Play to Win

In 1969, the Llano Yellow Jackets ended the season with a 3-7 record.  They were tied in first place with Brady and San Saba.  In those days, no prizes for everyone.  Only one team went to the play-offs.  Llano Coach Weldon Seeliger called heads in the coin flip.  The Brady and San Saba Coaches called tails.  Heads it was,  and off to Bi-District went the 3-7 Jackets.  Llano played a State ranked team in Jacksboro, and lost by about 20 points.

The 1969 team set the table for what many think was the best team in Llano High School history.  The 1970  team was loaded with talent and brains.  Llano went 9-0-1 and 6 players from that team had opportunities to play college football.  In 1969, the team had two running backs with over 1,000 yards rushing.  They both repeated that feat in 1970.  They had two of the most dominate lineman to ever play for Llano.  All-State center and linebacker Hatch Smith, and two way starter Ricky Bauman at offensive and defensive tackle.  Further more they had Earnest Ligon, Kirk Winfrey, Lowry Craven, Rance Bell and Robert Krauss.  All very good football players and all very football smart.  There were 11 seniors.  Senior quarterback Tommy Wallace ran the triple option offense  and was so natural at it.  Tommy handed off to fullback Micky Virdell ( 3,058 career Yards) and speedster Burns Laning ( 2,345 career Yards).   They made few mistakes.  One memory tells me that the 1970 Jackets did not have an off-side penalty all season!

The seniors of 2015 may have set the table for Llano to do something similar in 2016.  Many seniors showed great leadership.  Many showed a never give up attitude that passes down to younger players.  The come from behind to win against Salado.  The must win against Hondo.  The very strong performance against District Champion Navarro.  And the “never saw it coming” over the top performance in beating 8-2 Bi-District foe Crystal City.  The 4-8 record may not look so good to some, but for real students of the game, 4-8 record  might stand out someday to many.  It may remind people of the 1969 Yellow Jackets.  A team still remembered.

Just a short say about Sinton.  They were good.  Llano got off on the right foot when junior John Heflin intercepted a pass on the fifth play of the game.  But three plays later we gave it back  with an interception.  Sinton scored two times on their next two possessions.  Llano scored once, so at the end of the first quarter, Llano still had a chance.  But four penalties over next 3 minutes set the table, and by halftime, it was 35-6 Sinton.  No one ever suggested the effort was not there.  Mistakes and lost opportunities gave Sinton all the chances it needed.  LLano played until the last play.  Seniors should always be proud of their effort and attitude.  It will serve well over the next 40 years.

It now will be interesting to see how Sinton fares against Wimberley, our sister in District 13-4A.  Sinton is picked to beat the Texans by 15 points this week.  Navarro, still in the play-offs, is picked to beat Cuero by 19 points.  Good showing by all in 13-4AAAA.

Maybe the most improved group of the Jackets this season was the defense.  Even with Sinton scoring 49 points, and Brady running up 44 points, the defense gave up an average of 27.3 points per game over 12 games.  This is an improvement of 8.6 points from 2014.  Seniors pointed the way.  Wyatt Bauman, a very sound linebacker with 93 solo tackles and one interception was the team leader.  His motor never stopped.  Pretty good blocker on offense also.  Cornerback Cody Miller made the right plays at so many right times.  His career 12 interceptions is 2nd best all time, one behind former pro football player Bradley Kassell.  Cody actually had more than 12, but penalties prevented others from counting.  Great player. Cody contributed on offense, completing a TD pass against Crystal City, catching passes and running the football all for over 100 yards.  Airon Layton caught 18 passes this season for 272 yards and two TDs. Had 33 solo tackles on defense.   Very sound player.  Mat Agee had 9 passes caught and was very good at cornerback, 32 solo tackles and two passes intercepted.  Wyatt Casey took the reins of quarterback, then switched to cornerback and receiver.  Played very good at every position.  Three  TD passes early in season.  Dorian Green was a very good blocking fullback, an averaged over 3 yards on tough runs up the middle.  Was in on 22 tackles on defense.  Very sound example for our juniors.  Colton Center wore so many hats.  Played center, left and right tackle, kicked off, extra point kicker, and one game sold pop corn.  Used to give muscle in the defensive line when Llano really needed a stop, and LLano ran the football over the massive blocker when we had to have a yard.  Four year starter, and that experience cannot be replaced.

