Play to Win

   It has been a few years since Llano beat a ranked 3-AAA school 29 spots above our 77th ranking.  And it has been a few since we won on Homecoming Game .  This win over 48th ranked Bandera was special, and for several reasons.

   Llano came from behind in the second half and won.

   Llano played better in the second half than the first half.

   Llano’s three quarterbacks played with passion and guts.  Can’t say enough about Tyler Stiles(5 for 5 passing, 74 yards).  Holden Simpson (7 for 11, 93 yards), and wildcat QB Jalen Bauman (5 Catches for 62 yards)…all were playing with caution and leadership.  I loved it.  These three young men stepping in for injured senior QB Layton Rabb may be keeping the bed warm, but it is comfortable now with any of three in the game.  Much credit to a very strong coaching staff.   Llano was not suppose to win this game.  Van Harris(The Harris Poll) will sharpen his pen this week deciding how and what to expect from the Jackets.

   Jacket interceptions by Jalen, senior Kralen Dickerson, and junior Tommy Yelvington has put the Jacket defense back to a place to being important.  Thier take aways won the game.  But great effort up front played a big part. Blain Steffen, Caleb Penny and junior linebacker Lance Reven applied lots of pressure.  Sawyer Stiles continues to be stellar.  Mason Ladd is having a super season.  The secondary is so much improved.  Last season Llano would have given up so much more than we did this week.  Bandera is a good football team.  You can expect them in this years play-offs.  Jacket secondary play puts Llano on the same tract.

   Carter Tatsch now has 384 yards rushing after three games.  The key is to get Carter to the outside.  His speed is special…not between the tackles.  Yet big Gilberto Arredondo and Colton Center are getting better each week.  They have to.  Their leadership must help Llano be more deverse.  Running up the middle is still needed.  Cody Harp, Jordan Webb and Mr. Thinking Man, senior Eli Tiffin can make this unit really special.  Llano is winning because these guys have not taken themselves serious yet.  Getting better every week is the key.  Getting better.

   Issac Hutto’s punting is becoming more  of  a weapon each week.  It gives our defense a chance.  Along with his skills at wide receiver, Issac is that leadership that is making this team special.

   Llano’s 2-1 record  could have been 1-2.  But this win was a team win. Everyone did their jobs.  Justin Long, Harley Shoemate and Jordan Blackmon hustled like the devil on special teams.  Tristan Lynch plays hard every play.  And does Erich Burch.  Take no plays off, and your team will win.

   Boerne suited out 52 players last year.  Their 958 enrollment is one of the big boys in 3-AAA.  Llano’s 498 says this game will be easy for the Greyhounds.  A play-off team in 2012, look for a tough week for all.  But Llano is focused.  Beating Boerne will be one more building block.  Llano by 16.

   Few teams in 3-AAA football plan for their third option at quarterback to become a reality with only a few hours notice, but it did. .  Layton Rabb, after starting the last 16 games over three seasons,  goes to the hospital Friday morning for an emergency surgery.  So let’s go with last years’ quarterback, Holden Simpson.  Oops!  He played the night before leading the JV team.   Into the quarterback situation walks 5’9 Tyler Stiles whom taking a snap at varsity quarterback will only happen for the first time at 7:30 PM…Friday night.

   If Friday nights are made for memories, last Friday night will be in Tyler’s brain forever.  Steping in at quarterback for the Jackets, and while not having to win the game all alone, he too had to not lose the game.  That burden was tremendous on his 150 pound frame.  No fumbles (although I am sure I could see his hands shaking in that first series), no penalties, no interceptions, 4 of 7 passing for 43 yards…Tyler managed this win over the Bangs Dragons just fine.  Wow !  What a tale to tell 50 years from now.  Great game, great effort Tyler.

   Tyler had help.  Issac Hutto had two of the catches.  Junior Lance Reven played great at linebacker.  Cornerback Mason Ladd is having an all-star season, and only two games into the season.  Seniors Jordan Webb, Caleb Penny, juniors Cody Harp and Clancy Durham, and sophomore Colton Center were doing something right.  Senior running back Carter Tatsch rushed for 262 yards and that will get you into the record book for a single game.  And that is what it took to win this game.

   Llano had to change its game plan from the moment Coaches knew Layton was not playing.  Likely one would have expected 25 pass attempts.   10 runs by Carter.  6 catches by Issac.  All of that changed Friday morning.  And to the credit of the Coaches, they were able to sale the new approach in a matter of hours.  Carter carried the big load, with 26 carries.  Tyler managed, and players like Ryan Mansell, Jalen Bauman, Eliazar Villegas and Justin Long played defense.  Held Bangs to 247 total yards…winning football.

