  Brooks Keele for a 12 yard gain.   The turn around was Llano ran 16 plays, and Llano’s defense held Hondo to 10 plays, and a minus 19 yards rushing.  Again, Guillermo Davila, Franklin, Warner, Jacob Cruz, Lynch, Downey, and Cooper played aggressive football. And at the end of the third quarter, with :02 left in the quarter, Garcia rolled out to his right from the 9 yard line, pitched out to his running back.  Was not perfect, and junior Ryan Warner took it on one bounce and with two big steps was in the end zone. The score was 21-20. One thing I failed to mention, the Jackets had 30 yards in penalties in the quarter.  Hondo had 35.

The Jacket defense held again with Cruz, Cooper and Downey making stops.  Punting from their 34 yard line, Case Kuykendall caught the football with 3 Owls coming right at him.  A juke here, and juke there, a race to the sidelines.  Case makes the corner, and down the left sidelines he sped.  66 yards and Case puts Llano ahead.  Llano failed at making 2, but the score was 26-21 Llano.

The Jackets could not get Hondo off the field on the next set of downs.  The Owls ran the ball 8 times and three first downs. Forcing a punt from the 48 yard line, Llano took over on the 18. With about 4 minutes left in the game, Llano needed about three first downs.  Cade got the first one by hitting Keel for a 17 yard gain up to the 31 yard line. But in the next three plays and only 4 yards, the Jackets punt.

Cade punted ball and it was rolling to the 4 yard line.  The three yard line.  The two yard line. The one.  It looked like a Jacket was about to stop the ball from going into the end zone. but a slip and he too, with the ball crossed into the kill zone.  And, as luck would have it, something I guess was said.  15 yards tacked on.  Hondo now had the ball…not at the one yard line, but on the 35!!. A 69 yard punt by Cade.  Hondo has the ball.  But another Jacket 15 yard penalty, a 22 yard run by Garcia, and the Owls were on the Jacket 22 yard line. Garcia runs again for 11 more. Clock running. And a dart of a pass between three Jacket defenders and the game had changed in a matter of moments. Hondo had won with :04 left in the game, 29-26.

We must learn from our mistakes.  40 yards of penalties in the fourth quarter. 113 for the game. Every Jacket knows where the mistakes were made. Give the Owls credit for not giving up.  Give the Jackets credit for such a strong turn around to take the lead, after such a poor and slow start.

This still can be a very good Jacket football team.  The defense played very well for the most part.  Yet, they were on the field for over 65 plays. The Jacket offense but 40.  This week the Jackets will be working on their running game. Only about 78 yards rushing.

Llano has skill folks.  Will need to get the ball, somehow more to Brooks, Moore, Case, Quincy, and Keele.  All are very good play makers.  Other will emerge.  Senior quarterback Cade Fly will lead this season.  And it starts this Friday night in Lulling.-

For some crazy reason, of late, the Jackets have played better on the road.  Must be the food.  Lulling made the playoffs last year in 14-3A, D1.  The Jackets have won the last two contest against the Eagles, both playoff games.

Llano will win with a defense that can swarm.  But must play every down. No plays off should be their new calling card.  And the offense can start sooner.  Offensive lineman.  I thought you played better than advertised.  But now you step it up. And Jackets….penalties are a killer. Discipline , discipline, discipline…Beat The Eagles.

August 31, the 2018 Fighting Llano Yellowjackets will kick off the new football season with much anticipation.  Only the second time in memory have the Jackets opened play in August (last year was the first time) and hot weather will be a factor.  Team with the best conditioning could determine outcome.  But, usually it will be leg cramps and hydration that keeps players off the field.

The over all record of 4-3 over the Owls shows that the teams have been near even.  But last year, in a “have to”  win for the Jackets, Llano rolled.  And it was played in Hondo for the second year in a row. This year we play in Llano.  Which should be a good thing. Home field advantage should be a big plus.  Yet, playing in Jacket Stadium on the new artificial turf has been dismal.  Over the past two seasons at home, Llano is 3-7.  These Jackets need to change those numbers.  Playing in Llano should be a dread for any team coming into our home territory.  Playing Llano in Llano needs to be a  victory penciled in.  No one should look forward to this game. The 2018 seniors can start a trend here. A real source of pride and accomplishment.

One of the biggest items to think about, is the big white elephant in the room. The Jackets have played 7 seasons without a winning record.  In 2010, Llano went 6-5.  And in 2009 Llano was 8-4.  But the seven seasons since we are a combined 24-51. Last season in the Bi-District game, a heartbreaker if there ever was one, should get this team prepared for some hard times. And that game was hard times.  This season will be as tough. Hondo will be trying hard to even the records at 4-4.  Llano needs it to be 5-3…pulling away with a two game winning streak.

