Play to Win

The loss to Bandera was a real kick in the stomach.  Llano was picked to win.  Llano should have won, and this is one where Llano just beat Llano.  Being unable to stop Bandera in situations where just pretty good play would have worked, the Jackets managed to kick the can down the street and just hope for the best.  The best never came, and the Jackets were beat with 35 seconds left in the game 35-33.

Had the Jackets played the second and third quarters like the first quarter, all scoring records would have been broken.  Even after Bandera’s senior do everything player, Colby Stewart, ran the opening kick0ff back for 80 yards and a 7-0 lead, Llano proceeded to score three touchdowns in the quarter on a total of 7 offensive plays over a period of 3 minutes and 10 seconds.  Junior quarterback Rhett Brooks ran 7 times for 28 yards, threw four completions of to junior Storey Tatsch, 34 yard TD catch by sophomore Isacc Hutto, and 15 yards to junior Matt Center.  10 running plays, four passing plays, and topped off by a 49 yard touchdown  run by junior Wil Siegenthaler.  Llano was playing at its best in 2011.

At the same time, the Jackets limited the Bulldogs to 32 yards rushing, and 28 yards passing, and the score was 20-14, Llano.  What Llano was not able to do was stop the big play, and to hang on to the football.  Two crucial turnovers, and 11 plays that averaged 18 yards and game over.  Llano played the other 44 plays with stops being under two yards a try.  The Jacket defense now  has allowed 34 points a game in three games, and this race track scoring has got to stop.  Llano in three games have scored 27 points a game.  27 points a game of offense will usually win most games Llano plays in.

First, the positive.  I really like the play of junior center Taylor Stewart.  He misses blocks, but I do not see any give up in this first year starter.  Zach Morgan is averaging about 40 yards per punt.  His 55 yarder in the first part of the Bandera game put the Bulldogs on their 11 yardline, and put Llano in  a place to score three quick TDs’ all on field position.  His leg alone can be a difference maker for this team that needs several more to step up.  #52 Allan Lucas, a junior plays hard every down at linebacker.  Junior Ryan Williams is also doing very well at linebacker.  But with Llano playing a 3-4 defense, linebackers become fair game for lineman with time to get up speed.  Linebackers are blocked as if they were lineman.  Cole Barrett in the middle of that line causes some disruption, and needs to do more.  His effort is there every play.  I still like the play of cornerback Mason Ladd, a sophomore.  Vance Bauer is making a hand on both sides of the football, and senior Clay Tarter’s interception in the fourth quarter set up the Jackets’ final TD with 3:25 to play.   Jordan Johnson is playing at a level well above the rest.  He just has to have more help, and better tackeling from his teammates.  The three man Jacket front gets little push back on the front line.  More blitzes would help on all fronts, and especially in the secondary.  Bandera’s quarterback  had lots of time Friday night.

Junior quarterback Rhett Brooks again carried the football 30 times. 25 times after the first quarter, out of 38 running plays.  The one -play Llano offense is worrisome to me.  Siegenthaler, Tarter, Tatsch, and Bauer all have rushing averages near 5 yards per carry, yet are used sparingly.  Brooks’ throwing was right on, hitting 10 of 15 passes, using 6 different receivers, with Center catching 3 for 57 yards, and Isaac , Bauer, Tarter, Tatsch and Taylor Sorenson close behind.  All have good hands.  My worry is simple.  Brooks goes down, down goes the quarterback, the passing game, and the rushing attack.  Llano must do more different things on offense.  There is no tight end play.  There are few lead blocks for a tailback type attack.  No slot-t offense here.   I’m sure it is just me, but I think the Jacket offense is still trying to find its identity.  I just hope its found so we can get ready for district play.  And for once, other than powerful Lampasas, District 25-3 AAA looks like there might be a level playing field.

Llano kicked off to a known quality last Friday night in Colby Stewart.  He ran one kickoff back for 80 yards and a TD, and then had run backs of 28, 26, and 27 yards.  Llano for the past two years kicks off on a high short kick.  The longest one to the 20 last week, and the shortest about the 33 yardline.  For two years it gives the Jacket’s opponents very good field advantage, by average of 15 yards. Against Bandera, the Bulldogs set up on the 44, 42( our 42 yardline) , and 39 yardline, plus the TD.  Llano did recover one of the short kicks for a turnover.  I guess the Jackets have no one that can kick high or knuckelball  kick to the 10 yardline.  Whatever the reason, it puts Llano in the hole, and for what I see, no reason.