   Erich Burch and senior Eli Tiffin played better this week.  Eli’s leadership was invaluable this past week.  Senior Chance Ware is great on kick-offs, and plays very well at cornerback.  And Tommy Yelvington had a very strong game.  Bauman’ “wildcat”  out of the quarterback position was a new good look, and Jalen can and will wear many hats this season.  And a great weapon that gets over-looked…Issac Hutto as punter keeps Llano in good field position.

   This was a very good win.  Llano overcame lots!  But beating Bandera this week will come down to 25 players all stepping up another notch.  But that is where we are.  Llano can still beat Bandera, and be more improved with each week.  Llano does not have to get great on one Friday night.  The Jackets just need to keep getting better.  It is baby steps.  Winning at Homecoming is just another step up.  Llano by 10.

   The 2013 football season got off to a slow beginning in Wimberley last Friday night.  Yet a Yellow Jacket defense that held on fourth down after an 11 play drive to the 12 yard line put a spark into the Jackets’ offense.  On third down senior quarterback Layton Rabb hit junior Jalen Bauman on a pass in which Jalen fought off three defenders all the way into the end zone.  It was the first score of the game, and Jalen’s effort nothing less than Yellow Jacket tough.  Then junior David Forrister kicked true for a 7-0 lead.

   The problem was not effort.  It was the little things.  Llano’s defense still could not get the Texans off the field.  A 12 play drive by Wimberley and a score still had Llano up by 7-6. But now the Jacket defense had play 23 plays in the first quarter.

   Rabb found Jalen again for a 27 yard completion, as well as a 12 yard completion to senior Kralen Dickerson.  Eigth more to senior Issac Hutto…9 more for completion again to Jalen, and a screen pass to senior Carter tatsch for 13 had the jackets on the 40 yard line.   There the offense stalled.  And Wimberley roared back in four plays and scored .  Then the wheels came off.  An interception that was run back for a TD, a Jacket fumble and Llano never recovered.

   The first game must be “where do we need to improve”?  A quick look.  Issac and Layton punted well, coverage was great..Eliazar Villegas gets down field, and love the way he plays cornerback.  Mason Ladd played like the senior and experienced player he is.  Had two interceptions.  Had a great game.  Caleb Penny was all over the place playing the 3-technique (In the middle).  Ryan Mansell could grow into being a great defensive player.  Needs to play hard every down.  Junior Lance Reven had a great game at linebacker.  Becoming a real leader early in the season just by style of play.  Colton Ekstrom had a strong game.  Chance Ware will get better.  Had a good game at cornerback.

   I have to believe the offense will get better, and more consistant.  sophomore Colton Center along with Gilberto Arredondo and Cody Harp were off on their timing a bit.  Will need to give Layton a little more time.  Layton will also need to speed the game up a bit.  And the line must help with the run game.  Senior Carter Tatsch was smothered as he took the ball.  Holding blocks will change everything.  Issac will be open on the down and out, but he must get the ball.  Jalen shows what he can do when he does get the ball.  Hold those blocks longer men.

  My expectations are still the same.  Llano will play better this week against Bangs.  Bangs is a top 20 team in 2-AA.  May even be picked to beat Llano this week according to “Harris”.  Harris picked Wimberley last week by 17.  I think again, he just got lucky, and this week, I will be the lucky one.  Llano by 14.

   Few seasons have I been so unprepared.  With new duties in town, and key members of my family packing up and going on with their lives, it has been one wild summer.  Yet, when the smoke clears….one ingredient stays the same.  Llano Yellowjacket football.

   Did not plan on letting the season get ahead of me, but this one did.  The last four years, step-son Matt Center has been the focus at our house.  Knew every minute what was going on.  This year, not so much.

   I think there is some let down from a parents point of view.  When Tory graduated and went off to SMU, boy was my focus more in Highland Park, Texas than in LLano.  But that season jerked my head quickly, as legendary coach John Parchmann turned Llano’s program around in only weeks.

   When Jerrod graduated, the same thing took place.  Many of Jerrod’s friends are stacked in the record books, and I can still see Brian Smith throwing to receiving great Michael White for so many yards and so many catches.  Jerrod’s class was special and so under coached.

