Play to Win

   The loss to the Taylor Ducks could be devastating to the Yellow Jackets district hopes.  The final 31-20 score was not really the story.  Yet, we cannot get away from the uphill battle our Jackets have as they face four very tough district teams, that all will be heavily favored to beat the Jackets.

   The Jackets opened with good solid defense, allowing 11 net yards on the first 5 plays before senior Conner Barret interecepted a Duck pass and the Jackets put new Jacket quarterback, sophomore Layton Rabb under center to begin a TD scoring drive.  Former starting QB, junior Rhett Brooks ran for four yards from the tailback position, caught a Rabb pass for 7 yards, ran for 6 more yards on three carries, before Rabb hit senior Vance Bauer for a 36 yard scoring pass to put the Jackets up 6-0.  The Jackets looked like a confident team with a purpose.

   Yet, on the next Duck drive, so did the home team.  Running their slot-t offense, 8 running plays, ending with an 25 yard TD run to take the early lead, 7-6.  Brooks, senior linebacker Barrett, senior Clay Tarter, linebacker Cole Barrett, and junior Matt Center made key stops along the way, but the homecoming crowd and the Ducks pressed on.

   The Jackets responded.  Two yards by Brooks, a 16 yard completion to sophomore Issac Hutto, five more yards running from Rabb, and then the big strike, a 67 yard completion from Rabb to junior Justin Wyatt.  Justin’s return to the lineup for the first time this season was loud and impressive.  The Jackets lead 12-7 at the end of the first quarter.  The first quarter was impressive for Llano.  Linebacker Ryan Williams was in on every tackle, and the secondary with Taylor Sorensen, Mason Ladd, Tarter, Wil, and Vance was coming up good on the runnning game of the Ducks. 

   The second quarter was much different.  The Jacket defense forced a punt, after Wil Siegenthaler, sophomore Tristan Sabrsula, and senior Jordan Johnson held the Ducks, after a Johnson sack.  But, the Jackets’ offense went dark.  Five plays in the quarter neted a minus 6 yards.  While the Ducks kicked a field goal, and scored on a short field to take a 17-12 half-time lead.  The Ducks ran 22 plays in the quarter, and had 66 yards of offense.  Best of the stats, Llano’ defense only allowed two plays of over 10 yards in the quarter, a far cry from previous Jacket games.  Despite a fumble, Llano was still very much in this game at half-time.

   Senior Clay Tarter returned the kick-off to the 30 yardline.  What happened next was what you expect from such a competitior as Brooks.  7o Yards down the sidelines and a TD and the Jackets were in the lead again.  Brooks, with good speed went nearly untouched.  Returning from an injury, junior center Taylor Stewart, senior Wes Haverlah, junior Jacob Beasley and senior Cole Barrett made blocks that sprung the 190 pound Brooks.

   And the defense came to play in the third.  Two series of forced punts, and Llano was looking like a team on a roll in the first district game of 2011.  Defensive plays by Wil, Matthew, Conner, junior Nick Bornholdt and junior Cooper Hill  had the Jackets in position to take control. And even when Llano was stopped on its next possession, junior punter Zach Morgan came in and booted a 43 yard punt.  But the Jackets failed to cover, and a return of 67 yards put the Ducks on Llano’s 13 yardline, and then they took the lead with a  score that  made it 24-20. 

   From here, Llano should have won the game.  The Jackets recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter.  The Jackets threw the football 16 times in the final quarter, completing 8.  An interception and a 59 yard TD run by the Ducks ended the Jackets hopes of a district win.  It was if the game was not suppose to end.  Yet, it did, and Llano must recover.

   I think the defense played better.  Allowing over 7 yards per carry must improve to beat the Badgers of Lampasas this week.  The Jackets again travel, this time to the Badgers home field, where the 5-1 host will take on 1-5 Llano.  Big plays have killed Llano this season.  Lampasas will run the ball, and run the ball, and run he ball.  Llano will have to play its best football to have a chance in beating the pre-district favorite.  And while Llano has not stopped a foe this season for less than 31 points, maybe the Jackets’ offense can save the season.  One noted point of interest.  Justin Wyatt returned this week, and the young junior receiver caught 4 passes for 106 yards and a TD.  The 106 yards goes into the record books as a top receiving game , likely in the top 20.  Matt Center leads the team in receiving with 12 catches.