There is no kidding anyone, Brownwood will be a beast for Llano this week.  But, in these games, many times players that are not afraid of this challenge will come out better prepared and better players for playing hard on every play, and making steps of improvement where least expected.  Llano must get better this week, regardless of how the game ends up.  Llano can get better, and playing the best will help the Jackets gain confidence that they can play with anyone….be competitive with anyone, and prove that Jacket Pride is more than just a slogan on a banner.

The Yellow Jacket loss to 2-AA Bangs for the second year in a row is a major set back for the young team.  In hoping Llano would take the Comanche win and build upon that win and improve, most all aspects took the step back in the 35 to 13 loss.

Scouting Llano would make for an interesting scouting report.  But the main idea one would come away from it would be that if you can stop the quarterback, you stop the team.  Junior Rhett Brooks again carried the load, with about 112 yards rushing on 17 carries.  He had 97 of those yards on just four carries, which included a 59 yard romp  in the second quarter.  The other 13 carries netted only 15 yards.

Brooks threw the football 12 times with four completions, with no completions in the second half.  Junior Story Tatsch caught a 17 yarder in the second quarter, with senior Clay Tarter and a 23 yard catch in the first.  Sophomores Issac Hutto and Taylor Sorenson nabbed the other two passes.  It was simple to me.  Llano was very much a one dimensional offensive team, with few options.  Tarter seems to be more of an every down running back, carrying 10 times for 58 yards. Junior Will Siegenthaler had 11 yards on three carries.

Maybe Bangs did the mirror drill.  Just keep your best defensive player in one position and he has one job, and that is to mirror one player.  That was Rhett.  Unless Llano’s offense gets more people involved, expect much of the same as the season progresses.  While at times Brooks was running for his life, his inclination to tuck and run first is not giving time for receivers to get down field and get open.  That also means the offensive line must hold their blocks longer.  Sometimes that only means one more second.  But it must happen in order for Llano to have an offense that even grandmothers in the stands knows what play is coming.  The 13 points against Bangs certainly can be attributed to four turnovers.  Two of those turnovers resulted in 14 points with little effort.  Five plays by Bangs after the turnovers and the game was out of control.  Right now, this is no way to plan for 25-3 AAA.

The 35 points scored by Bangs and 32 last week by Comanche shows a defense that is struggeling mightily.  For one thing, the defense could not get off the field.  In the fourth quarter, Llano only had the football four plays.  Their were a few bright spots, and Vance Bauers’ interception in the third quarter certainly was one.  Quarterback sacks by senior Jordan Johnson and sophomore Caleb Penny in the fourth quarter showed that the effort is on the field.  No one gave up.  But Llano’s zone secondary defense does not pick up crossing routes, and the three man front gets very little pass rush.  In both of Llano’s games, good quarterbacks had very good success passing against the Jackets.  Bangs had 17 plays of over 10 yard gains, and TD catches of 27 and 31 yards.

After nearly 40 years of watching Jacket football, I’ve just gotten  less patient.  But my frustration is not more than the Jackets, or their Coaches.  But if I’m going to get beat on long plays, I would stop something.  And you can begin by blitzing 80% of the time.  Bring 6 people and the passing game comes to a near standstill.  The quarterback will either have an arm like Tom Brady, or he will be throwing off his back foot trying to get ride of the football.  Then Vance and Clay and Mason Ladd and Conner Barrett can have a chance to get an interception.  Sure, then the draw plays and the screen passes will start with all of the blitzes, but Llano will not be worse than they are now.  Waiting for something good to happen just has not worked.  This non aggressive defense has given up 43 points a game over the past four Jacket games. Llano must change the approach of stopping offenses.