The Jackets may be playing in the toughest 4-A District in the State.  Wimberley, Navarro and Cuero combined for a 36-5 record.  They played in 11 playoff games with a record of 8-3.  The Jackets faced a tough schedule last season.  And played very good against Burnet and Navarro.  All in all, these things that have happened to Llano, should give this team confidence and a resolve to play harder.  To play more determined.  And to play thru the last play.  Llano is on the brink of turning the corner. And turning the corner begins this Friday night at Jacket Stadium and beating Hondo.

The fun part of this from a fans stand point is seeing how players have developed.  Most of the juniors from last season will weigh 10-20 pounds more.  More speed can be seen.  And Llano had nice skill players last season.  This season, some could be really skilled.  New players will arise, as they always do.  Players that we have not seen or heard of.  Yes, most of the parents have seen these kids, but hundreds in the stands have not.  Our anticipation will be high.  We all will be there together.  Supporting our Llano Yellowjackets.  Making 2018 a season to remember.  I can’t wait.

With the UIL announcement last Week of realignment, our new District was revealed.  Llano Head Football Matt Green entering his second season leading the Yellow Jackets has put together a very interesting and I think challenging schedule.  The varsity Jackets should be pumped.  And what better than to have three former State Champions in your district.  This is an opportunity for Llano.  Take advantage of it, and cash in.  Let’s make 2018 a year for the record books.

Date               Opponent              Location             Our History Record with This Team

Aug.31            Hondo                 Llano                                    4-3

Sept. 7            Luling                 Luling                                   2-0

Sept. 14          Brady                   Brady                                   26-26-2

Sept. 21          Lago Vista          Llano                                   1-1

Sept. 28       SA Lake View       San Angelo                         0-2

Oct. 12          Navarro*              Llano                                   0-4

Oct. 19          Cuero*                   Cuero                                   0-3

Oct. 26          Bandera*              Llano                                    15-7

Nov. 2           Wimberley           Llano                                    6-15

TBD            Eastside Mem.*     Austin                                  2-0

• District Games
• All Games Start at 7:30PM

The building blocks that first year head football coach Matt Green set in place laid a foundation.  But the walls and roof are still to be built.  Coach Green has expectations, but his biggest worry is that he does his part.  That he does not miss something.  That he does not let a player slip by he and his staff.  That they misjudge a player.  Or, misjudge the players ability. Or, misjudge the position the player is lined up at.  Lots to worry about when you are Coach.

But a players expectations have to be selfish.  Cade Fly cannot be expecting Brooks Keele to get bigger and faster so Cade can complete more passes.  Cade expectations have to be on what Cade expects of himself.  What does he have to do to get bigger and stronger.  What does he have to work on so that he sees the playing field better when he scrambles around on a busted play.  What does he work on so that turnovers of his offense are at a minimum.  Cade has to do that for Cade.  Brooks can take care of himself and his own expectations.  This is one part of being on a team in which you make sure you are carrying your part of the load.

Not my expectations, but my concerns or worries, are really just that.  But while I loved the Jackets offensive and  defensive lineman of 2017, now I worry that most all will be moving on.  I hope I said this in the right way.  You just do not jump out there and replace a Ray Dixon, Daniel Sparks, or Josh Soliz. Or for that matter Austin Humphrey and Dalton Bauman.  Best defensive lineman as a group in maybe 20 years in Llano.

When I look at the players coming back, I see Drew Cooper.  When healthy, one quick and determined football player.  But Drew needs help.  And one way Drew gets that help is by being a locker room leader.  Younger players will be looking up to older experienced players like Drew, and Brooks, and Mason Brooks, and Tyler Lindell.  And leading by example is one way to find the replacements of Ian Fletcher and Luis Coronado.  They do not grow on trees.  But Llano has them.  The experienced players have to expect more of themselves.  More now than ever.  It can be said that is how you start building the walls, and then the roof.  Or, how you build a football team.

I think the Jackets in  2018 could have lots of skill position talent.  Besides Cade at quarterback, and a good athlete in Kendall Downey as backup, and Brooks catching a few passes.  Mason running and playing defense.  Charlie Mote gets healthy.  Kaleb Dodson is going to be good.  Ethan Tisdale in the secondary will be working to replace great seniors Gage Cox and Tyler Gann.  Thomas Adams  must step up and do the same.  Christian Kirby too.  All three are good athletes.  All three can be difference makers. So can Presley  Lynch and Logan Duggar.  Both showed they were players. Aaron Brown could be whatever he wants to be.  His expectations of himself should be high.  Hard work will get Aaron and the rest of the Jackets to the place they want to be. Expect it of yourself.