Matt Cohn was a true good example.  May have been best special team player all season.  His hustle on every punt and kick-off improved the Jacket kicking game.  Same can be said of Stratt Stiles.  If # 44 was not there, you could put your money on #51 being there.  Great hustle all season. Dalton Dewveal too played several positions.  caught a pass, blocked well, and was in on 22 tackles, 11 solo.  Great role player.  Luke Snitkin started out #90, then switched to tackle and # 59…sound blocker and played some defense.  Smart player.  Cameron Brumley was pretty good on defense when needed.  But a strong offensive lineman that helped Mason to his 1,000 yard season.  Stood out with 33 blocks in Crystal City game.  Jose Arredondo maybe the most improved player, and got better each game.  Considered by some best blocking lineman on team.  Good reason here for Mason’s success.  Juan Mungia was strong up the middle.  245 pounds of want to.  Saw many great plays by Juna, and was in on 10 tackles.  His effort will be missed. William Oliver’s play not always showing up on stat sheet, but every coach wants a willing role player.  Carried the football, special teams, a true team player.  Christian Rodriquez too carried the football, good blocker and good hustle on special teams.  Got better as season progressed.  Valentine Hernandez had a dream to score a touchdown.  Might not have got that, but my bet is he makes plenty in life.  Great teammate.  Same about Garrett Carlson.  Goal of play-offs  a game short, but still he was reaching for the high fruit.  Keep reaching Garrett.  Another great teammate.

Next week I will write about 2016.  Hopes will be high.  And I think 2015 set the table.  Thank you seniors of 2015.

This will be short, as I will work over the  next few days to check and recheck the record book, additions will be added this week.  Also, will write about the game and the season.  Have found I will have clearer thoughts after a few days of stepping back.

While the seniors still hurt from the game in San Antonio Friday night, there are great memories and great moments.  Even a 4-8 season is the best of times.  Every single player, starter and spot player played on a team with pride and resolve, especially when it had to  save the season.  The percentage is so small when you talk about players that got to play in two state playoff games.  Beating Crystal City was a great Yellow Jacket moment.

See you back here  in a few days.  One thing of interest to some will be the new category I will add to the record book.  Started to do it a few years back, but felt it would be limited.  Now have enough data to make it important.  The thing of pride in this new area is of importance  to the 2015 Yellow Jacket offensive lineman.

So many records are not in the record book.  Just was never enough room or time.  Such things of importance as kick-off and punt return data.  That one comes to mind first.  Back in 1973 when this all began, records were kept on 17 inch ledgers, with a pencil! !…Now at least I can peck around and get info on spread sheets, and no one has helped more than the coaching staffs.  Now each play is rerun so many times, and coaches record the exact numbers, in which over the past 20 years have shared with me for the record book to be pretty accurate.

One last thought.  Have spoken to Superintendent Casey Callahan about moving the record book section of Play To Win to the LISD web page.  I would be excited about that.  I would still be able to add items from my computer and keep records current, but more folks would be able to find this historical information in a logical place.  These records belong to you.  For now, I just have the keys to the door. Would be great if more had the keys. !

Who Wouda Thunk It?

The 3-7 LLano Yellowjackets got their mojo back.  They beat a team they had no business beating, and did so in a style that hid beneath the surface for 3 months.  The much maligned offensive line played better than anyone could have scripted.  Mason Greenwood honored the lineman by scratching and clawing for over 100 yards rushing and over 1,000 yards rushing for the season.  The coaching staff put together a game plan that gave Llano every chance to win.  They surprised when it was not expected.  They ran the football 39 times in a 47 play game. And the defense…well the defense was outstanding against a Crystal City team that was averaging over 30 points a game and brought an 8-2 record into the Bi-District contest played in Bandera Friday night.

Cameron Hall, Jose Arredondo, Colton Center, Cameron Brumley, Ray Dixon, Jaden Napolez, Airon Layton, Brent Greenwood, Mat Agee, Cody Miller, Dalton Dewveall, Robert Alcala, Luke Snitkin and Wyatt Bauman all had their hands in this one.  After the initial run, Llano picked up about 15 extra yards by lineman and receivers getting in behind the ball carrier and “moving the pile”.  It works, and Llano is learning. Mason’s 22 carries and 108 yards were workhorse yards.  Senior John Heflin’s 3 carries for 66 yards were speed and surprise yards.  Sophomore quarterback Ben Walling added 7 carries for 44 yards and 4 first downs just at the right times when the defense expected the handoff to Mason.  Ben kept and went the opposite direction.  Brent Greenwood picked up 16 yards on 3 carries, and Cody got 9 on one try and Airon got 8 more on 2 carries.