Bandera is 0-12 over its last 12 games.  But, I never believe that about the Bulldogs.  The newspapers are just lying.  Bandera scored 38 points last week in a loss.  Running back Ryan Walker had over 1,300 yards rushing as a junior, and he was very good in the Jackets’ win last year in Bandera.  Expect the same from him this week.  Llano will have their hands full against a talented team that is also full of frustration.  Llano must be in the most aggressive mood it can be in, in order to secure win # 2 this week.  Llano puts things in a better light:  Llano 28, Bandera 21.

The come from behind win Friday night against the Comanche Indians was more than one win.  It may have set a tone for the next 9 games.  The Yellow Jackets refused to take a knee, and they could have going into the fourth quarter.  There are genes working here, and Llano players have that gene that takes losing hard.  It is not that hard to believe that Llano came from behind.  In fact, going back to last season’s final regular season game with Salado, many of these same Jackets never quit and  never stopped playing in that 51-49 victory.

The play of so many seniors won this game.  While there are so few of them (10), everyone stepped up their game.  From Justin Oestreich, to Clay Tarter, to Vance Bauer, to Wes Haverlah. When the kick-off sounded, Llano was ready.  Conner Barrett played well, as did Zack Baker.  Senior lineman Jordan Johnson started this season like he left last season, playing at full speed.  Great game.  I was really glad to see this kind of senior effort.  Speaking out loud here, I think this group of seniors knows that this season will be a true test of their grit and their wills.  It may take coming from behind many more times this season for Llano to get much respect.  But to get that first one under ones belt is a great achievement.

I’m looking, but number one question after the game was when was the last time a Yellow Jacket ran back a kick-off?  Well, the last one now is senior Clay Tarter’s 75 yarder, and while he never had the appearance of his run being of little doubt, I nearly looked away several times only to see Clay still pounding to the end zone. The score brought Llano back within 2 in the third quarter.

The Jackets have plenty of work ahead of them this week.  Turnovers?  We can’t kick anyone off the team for this, but three of the most dependables lost the ball.  Need to cut that number in half!!!  The defense gave up way to many yards, and Comanche’s quarterback was a super good test for Llano.  In fact, I guess you give credit where credit is due.  Payton Middleton was very good, and his 8 completions for more than 10 yards got the attention of the Jacket secondary.  But pass rush and linebackers are just as important in stopping a sound passing game.  The defense should be staying late this week.  It does not get easier from the game with Bangs this week all the way to Salado in October. From Johnson to juniors Cooper Hill, Allan Lucas, and senior Ryan Williams, picking their games up is a must.  And the game in Bangs Friday is where you start.

The kicking game can come around.  Every year it seems, that part of Llano gets going slow.  But look for continued and good effort from Zach Morgan punting, and Tatsch  getting more comfortable kicking extra points.

Junior quarterback Rhett Brooks has that gene.  He willed the team to win.  And few times do you see that intensity in a player.  When the Jackets went ahead 29-25, Rhett carried the ball 7 straight times before he scored.  And with 1:56 left to play, when the Indians took the lead, it was Rhett that carried three times, and threw a 40 yard completion to junior Matthew Center before he scored the winning points. Center had four catches and 87 yards receiving from Brooks’ throws.

Sophomore Issac Hutto had a very good game and two catches in his varsity debut.  Will Siegenthaler ran the ball well, as did junior Storey Tatsch.  Bauer showed he has speed and actually made the corner a time or two.  His secondary play was excellent. And watch next week for sophomore Mason Ladd in the secondary.  He is small, but may be another good surprise.

But the surprise of the night was not really Clay or Rhett.  It was an offensive line that few expected much from.  Starting with center Taylor Stewart, a junior, and then sophomore Gilbert Arrendondo, Jordan Johnson, Wes Haverlah, Oestreich, Jacob Beasley, Cole Barrett, Williams,  and Nick Bornholdt.  These no name guys really played well.  Rhett knows better than anyone.  He was not sacked, a real rare thing for the first game, and remember, this was Brooks’  first start at quarterback.  So, despite the inexperience, this was one good start.

But to summarize, the defense was not good.  Giving up 32 points can’t help but make everyone work harder.  The offense should only get better.  One concern is quarterback.  And unless your name is Brad Kassell, you really do not want your quarterback carrying the football 30 times!!!  Rhett is going be be Rhett.  When opportunity arises, he will run.  But he will be a better runner when he runs 15 times a game.  Llano will be better team when Vance, Will, Storey, and Clay carry the football, effectively 20 times.