   And now I want to get back in the saddle.  And the reasons are many.  Non less than Coach Craig Slaughter and his coaching staff that has brought the Jackets back to being “in the mix”.   Sure, Texas Football magazine has us picked 5th in the District.  But where else could we be picked.  Brownwood, Gatesville, Liberty Hill, and Burnet!  No weak sisters here.  But I can say now, unlike like season, no one likes playing Llano.  And 2013 is only goiong to reinforce that.  A Slaughter team is always going to be ready.  And the improvement from 2011 by a full 10 points in differential of scores has Llano back on track.

   What to look for?  I can only talk offense today. Our skill people are going to light up the score board.  Our offense will be fast and quick.  Llano has not had as fast a running back in Carter Tasch in at least a decade.  Maybe longer.  Ty Thuirman being close.  And a better set of hands in Issac Hutto with few competitiors.  Isacc had three TD catch game last season as a junior, tying a school record.

   But the spotlight will be on senior quarterback Layton Rabb.  Rabb as a junior threw for 1,899 yards, 15 Td passes, one game of 354 yards, and completed 26 passes in another.  My expectations are high.  Rabb to Hutto could be so special.

   The key to these guys success will be five lineman who will get little recognition, except in this space.  Let me learn their names first.  I will pass their accomplishments along.

   The defense will be better, and more aggressive.  But their first test against the Texans Friday night will be so important.  Playing with confidense is the key to playing great defense.  Let’s watch the Jacket defense control this game….just like the old days.

   Don’t know why I feel so good about Llano, but a Jacket win in Wimberley …..28-14 sounds about right.

   The Yellow Jackets play Burnet Friday night in Llano, game #2 in District play.  The 13-10 Jackets are much improved, but taking the next step…that step of beating a good district foe, must come next.

   This is a first for me.  Writing about LHS basketball…boys basketball.   Few can argue that the boys varsity high school basketball team, over the past 20 years has been one of the worst in the State of Texas.  Very rarely competitive.  That said…please, pay attention.

   Bring in a new athletic director, he brings in a “basketball coach”, and presto….a new beginning.  The Llano “BOYS” basketball team is 6-2 after last nights defeat of private school Dominic Savio, by a score of 39-34.  I know for certain, it has been 20 years since Llano began a season this strong…maybe 25 years.  Strength of schedule, not so strong, but you start somewhere.  2012 is where Llano begins.

   After winning the San Saba Tournament this past weekend, and now on a five game winning streak, Llano is relavant.  That is so important, and for the Jackets to go forward, it is also time for Jacket fans to show up.  Llano faces again, one of the strongest districts in the state.  But playing hard, and knowing you have a chance to win, is what turning a program around is all about. 

   The Jackets play in the Sonora Varsity Tournament this coming weekend, may be hard for some of you to attend, but Sonora returns to Llano December 11th with the varsity game at 6:30 PM.  That is followed with another home game with a strong St. Michaels’ team on Friday, Dec.14th, at 7:45 PM.

   The disappointing night in Brownwood last week sends a fine group of seniors on their way to another world, one they will not  equate with Yellow Jacket football again, until life lessons start being remembered.  Only a large miracle could have saved Llano from being beaten 41-13 last Friday night, but that still did not prevent the Jacket seniors from playing hard every play, and the game was still up in the air moments before the half ended.

   That one aspect of 2012 Jacket football is what this senior class and take from this season…LLano Yellowjacket football became competitive again.  Most of the seven losses came after the half, and when depth of the roster and injuries caught up with Llano.  Being caught in the tough district of Brownwood, Liberty Hill and Gatesville, all previous State Champions, and you add Lampasas and Burnet, you have four teams that all were in class 4-AAAA.  Llano’s 505 high school enrollment was just too small to win every game, something many old timers as myself fully expect, and still do not understand how the UIL can repeatedly make districts so lopsided.

Districts Play-off teams:  Champion: Gatesville (10-0), Brownwood, Burnet.

   2012 Yellowjacket Seniors:

Jake Rodriguez          Devin Mayne             Allen Lucas

Matt Center               Rhett Brooks

Ryan West                Jacob Beasley  

Alec Hasty                Pedro Perez

Cooper Hill                Taylor Stewart

Kassity Pitcox          Storey Tatsch 

Zach Morgan          Wil Siegenthaler

Edward Gallo       Nick Bornholt

   While the record cannot ever tell the whole story, never did I  see Llano ever quit.  The attitude of these seniors will live on with the underclassmen as they leave to finish the job.  Llano will be back as a district contender.  But it will take more than a few months of tough coaching to break off bad habits.  Those habits already are changing.  It is my understanding that the 7th grade tied for the district crown, and most of you need to know. Varsity coaches went to junior high daily and helped with the 7th and 8th grade players.  It will take this extra hard work by all to get Llano back in the championship talks.