The 42 points scored were the most in two years by the Jackets.   Llano had the first surprised play on the first play of the game, a handoff to Cody on the end around play, but pulls up and hits senior Airon in stride for the 63 yard TD and a Llano lead that it never gave up.  Then we passed for two points to senior Dorian Green and Llano was up 8-0 with 17 seconds off the clock.  The very next play, the tone was set, as Llano kicked off. Senior Colton Center  booted  down to the 5 yardline, but a small bobble by the Crystal City returner  was all it took and sophomore Nolan Keller was the first downfield to make the stop at the 8 yardline.  At that moment players and fans alike knew this was something different.  But could we keep it up?

Yep, sure could, and did.  The defense lead by senior Wyatt Bauman and junior Brent Greenwood held the Javelina’s on their first series and forced a punt.  Ray Dixon, Blake Dillard and Airon had key tackles.  Two runs by Mason, and then Ben kept and went 31 yards down to the  11 yardline.  A 10 yard pass from Ben to Mason put the ball on the one, where Ben took it in, and Llano was ahead 15-0 after Colton’s extra point.  There was 6:19 left in the first quarter.

The Javelina’s  are a good football team.  Their next try was good.  They drove the football 12 plays to get on the scoreboard.  Defensive players with tackles were Bauman, Arredondo, Jaden, Miller, Heflin, Center, and continued excellent play by sophomore Ian Fletcher.  Robert  Alcala  may have had his best game.  Dillard gets better and is in on more tackles each game. All teams now must account each play of Ray Dixon and Dillard from their defensive end positions. Love the play of junior Kegan Greenhaw when he comes in to relieve Blake and Ray.  Motor is turned up high.  Jose Soliz, another sophomore is making a name for himself.  Very good game.  2 technique #8 Hunter Roemer is really a deal killer on the inside.  Hard to block.  I would blitz him thru the gap every play!!! (Sorry Coach Slaughter, I sometimes have no control over my thoughts).  Juan Mung, a senior really is strong in the middle.  Great effort….and the secondary of Wyatt Casey, Heflin, Miller, Airon, Mat, Dalton, played well.  Crystal City had to go to their passing game in the second half.  Threw the ball 16 times with 9 completions…91 yards..all good with a great pass rush from up front.  Heflin and Greenwood had outstanding plays.  Cody would have had two more interceptions except for questionable calls by the silent referees.  This aggravation was beyond many things I have seen….after every call, all referees meet and talked for what seemed like minutes.  Sometimes they just waved off flags and went back to play!!!

Llano last won a playoff game before Friday night was in 2008, beating Glen Rose.  This win was special.  Do not remember, but have an idea the last time Llano beat an 8-2 team..I need to look that up.  But I do know we have  beat an 10-0 team.  It can happen again.  And again, we will be picked to lose by about 70 points.  The number 6 team in Div. II, 4-A, Sinton.  These guys will be good.  But so is Llano.  This is your legacy.  This is your history.  And when I tell you this, it is because Llano reputation goes back decades.  No one wants to play Llano.  # 1, you never know what you are going to get, but you do know they will hit you, and they never quit. Never.  Beating Sinton this Friday night in San Antonio would be right up there with the great accomplishments of Llano football.  I know this.  I would rather be Llano and have nothing to lose, than Sinton….with everything to lose.

7 seconds…48 minutes….Llano 29    Sinton 21.

The loss to #3 Navarro Friday Night was a game in which one old coach said you must always be looking for silver linings. The 31-0 loss was not that bad.  As I watched I was thinking of every little silver lining I could find.

Here are a few.  Llano’s defense held the high powered Panthers to 14 points less than they had scored against any other opponent.  If you think this was not important to Navarro, why then was their first team quarterback and running backs still in the game until the end, and the Panthers threw the football as many times in the fourth quarter as the first three quarters combined.  Navarro wanted those points.  Llano held.

Our defense can play with most people.  The last four series of downs that the Panthers had the football, they gained 113 yards on 27 plays and the Jackets held them out of the end zone.  Great play from our secondary, lead by seniors Cody Miller , Wyatt Casey, John Heflin, Mat Agee and Airon Layton.  Junior star Brent Greenwood got a key interception with help from a deflection from sophomore Ian Fletcher.  Fletcher had one of his best games.  Wyatt Bauman continues to lead and guild this defense.  The defense has improved by 10.6 points a game from last season.  A 25.3 points allowed is third best in our district, with Wimberley above us by less than 2 points a game.  A real turn-a-round for the defense and Wyatt leads on every play.