Bangs beat Llano last year by two touchdowns in Llano.  Two years ago, the rain and lightening stopped the game after 2 plays. Bangs finished last season at a healthy 8-4. This year, with one minute to play, Llano leading by 20, we all hope rain and lightening again stops the game.  Llano by 20, and takes a 5-1 all-time lead in the series.

The hottest summer in my history, has caused a cautionary vision, one of hope, but not of false hope.  The 2011 Yellow Jackets must surprise if they are going to be good.  They will have to shock, to make the state play-offs.  Yet in 39 years of following the Jackets, hope was always a basis of what the Jackets would do.  And surprises have been many.  The reason is just plain old numbers.  Few years has Llano been picked to win.  Few years were we ever in the top 2 or 3 teams with high enrollment.  Yet, it has to be in the water.  Yellow Jackets out-perform many teams that are better.  Jackets work harder,  stay longer, and want to taste success more than most.  2011 will not be different.

Texas football has the Jackets picked fifth in District 25-3A.  Last season the Jackets beat both Salado and Lampasas, now ranked ahead of Llano.  Liberty Hill and Burnet are district favorites.  Llano’s 510 enrollment is ahead of Salado by 43 pupils on  average day attendance, but Lampasas has 477 more kids than Llano, and Burnet has 446 more.  I think Bowie in 3A has the smallest 3A enrollment with 432 students.  About 20 3A schools have enrollment of less than 500.  Llano has two of the largest schools in 3A with , with Lampasas at 987 kids, tied with Lindale, followed by Fredericksburg with 968, and Burnet with 956.  I’m feeling like if Bangs or Comanche would drop us from their schedule, we could go after Lindale for a game!!

No kidding … Llano will play against only three teams that we will be favored.  Comanche……. even though Llano only beat the Indians last season by the score of 18-12. ended last season 2-8. Still,  Llano did not play well, and it poured over into  the following week when Llano lost t0 Bangs.  Llano should be better early in this season, just going off the scrimmage of Somerset.  Seems like the defense could be better.  It will have to come along faster this season.  Offense is still finding itself.  And then Llano should be favored against Taylor.  That may be all.  In the other 7 games Llano could be big underdogs.  But, that’s why they go ahead and play the season.

And now to Comanche.  The 2010 Indians were 2-8 in 2010 with 9 offensive starters back for 2011.  Friday night in Llano needs to be a statement from Llano.  The experienced , or inexperienced Jackets need confidence.  Confidence comes from seniors.  I’ll be watching DE Jordan Johnson to show the younger kids what it takes to have a motor that goes full speed every play. LB Davis Hill may be playing on both sides of the ball.  He takes no plays off.   Also, Vance Bauer should be very sound in the secondary.  Last season I liked Wes Haverlah and Clay Tarter a lot.  These seniors can be difference makers.  It must start for the seniors Friday night.

Comanche has a losing record of 7-13 against Llano.  The Jackets will make it 14-7 Friday night.  Look for Llano to win  27 to 10.  Let’s get this season started right.

The 2011 Football season is upon us.  The Yellowjackets of 2011 have little expectations.  The 6-5 season on 2010 was better than many expected.   The continued changes that take place with a team still in transition, one ask, “how can a high school team still be in a state of change?”  Only because the basic  ingredients are still changing.  We speak of both the offense and the defense.

Lets’ dig deeper.  In 2009, the Yellowjackets  were a  4-5  team, and no playoffs. The defense allowed  21.7 points.  Actually in the new age of defense, not bad.  The 2011 6-5 Jackets allowed 31.9 points a game, not good. And all this time the Jackets under Head Coach David Yeager are changing an offense that from 2005 to 2008 was averaging over 33 points per game.  In 2009, the offense averaged  25.7 points, and then the offense of 2010 was at 26.7 points.  The Jackets were 10-10 over the past two seasons.  Left behind was the slot-T offense that broke every school record on offense for points, yardage, and most important, wins.  Yeager’s offenses for 4 years were nothing short of great.  Maybe not Liberty Hill great, but pretty darn close.  Llano’s slot-t was fun.