   I’m already excited about 2013.  Llano has many very good players returning.  There is good speed returning at the skill positions.  Layton Rabb at quarterback, Carter Tatsch at running back, and Issac Hutto at wide reciever can all be quailty players.  I’m most proud of the returning limeman in Tristan Sabrsula, Russell Webb, Gilberto Arredondo, Ryan Mansell, Colin Mayne, and Eli Tiffin. These lineman can all be very good.  Also, where much is given, much is expected, and sometimes freshman starter Colton Center will be expected to make gigantic strides.  Llano could have two monsters on defense in linebackers Caleb Penny and Lance Reven.  Starters Sawyer Stiles, and Mason Ladd must grow, get better, and be tough leaders.   This begins now, not next August.  Daniel Durham, Eric Burch, Kralen Dickerson and David Durham  all have strong points that can make them very good senior players.    Junior to be Jalen Bauman could be special.  He must mature and step forward as a leader, and set the bar higher for all.  

   The Yellowjackets improved from last season by a margin of loss from 25 average loss to 9 points average loss.  This is alot.  Now we cut that to positive points.  It will begin on defense.

   Begin this week trying to enter players names that will be new to the record book.  Let me know if you know of something I may miss.   Records are fun…after the season is over.

   The 2012 Llano Yellowjackets travel to Brownwood this week to try and make some sense of this season.  Brownwood will be getting ready for their usual state run into the play-offs.  But a two  loss Brownwood team could be the odd guy out, when you consider Gatesville has locked up the Championship, with Liberty Hill and Burnet both vying for a spot.  Llano’s game seems unimportant to outsiders, but it could be a difference maker.

   The Jackets are a different team from the one that Brownwood saw last season.  The last game of 2011 was one that every player and certainly every coach looked forward to.  The 2012 team looks at the season, many places where a different bounced ball, and a pass there, and Llano would be the team to beat.  Had Llano scored 21 more points this year, the Jackets would be a 6-3 team with a whole lot more to look forward to here in week 12.

   The Jackets are scoring an average of 9 points more per game this season, and the defense is giving up 9 points less per game than 2011.  The three road wins are three more than many thought possible.  The improvement is noticed more in the energy of play than even on the scoreboard.  The new Llano coaching staff has been  so enjoyable to watch.  This season, no coach has time to sleep walk thru a game.  If a player can’t get fired up with the energy from this coaching staff, maybe chess would be a better alternative.  The play and energy has not always ended with more victories, but give this new coaching staff time, victories will come.

   The loss to Burnet was a big disappointment.  The Jackets just never got into a real smooth gate.  The final 62-34 was not a real picture of the game.  The Jackets still show areas of being real good. No doubt, the running game is much better.  The combination of senior Rhett Brooks and junior Carter Tatsch is a winner.  No one runs tougher then Rhett, and few faster than Carter.  Carter had runs of 26 yards, 19 yards, 30 yards, and  15 yards, ( From the first play from scrimmage in the 3rd quarter, Carter caught a Layton Rabb pass and went 62 yards for the tying score of 21-21) while Rhett had the 57 yard TD run as well as a 21 and 31 yard burst.  The developing run game makes the Jackets tough to handle.  When all the stars align, maybe in Brownwood.  You have to give credit to the blocking improvement.  Seniors Jacob Beasley, Ryan West, Taylor Stewart, Cooper Hill, Nick Bornholt, Edward Gallo, along with better downfield blocks from Kassity Pitcox, Devin Mayne  and Allen Lucas has made a big difference.  But most improving are juniors Eli Tiffin, Ryan Mansell, Gilberto Arredondo, Russell Webb, and big Tristan Sabrsula, along with starting freshman Colton Center. Llano’s  line plays great against Brownwood, the Jackets have a chance.

   Injuries takes their toles.  Along with senior Jake Rodriguez (broke leg), a still limping Issac Hutto ( 3 catches, 38 yards and a TD catch), and possible injury to Gilberto has not helped, but all teams see this.  Jacket injuries have become part of the game.