Our defensive line gets better.  Sophomore Ray Dixon is the real deal.  He plays hard every play.  His best effort now comes against an 8-2 Crystal City team.  Ray gets help from junior Hunter Roemer and junior Blake Dillard.  Blake’s sack for a 10 yard loss was a tone changer.  Kegan Greenhaw, a junior at 160 pounds is playing more and more confident.  J. Sliz had good plays, as did Juan Mungia. Roberto Alcala is playing very good. Love it when the big guys go in at the 2 techniques.  Cameron Hall and Colton Center make teams adjust their blocking, as a different look when 175 pound Hunter lines up over a guard.  Love it as we seem to blitz more.  Ian and Blake and Brent are quick and good at it.  Make no excuses, but Llano played one of the best teams in Texas last Friday night. I expect Navarro to at least win our Region.

The offense continues to struggle.  We had 12 plays of one yard or less.  That means 40% of our rushing downs went no where.  Sophomore Ben Walling completed a screen pass to sophomore Mason Greenwood for 12 yards, 9 yard pass to Mat Agee, and another to Mat for 5 yards.  The other two completions were for loss yardage. Llano crossed the fifty yardline two times.  Llano’s offensive line must play better.  And we can against Crystal City.

In 1998, Llano was 5-5 and we made the playoffs.  But we had to play the #1 team in the sister district.  Pearsall was 10-0, and ranked in the top 10 in the state.  Llano was given no hope to win, and my memory tells me the Jackets were a 30 point underdog.  The weather was bad all over the State, except here in Llano.  The Pearsall coach called LLano Coach Karl McCormack and offered to play in Llano.  Coach Mac was delighted.  Llano won by 20.

Men, you have one game left in your lives that really matters.  For 48 minutes you bring every ounce of effort and skill that you have learned and worked for since the 7th grade.  The University of Alabama coach, Lou Saban tells his players that football last only 7 seconds, average time of one play.  You play only one play at a time. And anyone that has worked for 6 years can muster up the supreme effort to do their utmost best for 7 seconds.

Then you might get another chance to play one more play.  7 seconds. All to have a lifetime of memories.  The State playoffs are so special.  You have been given an opportunity.  You have history on your side.  Llano has always played best when they had to.  You have to now, just for yourselves.  Crystal City is pretty good.  Large team.  But Navarro beat Wimberley by 31 also.  Devine beat Crystal City 40-8. If, and a big if, …we can block for 7 seconds as hard as you can, my money is on Mason to break a long run.  7 more seconds.  Another long run.  and after 48 minutes, the Jackets will have a win, and a memory that no one can ever take away.

LLano 20  Crystal City  7

According to my media magnets, Art Duluge and side kick Lance Center, the Yellowjackets 12 point victory over Hondo Friday night secured the 4th place spot in District 13-4A.  The point system, should there be a tie, like with Lytle, Hondo and Llano at the end of the season was developed by NASCAR fuel engineers to insure balance and fairness.  I just have never really got the grasp of it, so I let others like Art and Lance explain in English.  They say we are in!

Llano scored 32 points in the victory, second only to the 41 Llano put on Bangs.  Llano finished 3-2 on the new artificial turf in the first season. Sophomore quarterback Ben Walling  threw for more than 140 yards.  The Jackets had nearly 400 yards of offense.  All numbers that it takes to win games.  But this night has to go to the defense.  Hondo had the football 6 possessions the first half.  The defense held either forcing a punt, or holding on fourth down five of those times.  Hondo scored on its 5th possession after a Llano fumble and got the ball on the 34 yard line for a short score.  Play after play senior linebacker Wyatt Bauman and his defense held.  Who plays harder than junior safety Brent Greenwood?  Great pass rush from junior Blake Dillard, Hunter Roemer, Roberto Alcala and sophomore Ray Dixon.  Never stopped their motors, and what little passing game Hondo may have had, it was under assault.  I had the Owls with less than 100 yards passing.  Senior Cody Miller, while not adding to his team leading 5 interceptions this year had an exceptional game including great run backs on punts and kick-offs.  Great senior year.  So too with John Heflin.  I write down #2 a lot.  Great safety sac and a 9 yard loss by John in the third quarter that killed a drive.  Sophomore Ian Fletcher continues to get better at linebacker ,or wherever he lines up….this defense should be proud.  They are pretty darn good.

Sophomore running back Mason Greenwood now has over 900 yards rushing.  It will be a chore for him to get another 100 yards against one of the top teams in the state next week against Navarro.  But the improvement of senior Jose Arrendondo at tackle could be the key.  Senior Colton Center is having a great year, along with improving Dixon, Cameron Hall, a junior, and senior Luke Snitkin.  Senior Cameron Brumley has helped with the heavy lifting, as also Alcala, a junior. The running game is the key.  Walling’s passing game must have the ground game for Llano to get folks open.  Walling’s pass to Mason in the first quarter for the 74 yard score was an example of a team looking for the run.  A thing of pride is when an offensive line can look back and know it blocked well enough to have a 1,000 yard rusher.  Get it for Mason.  Get it for yourselves.