Beginning in 2005, Shane Pope ( 1,672 yards), 2006 Lance Dickey (1,270 yards) & Ty Thurman (1,101 Yards), 2007, Lance Dickey ( 1,334 yards), and Ty Thurman (1,222 yards),  & then the 8-4 team of 2008 had Clayton Maples and his 1,322 yards  along with Estevan Aviles and 1,194 yards rushing.  Estevan also holds the school record for averaging 9.63 yards per carry his junior year.  The slot-t offense was the key to Llano’s averaging nearly 9 wins per season, and making the play-offs all four seasons, as well as  winning  5 play-off games.

The offense was changed in 2009 to fit a more passing quarterback, and maybe to take advantage of the most exciting football player to don a Yellow Jacket uniform in decades, 2010 Offensive MVP, Justin Severance. The changes seemed logical.  Severance was the fastest Jacket in a football uniform that I have ever seen.  His highlight film sends chills down ones back.  He turned on a dime, and was at full speed in two steps.  The Jackets had to get the football to this young man often, and not just by handing him the football.  In the Salado game, maybe one of the greatest games of all time, the Jackets won 51-49.  Severance had 136 yards rushing in 14 carries, and 113 yards receiving, on 4 catches. His breath- taking performance could not have been accomplished in the slot-t….I think?

Yet, the team success was not there.  Llano’s offense in the slot-t was predicated on holding on to the football -running long time periods off the clock.  Not allowing the offense of the foe onto the field.  This did not happen in 2009, nor in 2010.  There were too many 3 downs and out – too many punts – too many returns.  And worse, too many missed tackles.  The defense either became tired or stale.  The urgency to get the ball back was not up to 2007 standards.  And while making the play-offs in 2010, the  Yellow Jackets were outscored 56 points for the season.

Thus, bringing us to 2011 – what will the offense be about?  Will Llano learn to play defense again?  And, for the first time in 7 seasons, an unknown quality will be at running back.

We begin season # 39 as Play To Win now sees players today, and saw their fathers yesterday.  In 1973, the first season of writing Play To Win, I never had a thought that this small bit of information would take on a life of its’ own.  The small attempt to recognize Yellowjacket players is the reason I began this article.  It is why I continue today. Full article to follow on Tuesday, July 26, 2011.

   The Llano Yellowjackets placed 9 seniors on the 25-3A All-District team.  Seniors Matthew Ratliff,  Preston Rabb , Sterling Jameson,  Raven Harron, Jordan Cavness, Travis Lawrence, Justin Saverance, Davis Hill, and Kenneth Smith were the seniors honored.  The big salute to Llano by Liberty Hill, Salado, Lampasas, Taylor and Burnet was to vote Justin Saverance as the Districts’ Most Valuable Player.  This hornor is one few Jackets ever see.  To my memory, it was 1997 when Bradley Kassell received the same mention.  When a player makes that list, it is from respect, because others from the district certainly received more headlines.  Also of note, center Kenneth Smith was first team.  Making the first team at center is also very prestigious.  Ken had a great season, and the honor was well deserved.

   Travis was honored as a first team defensive lineman, and second team offensive lienman. Sterling also was on both teams, first team defense, and second team offense.

   I too think the last time a Jacket was first team quarterback was Kassell, but I need to check to see where Brooks from two years ago landed on his All-District team, but Preston Rabb’s honor is hard to get.  Added also was first teamer Matthew Ratliff on offense, although he had a very big impact for the Jackets on defense, but was over-looked there.

   Seniors Davis Hill and Raven Herron were on the second team defense, and both had great senior years.  and Jordan cavness had a super year at punter, and was on the second team.  His play at defensive end was also over-looked, but he had a very good season even with injuries.

   Seniors that will be missed are Cody Wisdom, Michael Rusche, Zach Berry, Taylor Osbourn, John McCay, and Ian Mayne.  McCay is in the Jacket record books at his split end position, and Osbourn really played well in district play.  I thought he might make it on the second team as an offensive lineman.  Cody played very well, as did Zach who had a very fine senior season.  While Mayne got hurt, he was very good when he had his chances.  Rusche drew the short straw when it came to guarding top offensive split ends all season, and still played well in a very tough position.