   While the defense struggles with allowing big plays (17 plays over 10 yards), the Jackets allowed only 59 yards on the other 24 plays!  Great defense at times, just not all the time.  Still love the play of senior Wil Siegenthaler and junior Mason Ladd.  Alec Hasty gets better every game.  And junior Linebacker Caleb Penny is one tough player.  Matt Center ( TD Catch in the back of the end zone in the third quarter from Rabb) and Rhett, along with Zach Morgan have played well all season.  These seniors must have their best games in Brownwood. Senior Storey Tatsch always plays hard. And both Durhams (David And Daniel) will be valuable seniors, next year. And I’m  wishing that senior Pedro Perez hits about 6 extra points come Friday night.

   Junior Sawyer Stiles, sophomore Jalen Bauman and Lance Reven are playing more every game.  These guys can be very good next season.  Their effort is not lacking this season.

   The game with Brownwood is important.  The seniors play their hearts out.  The underclassman play for respect, for next season.  Nothing would be better for the the Jackets than the momory of beating Brownwood…in Brownwood.  Llano by 7.

   The 41-7 pounding by the # 8 ranked Gatesville Hornets is one game LLano needs to put behind them.  Few things looked right, and certainly few things turned out right.  The ranking of the Hornets seemed well deserved, but when one wheel comes off the wagon, it becomes very hard to upright the cart.  Now, lets’ play someone we know a whole bunch about, the Burnet Bulldogs.

   Burnet has taken control in recent years of this old, old rivalry.  But not in 14 years have the Jackets been able to beat the green and white.  And while the first part of this 2012 season appeared like this was a down season for Burnet, the last two games have put the Bulldogs back into a position that our neighbors to the East are thinking play-offs.

   Several things can happen, but should Llano win its next two games, the Jackets have a clear shot to the third play-off spot in Class 3-A.  And the same thing for Burnet.  Likely, a 3-2 district record would place one of these two teams in the play-offs.  Liberty Hill has lost two games, and still  must play Burnet.  Llano has lost two games, but a win against Burnet gives the Bulldogs two losses, and the important one to Llano.  The Jackets would then travel to Brownwood in the last week of the regular season to claim that third district win and the play-off spot.

   The injuries just mounted last week.  Seniors Rhett Brooks, Wil Siegenthaler, Storey Tatsch, and Matt Center all played at much less than full speed.  Junior Isaac Hutto is just now getting stronger to be able to contribute again.  National Judging team member Elli Tiffin was missed last week on his trip to Indiana, and senior Jake Rodriquez is out for the year.

   But, this week, most should be stronger, and healthier.  Junior quarterback Layton Rabb needs all of his receivers back this week, and everyone needs to be on top of his game.  This year Llano can beat Burnet. Rabb’s passing will be the key to beating the Bulldogs.

   Burnet beat Liberty Hill last week 44-36.  The Bulldogs had 611 yards of offense, but allowed 463 yards.  Burnet can play pretty good run defense, but the secondary tries to hid. The play of Caleb Penny and Alec Hasty continues to get better.  Gilberto Arredondo and Tristan Sabrsula along with senior Cooper Hill had good games.  Zach Morgan and Taylor Stewart had good plays.  Both must have great games this week. 

  Burnet will come out throwing the football, and Llano’s pass rush is a must.  Llano has had problems this season defending the pass, but a pass rush is imperative to help out Mason Ladd, Rhett, Devin Mayne, Storey and Carter Tatsch in the secondary.

   The Jackets have a passing attack that has proven can play with anyone.  It starts with good offensive lineman, lead by Jacob Beasley and Ryan West, Russell Webb, freshman Colton Center and the return of Tiffin.  If Hutto can return strong, Kralen Dickerson and Carter Tatsch can contirbute, Llano will beat Burnet.  But it will take all hands in a team effort.

   The seniors have had a tough time over the past 17 games.  Winning three road games tells that Llano can dig deeper and win.  But  few things will ever stand out any stronger for these seniors than to be able to beat Burnet here at the end of their careers.  Llano has had a great turnaround this season over last year.  Evening up their district record at 2-2 would be tremendous, and put Llano back into the mix of being not only competitive again, but important in the minds of all, in years to come, that Llano is back.  The 2012 senior can make that happen Friday Night.  Llano by 4.

   The come from behind victory Friday night against long time rival Lampasas was a season changer.  The Jackets winning their third road game this season, as well as winning for the third time at someone elses Homecoming is even sweeter.  The Jackets have faced many challenges this season, but nothing  more bleaker as half-time rolled around Friday night in Lampasas.  But, that is why they play two halves.