Loved the play of going for two after TDs.  Junior Jaden Napolez worked his magic and sneaked into the back of the end zone where Walling found him for two points and Llano took a 20-6 lead.  Jaden usually lines up at tight end and this is not the norm, unless you are Jason Witten.  Very good play.  Airon Layton gives Llano speed and deception at the right times.  His 48 yard TD catch really shows the Jackets potential. Senior Matt Agee is another good example of quickness and ability to find an opening and caught a 7 yard pass for a first down.

Need to mention the special teams.  Two times Hondo tried on side kicks.  Senior Dalton Dewveall played the first one perfect.  Great save for Llano.  Dixon covered the second one.  Fletcher, William Oliver, Jason Gann, Dorian Green, Matt Cohen and Sterling Rogers all have played hard on teams that get little notice unless there is a mistake.  Center’s kickoffs are a treat for me, as compared to former years when Llano consistently allowed teams to set up their offenses near the fifty yard line.  Strong coverage from these guys.

Llano coaches were a first class act when at a time in the fourth quarter into the game came the mob squad.  Oliver, Christian Rodriquez,  and Sterling came into the game and all got to carry the football. It was meaningful minutes.  Hondo still had time to score again.  Great to see their effort.

There is still work to do.  To be blunt, Navarro, #3 ranking according to Harris Poll, will be tough at home.  Likely a 50 point favorite over the Jackets!  So there is the challenge. Llano does not go home.  Navarro needs to know Llano is one tough little football team, and will have no interest in rolling over.

LLano can make this there game, not the game of Navarro.  The 90 yards in penalties against Hondo was horrible.  Llano played Lakeview and I think only had a 5 yard penalty.  Make that  your goal.  Llano had 5 bad snaps/quarterback drops/fumbles.  Will not work against Navarro. Make it a priority.  No turnovers.  And last, wrap up and force those punts.  You could surprise yourselves when you play mistake free football.  Stranger things have happened.  Make the trip to Navarro one you will long remember, with no regrets.

All are keeping their fingers crossed, that the off week for the Jackets will bring a renewed energy and a focus on details.  Llano is 0-1 in district play, and must win one game to make the state play offs.  That game is Friday night in Lytle.

The Jacket had the same opportunity last season in Jacket Stadium, but allowing the Pirates to come from behind and steal a 34-31 game that took all life from Llano in their two final games in 13-4A.  This Friday night, Llano faces a more difficult task.  Unproven quarterback, running game that has slowed to a drip, and a passing game that either cannot get a pass thrown, or a receiver drops the ball.  Then you put the defense on the field for 2/3 of the minutes and you have grave situations usually not overcome.

Llano actually has a very nice history of winning on the road.  One statistic that I have failed to keep record of is the home and away record of Llano over the past 43 years.  Maybe in the future I will work on that.  But Friday night Llano again has the opportunity to disappoint a home crowd by traveling to Lytle.  Some 30 miles southwest of San Antonio, winning sure makes a ride home a joyous and rememberal (sic) moment.

Llano will be the better football team Friday night playing the Pirates.  At times there has been great play.  Stayed with a great Fredericksburg team.  Stayed with a very good Brady team.  Played respectable with a top ranked Wall team.  Llano puts together 4 full quarters and Llano will bring home victory # 3.  I have  every intention of driving home and knowing the play offs are for real, and we all have worked hard to get to this point.  The opportunity is at hand.  Cash in big time and lets all beat Lytle Friday night.

Llano 27  Lytle 12

Coming off a win against Salado 10 days ago, some would have thought the Llano Yellow Jackets would be sky high and ready to defend their turf in the first district game of 2015.  Even thinking for a moment that the 0-6 Wimberley Texans might be in a down cycle would add some fuel to the fire.  Anything to spark this team to get excited and ready to show there was fire in the belly.  Every play with that extra effort to get that extra yard.  But as many of the fans sat and waited, the big play never came about.  Llano was flat offensively.  The sparks came again with a defense much improved, but staying on the field much to long.

My wife Kay and I brought our small radio to the game and listened to Art and Lance on KITY and it was so much information.  They are both institutions, with stats and insight that make listening to the radio special.  But even Art and Lance could not hold back on the frustration of an offense that looks for change, and still gets more of the same.  6 drives were 3 plays and a punt.  Lance pointed out Llano ran only 32 plays for 96 yards, with 7 punts.  We can count the good plays on one hand, and while they are few, those plays cannot be dismissed.  A pass completion from sophomore quarterback Ben Walling to senior Mat Agee in the first quarter for 24 yards, and a 7 yard completion to Mason Greenwood.  Senior Airon Layton had an 11 yard end around for a first down.  Walling had a 13 and a 22 yard scramble late in the fourth quarter when the score was 24-0.