   Coming back for 2011 will be Cody Lang,  and Jordan Johnson, both will be seniors, and could both be really, really good.  Both sophomores in Rhett Brooks and Matt Center were second team All-District, and both should be very big factors as juniors.  Rhett likely will be the starting quarterback

   2010 was an exciting year, and the 6-5 record reflected a very hard schedule.  Beating Fredericksburg, Lampasas,  and Taylor, all previously in 4-AAAA would have be considered great in all other seasons.  The Jackets expected more, and made the play-offs five time in six seasons under Head Caoch David Yeager. 

   2011 will be just as difficult as 2010.  But returning letterman, and good juniors and sophomore will again prove that LLano has quailty football players, just not always quantity.  The 2010 seniors were but 15, usually not a number needed to reach the play-offs.   Most schools reaching the play-offs in 3-AAA will have 20 plus seniors.  The 2010 senioirs will always know they played their best, and with great pride.

District MVP                  Justin Saverance     Sr.  5-9, 165

1st Team Offense:     Quarterback:   Preston Rabb, Sr.    6-6, 210

                                          Center: Kenneth Smith, Sr.    6-0, 280

                                          Offensive Line:   Matthew Ratliff , Sr.   6-4, 295

                                           Defensive Line:  Travis Lawrence, Sr.   6-0, 240

                                           Defensive End:   Cody Lang, Jr. 6-1, 185

                                           Linebacker: Sterling Jameson, Sr. 6-0, 175

2nd Team All District:    Running Back: Rhett Brooks, So.  6-1, 185

                                           Tight End: Matthew Center, So. 6-2, 190

                                            Wide Receiver: Sterling Jameson, Sr., 6-0, 175

                                            Offensive Lineman: Travis Lawrence, Sr., 6-0, 240

                                             Punter: Jordan Cavness, Sr., 6-0, 175

                                            Defensive Lineman: Jordan Johnson, Jr., 6-1, 180

                                            Linebacker: Davis Hill, Sr., 5-10, 165

                                            Defensive Back: Raven Herron, Sr., 5-8, 150

Honorable Mention:        Wide Receiver:  Justin Wyatt, So., 5-10, 160

   These kind of Saturdays are the saddest of all.  When the football season is over, and you know you are not going to see the seniors in a Yellowjacket uniform ever again.  You know how much these men have in front of them, yet they will forever, look back on these last 12 weeks as maybe their best ever.  We hope not, but if not the best ever, it is the most fun, AND the best ever.  I have spoken to hundreds of former Jackets, and to a one, being a Llano Yellowjacket was their most proud time.

   The kind thing about life, and Llano football is that you don’t really remember the last game as your definning moment.  It was disappointing.  You will always know you could have played better.  But, take solice in knowing, we all could have.  We all would love to have one more chance to make that one block that would have sprung an opening, or one more chance to make that interception, but just missed by inches.  But those moments do not define you as  a Llano Yellowjacket.  What makes you what you are is how you played the game.  You were not the most talented.  You likely were not the fastest, or the strongest, and even the best prepared. But you were, and always will be from a team that holds tradition high, prideful of the past Jackets, just like yourself. You loved the game at times more than you loved yourself.  You played more with your heart than with your feet, and you cared more about your teammates than your own self worth.  That is what separated you from others.  You will forever be a Llano Yellowjacket, and as time goes by, you will look back as the very best time of your life. 

  As I thought about this article, I knew one thing, I  think.  On the Wimberley sidelines were two coaches that had to have some mixed feelings.  Coach Dane Saucier, son of James Saucier,( Llano long time coach) is an old timer for the Texans.  But at one time, he was a tremendous Llano Yellowjacket football player.   And Coach Shawn Cockerham, a former Yellowjacket coach.  These two highly competive men wanted more than anything to beat Llano.  They coach in a very competive school where winning every game is expected.  But I have to believe that had they not been this competitive, they would not be also, forever, Llano Yellowjackets.  I think I know both coaches took little glee in seeing Llano go down by 35 points.  Yet, they took something with them when they left Llano and had other lives to go live.  Part of them, forever will be Orange and Black.