   I’m about to write about something I know little about.  Yet, over 39 years of playing Monday morning quarterback, I do alot of this.  Only, a few times have I written about individual players and their circumstances such as this.  But, here goes.

   Sophomore Layton Rabb started at quarterback against Taylor, replacing junior Rhett Brooks.  Brook’s injured his throwing arm in the Fredericksburg game.  Rhett felt strongly that he could still play quarterback, but since he is the Jackets’ best running back, it seemed natural to actually move him to that position.  Rhett carried the football over 20 times in each of the first 5 games, and twice had 30 carries.  There is no Jacket more determined, and more intense than Rhett.  Rhett’s 113 yards rushing against Taylor on only 11 carries showed why he needs the football in his hands as often as the Jacket coaches and get it to him.  At the quarterback position, he had that opportunity every play.  Rhett has played quarterback since the 7th grade.  Last season, he was second team all-district at running back, as a sophomore.

   Layton Rabb, was the starting quarterback on the JV team just two weeks ago.  He was moved up due to Rhett’s injury.  Layton responded by starting at quarterback in mid season of his sophomore season, and throwing for 272 yards, hitting 16 of 29 passes, two were TD tosses, and one intereception.  The 272 yards goes into the record book as a top ten game of all times.  And while Layton had some bad moments, he had a good command on the field, and not since Dennis Raesener in 1965, has a sophomore had a better start.  Raesener is in the the LHS Hall of Fame, and still holds the record for most starts ever for an LHS quarterback.  Layton has a long way to go t0 meet that high bar.

   I love Rhett’s passion, and his will to win.  I do think the Coaches felt that with Layton at quarterback, Llano was being given the best chance to win.  For all I know, Rhett may be back at quarterback.  I rarely ever talk to a Llano coach.  For, if I did, this column would be tainted and bias.  My bias lies in one thing, and that is winning.  Llano players learn the ways of life in winning, and I do believe, that is the only thing that really matters to Rhett and Layton.  These two great young athletes have a lot on their minds this week as they prepare for Lampasas, regardless of where they line up Friday night.  Beating Lampasas will tell a new story for next week.  Beating Lampasas will solve a lot of issues.

The two week rest has got be have helped.  Many of the injured will play against Taylor.  Word has it that junior Justin Wyatt will play for the first time this season.  The sure -handed receiver has been missed.  Also, Taylor Stewart may play.  The junior center went down against Brownwood, and it just looked bad.  We have got to have our lineman step up and play hard.  And we are hoping sophomore Caleb Penny will be back at full speed.

Taylor is Llano’s worse foe.  We have little in common with the Ducks, we see them rarely. They can  beat you with speed on any given play, and it is darn near 90 miles from Llano.  Our overall record against the Ducks is 4-3, our favor, and Llano has won the last two contests.  Last season we beat the Ducks here in Llano for the start of our quest to make the playoffs.  The 30-26 victory included the Jackets running up 465 yards of offense.  It helped the Llano mind set, and the Jackets were able to turn that positive win into another win the following week against Lampasas.  It will take three wins in district play again to make the playoffs, and it all begins Friday night in Taylor.

When District play begins, it becomes a very serious time for seniors.  Everyone knows these are the real games.  The games that count.  And the games that take more than just good play.  I feel it is most important for the seniors to step up their game, but they will need to lead by example.  The Jackets’ 10 seniors have already demontrated the ability to play well.  Times passed,  seniors are the leading passers, or best running backs.  But the 2011 seniors are seen more on defense, and that is where the Jackets have fallen back the most this season.  I do not keep records on tackles on defense, and maybe the coaches do, but seniors Vance Bauer, Clay Tarter and Jordan Johnson have got to be at the top of the charts.  All three have played hard and been tough. And all three have strong leadership qualities.  These guys will need every ounce of those talents Friday night.