Have no idea what to do about the offense.  I usually do!  Several plays the Texans rushed two defensive lineman and still made tackles on Mason, Brent  and Company for loses.  No time to pass.  Can’t get a yard for a first down on any run between the tackles.  To quote my favorite, “Man O Man”.  Senior quarterback Wyatt Casey has new admirer in Walling, as both had little time to think or manipulate their forces.  Most plays resulted in running  for your life.

This is not a time to divide.  Now is the time to come together.  Understand that you play one play at a time.  Senior John Heflin makes a play, Mason makes a play, Mat and Airon catch passes.  Jaden and Dalton Dewveall block extra good. Walling should take all snaps from under senior center Colton Center, which will help make first downs, sometimes an inch at a time.  But guys, recognize the moment.  You still can make the playoffs.  Yes, you stink  up the field one night.  You smell like roses the next.  Do not blow this opportunity to be relevant.  Recognize that you have three games left in the regular season.  You should first and foremost expect and demand of yourselves to beat Lytle and Hondo.

The defense was on the field 60 plays.  And while the Texans had 391 yards of offense, the defense played good.  Not great, but a much improved group that you can tell by watching, they like to play.  5 times the defense forced a punt, and blocked one of those.  Just before the half, the Texans drove from their own 9 yard line line to go 13 plays down to the Jacket 14 yard line.  The defense never quit, forced a fumble, and end of drive.

The defense lead by senior Wyatt Bauman at linebacker plays with his head up.  And gets great help from sophomores Ian Fletcher and Ray Dixon.  Both are playing at an all district level.  Airon is one that gang tackles.  He is there on so many plays.  Junior Blake Dillard is getting better every game at defensive end.  Cameron Hall may have had his best defensive game.  And again, John Heflin plays hard every play.  Cody Miller having a very fine senior year, but we need more from him…like a couple more interceptions.  I always ask the most from those that do the most.  Senior Christian Rodriquez, Dorian Green and Roberto Alcala had good games. The defense is giving up about 27 points a game, an improvement from last year of 9 points a game.  Improvement on that number can come over the next two games.

The open week this week comes at a good time.  The seniors must bring this team together. Urgency is now.  This team can still have great and proud moments, and getting ready mentally for the next month of play can happen.  Take a deep breathe, and make up your minds that this is the most important thing in your life.  Making the playoffs is an attainable goal.  Make it into a reality.

The 2-4 2015 Yellow Jackets worked real hard to get such an ugly victory.  But a win is a win is a win.  No  one needed this one more.  The much maligned offense worked when it had to, and that is all that matters.  The defense gave up too much, but any defense that gets 3 interceptions is playing with their head in the game.  And Cody Miller’s catch and recovery of a kick-off fumble was special heads up play.  There may be  much to not be happy with in a game in which Llano was picked to win by 13, but the Jackets brought the gun that produced a 3 point come from behind victory.  Allowing the Salado Eagles to remain in the game after the first Jacket score was the big mistake.  But as one very loyal Jacket fan said to me after the game, ” we still have to learn how to win”.  Well said.

And learning how to win is mostly, all mental.  When getting a lesser team on the ropes, you keep them there.  No let up.  No coasting.  Pouring on the coals really has meaning.  And you give any team, any team a spark of hope to come back and win, that can of worms is very hard to put back in the can.  Salado showed that they wanted so much to win, and still even with a 10 point lead late in the third quarter, Llano too wanted this game.  Llano’s comeback showed resolve and determination.  A great needed win and great for the Jackets to zero in on district.

The defense gave up 325 yards, but most came on 6 plays of 162 yards.  Big plays still plague the Jackets.  Senior Wyatt Bauman, sophomore Ray Dixon and junior Brent Greenwood were spectacular.  Miller and Mat Agee, along with sophomore Ian Fletcher are getting solid in the secondary.  Robert Alcala and senior Darian Green had good games.  Junior Blake Dillard had a sack and plays hard every play.  Senior John Heflin still surprises as he makes a great play every game.  Love his energy.  And while most of us sleep, special team players like Jason Gann, Christian Martinez and Matt Cohn play hard and no one notices.  But the take a ways will get Llano to the play-offs.  Few things more important than playing with your head up and your head in the game.