Look forward to February.  Our district may stay the same, but have heard there could be adjustments.  Coach Green is working on the schedule.  May be hard to find the right teams for Llano to face in 2018.  But it reminded me of past years and so many teams that have been in our district in the past.  Lake Travis, Georgetown, Round Rock, Dripping Springs, Manor, Ballinger, Coleman, Brownwood, Fredericksburg, Mason, San Saba, Liberty Hill, Gatesville, Bandera.  6 former State Champions in that group.

Never intend to leave anyone out, but I usually do. Will keep trying to get all of  you players recognized.  But to you young players.  With so many seniors gone, what an opportunity.  Every year Llano has players that step up and play better than ever expected.  You can be one of those players. Work hard, work harder.  And expect a lot of yourself.

Continue to tweek the record book…Lots of new entries over the weeks.  Do not hesitate to let me know when I have erred.  I want this thing right.

If someone out there could help on this one.  Need stats  for Anthony Watson and Aaron Brown for 2016.  Ned to add to their totals of this season.  I should have it, but cannot find it!!!please call or email…mvirdell@virdellrealestate.com…or 325-248-3515.

Everyone likes to be a part of something big.  Something that is important.  Something that is lasting.  And I think that is what 2017 will look like to the seniors of 2017…someday.  It may still be too fresh from but two weeks ago to lose a 20-14  game that was just moments away from being a 14-6 winner. With 3:44 left in the game, Llano scored on a great play by senior Ben Walling, snatching a pass away from a defensive back from Crystal City for Llano to take the lead, deep in the corner of the Javelinas’ end zone.

Fate had other ideas.  Despite the Jacket defense holding two 1,000 yard season rushers to 52 total rushing yards.  Despite holding the Javelinas on two fourth down tries.  Despite an interception by senior Tyler Gann. Despite forcing 3 punts.  And despite throwing Javelina runners for losses or no gains on 11 plays for a minus 45 yards.  Llano still was unable to hold the advantage.  Had you asked Head Coach Matt Green would he take those numbers before the game began, he could not have shouted “yes” quick enough.

Still, as I said last week, this one will take some time for wounds to heal.  We can remember  the great parts.  Senior Mason Greenwood had a solid game of 10 carries and 101 yards rushing, with the wonderful 60 yard run in the fourth quarter.  Pushed Mason’s rushing totals to 6th all-time in the record books.  Saw injured Lois Coronado still playing hard despite not having played in three weeks, and finishing as the teams leading tackler for the year.  Also, we did miss our “other” great senior linebacker Ian Fletcher who was unable to play. ( Still wish for Christmas, Ian is defensive player of the District) Hope we have some wonderful sophomore and juniors are getting ready to step up.  Big shoes to fill.

Can’t say enough about our best defensive line in years and years.  Never had two bookends like Ray Dixon and Daniel Sparks.  Both were monsters.  Both dominated everyone they played.  And, both had interceptions on the season.  In there somewhere was the one and only Josh Soliz.  Provided two highlight plays in which he made hurtful tackles!!!.  The one against the Javelinas was “how you play football”.  Going back to when Josh as a sophomore when he blocked a punt.  What a wonderful career.  And from no where to playing so great, senior Dalton Bauman too was just so quick, and had so many plays where he forced loss yards.  Tough Guy.  Austin Humphrey played up to his ability every week.  Sound tough player in the middle.  And a pretty fair punter.   These four seniors were leaders.  Their job is not over.  With their encouragement, and sound advice, these players can continue to show how special they were as players, and how special they can be as Exes.

Senior Hayden Godfrey caught 11 passes for 171 yards.  A nice 15.5 yards per catch.  Good downfield blocker also. Nolan Keller was a great role player.  Good blocker, good on defense, good on special teams.  Solid player.  The kind of player that no team can win, without a player like Nolan. Still remember his great catch as a receiver in a last season game.

I watched Quint Percelli many times on special teams.  Hustled like it was his last play ever, everytime.  Great job.  Our secondary will miss Tyler Gann, Gage Cox, Cole Schlueter, and Godfrey.  These guys had the hardest job on the team.  Our defensive line helped some, but often I looked down on the field and watched as these players lined up all alone against our opponents best and fastest receivers.  For the most part, Llano played very good.  Gage and Tyler were really good, and good open field tacklers.  Both will be missed.  We lose two positions in Hayden.

Cannot forget how good Anthony Watson could have been.  Had some great games as a first class receiver.  Hurt in his junior year, and most of his senior season. His name is sprinkled in the record book under ” top single game” yardage.  I already miss you.