   The 55 to 20 score will not define these seniors.  But, their hard work with their best friends, is rarly ever repeated.   These seniors will remember the Lampasas game forever.  And the wonderful fun game at Salaldo.  Those two games defined this senior class.

  In a few days I will write a few woords about the seniors.  And  later a few more thoughts about the team of 2011.  And within a few weeks I hope to have all of the new entries into the record books. 

  Please send me your thoughts, and certainly your corrections and missed records when you find errors.  These records belong to you.  I only try to keep them  accurate.  I serve only as a messenger.

   The game with Wimberley could be our perfect storm.  First of all, there are no expectations about Llano winning, except players, coaches and Jacket fans.  The 24 point underdog tag placed by the Harris Poll, and the unanimous thoughts of the Austin American Statesman that this one will be easy for the Texans sets the perfect stage for an underdog and sometimes underacheiving Jacket team.

   What makes it even more odd, is the Jackets need to play a game soon, or we will be down to our freshman team.  Injuries after last Friday nights game, and some small aggrevation type hurts this week in practice.  Yet, I do know how Jackets step up.  Juniors will play harder, and seniors will know it could be their last moment in a Jacket uniform.  Other teams have the same issues, but the Texans have expectations as 3rd ranked team in 3-AAA, and those expectations have little regard for the Jackets.

   I’ve watched the Wimberley Texans as the season flows by, and they are a team with few flaws.  Their quarterback in a transfer from powerhouse, Aledo.  Brady Lambert throws good, but will and could throw an interception when pressed. He perfers to run.  He rushed for over 150 yards in the last two games as he carried the football 30 times.  In rushing Lambert,  seniors Travis Lawrence and Matthew Ratliff will do well to keep their heads up, and keep the blocking offensive lineman in place directly in front of them.  That way, they can slide either way.  Junior Jordan Johnson the same, but his quickness gives him a little more flexibility.  The key is a pass rush, being ready in the secondary to get an interception, and to expect one. Lambert threw two picks against Boerne. Lambert is 21-44-2 over the past two weeks.  A pass rush and the caving into the inside to stop what amounts to quarterback draws can slow down an offense that produces well over 400 yards per game. The Texans offensive linemen are very large.  Nothing harder to block for a large lineman is a low lying defensive men that keep moving.

   Llano can also win when the offense plays four full quarters.  On average, the Jackets offense runs smooth about 2 1/2 quaters each game.  The Jackets actually played two good quarters against Brownwood, still the #1 team in 3-AAA.  The long 80 yard drive and against Brownwood was great football.  It will take that effort, and that head in the game thinking to beat Wimberley.  Llano can pull this off.  Had the Jackets played four full quarters against Brownwood, we would have made that game close.  Wimberley is not Brownwood.  Know you can do this.

   Llano can win if the cornerbacks could slow the Texans down at the line of scrimmage.  That slowness off the line really messes with timing, and the worry is the speed of the Texan receivers. Still, a second of hesitation on the line could work, throw Lambert’s timing off, and give our strength, the defensive line one more second to sack Lambert.

   Lineman and receivers, be slow to block downfield, especially when the ball carrier is close.  Our big play people( Jameson, Wyatt, Center, Bauer, Chauncy, Brooks, McKay, Tarter, Rabb, and possibly Saverance) all have enough speed to pull of the big gain.  Don’t let an “excitement penalty” void one of these plays.  Play safe and smart.  That too is how you best Wimberley.

   Take the game to Wimberley early and late.  The Texans were behind 21-0 last week against Boerne, before the Texans came back with 42 points.  Know, and expect this.  Expect a close game, all the way to the end.  And, mentally, be ready to win in the final minutes.  The Jackets did this against Salado.  They have come from behind two times this season by two touchdowns, and won.  This could be our perfect storm.  The Yellowjackets in 1973 played Bastrop in bi-district.  The Bears were ranked #2 in the State. The Bears were  picked to win by 4 touchddowns.  We still talk about it today, 37 years later.  Llano won 7-0. It was a perfect storm.