The offense is in a learning curve.  Sophomore quarterback Ben Walling is learning how much faster the game is at the varsity level, and running sideways is not productive when looking for receivers.  His command on the field looked strong.  And it was no little feat to guild the offense on two touchdown drives of 48 and 56 yards to win.  Walling is 1-0 as starting QB, and nothing else matters.

I think the offensive line is better.  Some plays I know.  Other times I do not.  But they blocked well enough for sophomore Mason Greenwood to get 169 yards on 26 carries. Best game of his young career.  Mason had 168 yards against Bangs.  Blocked well enough for Ben to throw for 88 yards.  Still, this week, we need more from each of them.

Another thought, and I think it came from the Pittsburg Steelers great Coach Mike Tomlin, and that being the 2 point try.  The Steelers think the odds are good to go for two after each TD.  I like that.  Mason could be good for three yards on most sweeps.  Just a Monday morning observation.

Llano is 6-12 all time against Wimberley.  Lost 52 -20 last year.  The most deceiving picture you will ever see is thinking the 0-6 Texans will be easy pickings in Llano next Friday night.  Their schedule has been brutal.  Their confidence against Llano on the top shelf.  This will be a game in which the one that wants to win the most.  The hardest working team.  The smartest team.  The most determined team.  And the team that has the most to prove.  Colton Center, Bauman, Heflin, Wyatt Casey, Valentine, Dalton Dewveall, Airon, William Oliver, Lukje Snitkin, Juan, Cameron Hall, Jose, Leo, Stratt, Cohen, Dorian, Christian Rodriquez, Mat and Cody…you have 4 games left in your football lives.  You have never beat the Texans.  Nothing should be more important.  You are 2-1 on your new home field.  Make it 3-1 and send the Texans home 0-7.  It will be a lifetime memory.

Llano 22, Texans 18

The Llano Yellowjackets went into half-time against the 5-A Lakeview Chiefs tied 7-7.  The defense was strong for Llano.  32 plays and allowed only 119 yards.  A 3.7 yard average per play.  Very winning football.   47 of those yards came on 3 plays.  That means the defense held the Chiefs to 2.5 yards a snap on the other 29 plays.  The defense forced a fumble ( Sophomore Ray Dixon and senior linebacker Wyatt Bauman) and recovered by Hunter Roemer.  Held on fourth down, 3 times, and Llano got the ball back.  And junior Brent Greenwood got an interception and gave Llano the ball on the 37 yard line in which the Jackets marched 63 yards and scored.  Sophomore Mason Greenwood had a 29 yard run as well a 17 yard gain on a screen pass from senior quarterback Wyatt Casey.

The offense had a two fumbles in the first quarter, which killed the attack.  Total of 93 yards of offense kept the defense on the field.  7-7 at halftime.  The Jackets were in OK position to win this game.

I honestly have no explanation other than lack of more depth for the Jackets.  That may be a factor later in the games, but the Chiefs came out and scored in 4 plays after the half.  Lakeview had three plays of over 10 yard gains in the first half.  They had that many in the first series after the half in which they went 80 yards and scored.  The defense allowed 9 plays of over 10 yards in the second half.  Averaged 18 yards on those 9 plays.  The Jackets held the Chiefs on one fourth down try, and other than an interception by Cody Miller in the third quarter, the defense stayed on the field.  Lead by Bauman and Dixon, excellent play on defense by sophomore Ian Fletcher at cornerback with 10 tackles, junior Jaden Napolez with 10 more, and senior defensive back John Heflin in on 10 more.  Gang tackling was lead by junior Blake Dillard, Roemer, Fletcher, Cameron Hall and Roberto Alcala.  Over all, the defense did their job.  The long gains are still a problem.

The offense must find a way.  Senior quarterback Casey completes over 50% of his passes, but does miss some.  Receivers seem to drop 2 passes every game.  Mason is averaging over 5 yards a carry, as is Brent, William Oliver, Casey,  Heflin and Roemer.

There still is little time to drop back to pass.  Llano must play two halves.  If they had, today they would be at least 3-2 rather than 1-4.  Making the play-offs is still a very viable goal.  Both Wimberley and Hondo are 0-5.  Both can be beat by Llano.  Beating Salado this week in our Homecoming game is a must, but it must be a complete game win. Llano needs the confidence builder of how to win.

A few extra notes.  Love the hustle every week of special team players Matt Cohen, Stratt Stiles and Roemer, Airon Layton, Jason Gann.  I think strongly that senior Colton Center should continue to do two things.  Kick off and even when it goes out of bounds, it gives Llano a good place for the defense to start play.  And play more defense.  Good job from the four year starter for Llano……Llano plays two halves…Jackets 34   Salado 7.