   Llano made one major change this week against the Badgers.  Llano played the first part of the football game.  Taking the opening kick-off was junior Mason Ladd who returned the football 20 yards to the 32 yard line.  From there senior Rhett Brooks gained 10 yards on two carries over blocks by junior Eli Tiffin and senior center, Taylor Stewart.  Junior quarterback Layton Rabb hit senior Matt Center for a 27 yard gain down to the Badgers 36 yard line.  10 more yards by Layton, with blocking from junior receiver Kralen Dickerson, and senior Kassity Pitcox.  12 more yards from senior running back Allen Lucas.  Five more yards from Rhett, with help from junior Gilberto Arredondo and senior Jacob Beasley, and on fourth down Llano went for the TD with Rabb sneaking in for a 6-0 Llano lead.  Just like you draw it up on the blackboard.

   But now, Llano’s defense had to show up.  Lampasas began on their 22 yard line, and ran every play.   12 running plays, two Llano 15 yard penalties, and the Badgers matched the score at 6-6.  But the  Jackets were stepping up, and not making it easy for Lampasas.  Mason Ladd from the secondary was there.  Carter Tatsch also.  Junior linebacker Caleb Penny had a big night, as did Rhett, Matt, and Zach Morgan at defensive end.  The defense slowed down the attack.

   There was an exchange of punts, and things changed little, until Morgan punted and the ball was killed on the 3 yardline.  This looked good for the Jackets.  But it backfired, as the Badgers ran off 5 running plays before the Badgers Cody Jandreau galloped 66 yards for the TD and a 13-6 lead that stood until halftime.  Disheartening was Llano’s last effort before the half ended with the Jackets only completing 3 passes out of 10 and ending with an interception before half.  Rabb was off, receivers dropped passes, and another penalty.  This looked again like another long halftime conversation may be needed.

   Llano defense started the tone of the second half.  Two holds, one on fourth down ended with Llano partially blocking the punt, and again the Badgers punted putting Llano in a good field spot at the 40 yard line.

   Carter carried twice for 20 yards.  Rabb hit senior Devin Mayne for a big 22 yard gain, down to the 18 yard line..  Then Rabb hit Matt on a post patern for the final 16 yards and the TD.  Score 13-13.  The line was blocking, lead by Beasley, Russell Webb, Gilberto, Tiffin and senior Cooper Hill.  The third quarter ended and the defense had given up 53 yards on 16 plays.  The worm turned!

   Lovers of Jacket football remember these kind of days.  Long, long ago.  Mason Ladd helped kick-off the fourth quarter with an interception.  Llano cashed in.  Lucas for 2 yards.  Rhett for 15.  Then Rabb hit Rhett for a 29 yard pass reception down to the one.  Brooks carried it in on the next play, and senior Pedro Perez kicked true for a 20-13 Jacket lead. Freshman lineman Colton Center, Tiiffin, Stewart, Hill, Gilberto, Webb, Mayne, Pitcox, and Sawyer Stiles had made this a perfect drive with no mistakes.

   Now the hard part.  Could Llano hold on with over 8 minutes to play?  The Jacket’s defense faced the Badgers on the 32 yardline.  7 yards, 5 yards and a first down. Penny, Wil Siegenthaler, sophomores Jalen Bauman, Lance Reven and Hill were in on stops.  But four downs later, Llano held on fourth down.  Back to Llano, but the offense had to punt, and Morgan got off a 40 yarder, with good coverage from Dickerson and Center.

   On the 34 headline, here came the Badgers.  9 yards, two yards, and then an 18 pass completion…only the second one of the night.  9 more, 4 more, all while Brooks, Stewart, Tristan Sabrsula, and Ryan West  were playing their hearts out.  7 more and the Badgers were on the 8  yard line.  Then 6 more down to the two.  Second down and Matt Center gets a tackle in the backfield.  Third down on the three.  A mix up and the Badgers make it back to the line.  Fourth down on the three.  Quarterback rolls out, looks like he will walk in, but from his defensive end position, Morgan pulls the quarterback down from behind.  “Llano wins, Llano wins” according to Art and Lance in the booth!

   A great victory by all.  The 3-4 Jackets now play a tough Gatesville team, at home.  The short rivalry with Gatesville stands at 2-4.  Gatesville will be undefeated entering Jacket Stadium.  Llano is in great shape to pull off this win.  The low flying Jackets will not be a serious worry for the visitors.  It will now be, the most important game for the Jackets. Llano by 4.