Llano’s offense was pretty darn good in 2017.  Nearly 400 yards offense per game.  Averaged 29.7 points per game.  4 games scored over 45 points.  All vast improvements from the past 6 years.  Mason played great in an injured season.  Ben Walling showed he was one tough player, with 102 carries and 565  yards, for a 5.54 yards per run.  Other seniors contributed.  But the seniors on the offensive line was the key to this success.  Coach Green benefited from having the likes of experience on this team.  But, under Green, they changed how they played.  They played tough, and they played mean.  Several should receive recognition from the All-District picks.  I hope at least 4 get the nod.  But in no real order, remember their names.  They helped change the culture in Llano football.  Dakota Trull ( 2 yr. starter), Cameron Johnson (2 yr. starter), Ray Dixon( 4 Yr. starter), Daniel Sparks (Our best transfer), Lane Ward, Tyler Thompson, Hayden Cowert ( 2 yrs.), Austin Humphrey ( Played both sides of ball many games),  With Godfrey, Keller, and Dalton Bauman all making big contributions.  These guys blocked the Jackets to gaining more yards than Crystal City had.  These guys someday will see that blocking for a passer that throws for over 1,700 yards is special.  These players will remember the good things, and this is one of them. ( In 1967, Randy Scott rushed for over 1,050 yards in 10 games, enroute to an 8-2 season.  I still am proud that I helped block for Randy, a LHS Hall of Famer).

Cannot forget one great surprise.  Diego Garcia.  29 of 32 extra points (90%).  2 of 2 on field goals.  Fantastic senior, fantastic year.  You are in the record book Diego.  #51 on your jersey.  # 1 in our hearts.

I will write in about a week.  I have been working on the record book.  Many 2017 players are in there.  But, need help.  If you are a player, let me know if I left something out. (E-Mail: mvirdell@virdellrealestate.com).  I still find things from decades ago that get entered.  We want this record book right.  It belongs to you. Next week we will talk about who returns in 2018. ( if you are a senior and I left you out, please email me!!!)

In 1976, Llano went to Georgetown to play in Bi-District.  Llano was coached by the great John Baskin.  Rockdale was 10-0, and ranked #1 in the State.  Llano was behind late in the fourth quarter, when Llano great Shelby Wright at quarterback marched the Jackets to about the 25 yard line.  Fourth down. The score was 7-6, Rockdale.  In came little Joe Ratliff to try for the go ahead field goal.

The story told to me so many times, and in simple language, Wright went over to Ratliff, put is finger in his face, and told him in the plainest of words, that he had better make the field goal.  Joe Ratliff kicked the field goal, and without going back deep into the record book, there was about a minute left in the game.  Llano was ahead 9-7.

Llano kicked off, Rockdale had a good run back, but the Jackets got a 15 yard penalty.  Rockdale threw a complete pass.  Then another incomplete, but a pass interference call put Rockdale on about the 25 yard line.  Rockdale kicked the field goal and won 10-9, with less than 20 seconds in the game.

Rockdale went on to win the State Championship.  Several months later in an interview with the Head Coach of Rockdale, he was asked the question, “who was the best team you played all season’?  “Llano was the best”.

Just for the record, Joe Ratliff passed away about 1o years later, after taking on his family ranch duties.  Shelby Wright went on to play at Tarleton University.  His senior year, they won the NAIA National Championship.  Shelby was NAIA Offensive Player of the Year.  Shelby is still in the Llano record books, including most TD passes in a season.

The gut wrenching loss by the Yellow Jackets Friday night will take a long time to forget.  Many will never forget.  Llano played so hard. The seniors did everything they had to do to win.  But sometimes, in sports and life, winning does not show up on the scoreboard.  Llano, in my opinion played well enough to win.  But that wasn’t enough.

I could go through the each play in the game, but I will leave that for next week. This week I think we all need time to reflect.  We need time to heal. We need time to get past this disappointment.  All in order so we can move forward.  Move forward in a positive way.  Knowing that we do live to fight another day.  To know, be it sports, or be it your next life, that over coming disappointment is a must for a successful life.  The Jacket players will hurt for a long time. The seniors will get their focus back, and when they do, all will move forward to the next game.  Their games of life begin now.  And with the way they played this 2017 season, all have so much to look forward to.  Lessons have been learned.  May not seem that way today.  But the hard losses in life make you better.  Make you tougher.  Make you better prepared.  The loss to Crystal City was a killer.  But try to remember what Ratliff and Wright were able to do.  Their lives had only begun after that loss to Rockdale.