The two faces of the Llano Yellowjackets showed itself Friday night playing the Fredericksburg Billies.  You had the hustling, gang tackling Jackets, and you had the laid back wait and see if someone else will do the job and maybe I won’t have to do much Jackets.

As I sat through the first half, there was hope.  There was a spark.  Certainly mainly on defense of all things, but this team showed up to play.  For the first time in maybe years, the Llano defense forced 5 punts in the first half.  The passing game of senior Billies’ quarterback  Kyle Reeh was on its heels.  Only 3 of 13 and 38 yards in the first half.  I thought Cody Miller, John Heflin, Ian Fletcher, Valentine Hernandez played very good.  Then the pass rush, the hard nose at the point of attack was the best in two years.  Lead by senior linebacker Wyatt Bauman and sophomore Ray Dixon, this defense was spot on.  Great play by Brent Greenwood , Dorian Green, Jaden Napolez, and Hunter Roemer.  Blake Dillard is showing is genes.  Mat Agee coming off injury was pitching in.  Matt Cohen was in on several stops.  And when junior Roberto Alcala is playing in the Billies backfield, he makes things happen.  Dixon too had QB sacks.  It just looked like everyone was on the same page.  Fredericksburg had minus yards in 14 carries!  Goodness sakes alive, where did this defense come from?

All I can say is it looked like that team got back on the bus and the Brady Yellowjacket team played the second half.  The 27-0 final score was kind.  The Jackets had no offense.  44 yards in the second half.  A run by senior quarterback Wyatt Casey of 17 yards and one completion to Mason Greenwood for 9 yards, and that was it.  Senior Airon Layton had three catches in the game.  Casey had no time to throw, Mason ended the game with 18 carries and 19 yards.

Most important issues.  Senior leadership.  It takes everyone to win a football game.  Guys that play little, must buy into the team concept.  Not just the stars on a team.  Everyone.  Seniors can make this happen.  Meet together.  Talk.  Understand this is your last stand.  And please see the big picture.  You still can win.  You are good enough to still beat 5 of the 6 remaining teams on the schedule.  You really can.  You proved it to yourselves in the first half.  Can you dream about playing defense for 48 minutes every game, rather than just 24.  Do you know the results?  I do.  You will give yourself a chance to win every game.  That is all we as fans want for you.  That is what your family and moms and dads want for you.  And that is what each Coach wants for you.  Believe in yourself first.  This season is not lost, unless you seniors say it is lost.  Go to Lakeview and play your guts out every play.  Every play.  Do it just once so you will know how it feels.  You will not be disappointed in yourself.

Now I am going to talk about a young player that I have learned to respect.  In 43 years of writing about the Llano Fighting Yellowjackets, I do not think I have gone here.  But it keeps going thru my mind, so that I will say this.  Llano in the 43 years I have been covering the Jackets have had only two truly speed burning running backs.  Jason Moore in 1997 (Averaged 6.98 yards per carry) , and Curtis Hartman in 1990 ( 2,764 yards junior and senior years, 3rd all-time rusher, holds school record with 327 yards in single game against Gatesville.)  Both were blazers.  Yet, they had few football moves. But both were very smart football players.  They knew God had given them a talent, and they knew they had to cash in on that talent.  Speed.  And as they both progressed in their football careers, someone I can only guess showed them that speed was more important than anything.  Anything.  Juke moves ? Nothing.  Outrun folks to the sidelines? Never happens.  Run over the defensive end?  Rarely seen. Speed.  The first step.  Straight ahead flash.  By the time you get two steps past the last player on the end of the offensive line, you cut it up and go.  Not one moment of hesitation. No more running to the sidelines.  Curtis and Jason turned it up.  Both are in the record books, with Curtis having 1,500 yards his senior year.  They used their one great talent, and both were great Llano running backs in a very long tradition of greats.  They did not try to be something they weren’t.  They played smart.

Mason Greenwood looks to me to have that kind of speed.  His running lanes are not to get to the sidelines.  The lanes are there, 2-3 steps outside the ends.  Only for mini-seconds.  A blink of an eye, the lanes are there.  Offensive lineman can block hard for 1-2 seconds.  Hard to get 3-5 seconds out of those guys.  So as a team, you are working on tenths of a second.  My prayer is Mason starts running smart.  What a talent you have.  Speed.  Use it wisely.  Same goes for running between the tackles.  Speed.  When no hesitation is in the run, speed will be by many linebackers before they see you.  Take a page from the past and run like Curtis and Jason.   Llano 20  Lakeview 0