While linebacker Cole Barrett is 180 pounds, he too is a top play maker.  Along with fellow senior linebacker Ryan Williams, these two players will see more of the Ducks than anyone.  Taylor runs a version of the slot-t.  Or, at least they call it that.  So get ready for a team that will run straight at the linebackers.  And with their speed, their hope is to get by Ryan and Cole and only hope they do not see Clay, Vance, and Zack Baker, or brother Conner Barrett coming up from the secondary.  Do not expect the Ducks to pass much.  After the success of Llano from 2005 to 2008 running the slot-t (Over 14,000 yards rushing in four yrs.), not only have we seen Taylor go to the formation, but now Lampasas  runs the nearly “run only” formation. Liberty Hill has run it now for nearly a decade.  And the Jackets now, do not.

On of the toughest Jackets is senior Justin Oestreich, the 215 pound defensive tackle.  Down in the trenches, and gives little relief to anyone trying to block him.  Justin’s main job is to try and keep blockers off of the linebackers.  His job will be double hard this week.  Justin must have a strong game.

Senior Wes Haverlah may be the Jackets most durable and consistant offensive lineman.  The 190 pounder will be leading the way as the Jackets search for a consistant offense.  Not just a run blocker, but now pass protection is vital.  275 pound Nick Bornholdt plays on both sides of the ball, and he too must have his best game.  Llano must control the football, because if we do not, the slot-t will.  Senior Cole Barrett sometimes does not come off the field.  Brother of Conner, these two guys have a lot to think about on week nites.  Cole plays a good linebackers position, and starts at guard on offense. Conner in the secondary. Their rest this week will have to come on Saturday.  They will be very busy Friday night.  And senior Garrett Milby could be forced into duty should any of the above slow down.  It will take every senior to beat Taylor Friday night.

Taylor will be looking for its first win of the season.  Do not think for a moment that they have not noticed the Jackets’ struggles this season.  They will be thinking that this is their chance to take down a good team that they have had little success with of late.  The Jackets need to get a lead, and never give the Ducks that hope of getting their first win.  This win needs to be senior driven.  Jacket seniors will lead by example, and juniors and sophomore will follow.  Just show them the effort.

Llano by 14

The loss to the Fredericksburg Billies was a near perfect storm for our neighbors to the South.  While the Jackets have played well at times, the combination of several fazes of the game all came together for a very disappointing game last Friday night.  But nothing was more apparent than the injuries on the sidelines.  With 6 Yellow Jackets not suited up, and two more going down during the contest, Llano became outnumbered real fast.  The 1-4 start has happened in the past, and Llano has recovered.  Thank goodness for the open week, as the Jackets prepare of District 25-3 A play, and maybe get players well.  It will take all aspects of the game and the players to be ready for what looks like an open district contest, and no one team standing out as unbeatable, as Llano discovered in 2010.

Last season the Jackets opened district play with wins over Taylor and Lampasas.  Both games were in Jacket Stadium last season, and this year we travel to those two schools.  Lampasas has shown to be the strongest in pre-district play with a 4-1 record.  Taylor will be looking to Llano for its first win of the season.  Liberty Hill was picked by Texas Football magazine to win 25-3 A, and the third week Llano will host the Panthers.  We go to Burnet in the fourth week, and follow that with Salado coming to Llano in the final regular season game.  No one could ever forget one of the best games to watch in Jacket history as the Jackets beat Salado last year 51 to 49 and secured the third place spot for the play0ffs.  The 2010 game produced 1,245 yards of offense by both teams, and the 703 by the Jackets lands in the #2 highest yards in a single game in school history.

The mountain that Llano faces this year more than any other in my memory is the number of seniors.  Going back to 1967, I can’t find a Llano team that had at least 15 seniors, that did not have a winning season.  I’m sure I could have missed one, and bring it to my attention if you know of that season.  But the 2011 Yellow Jackets have only 10 seniors.  Not only is depth a real concern, but leadership also is spread thin.  The number of players that have been in tough situations in the past falls on fewer shoulders.  With 7 sophomores suited up last week, the experience factor does limit many things the coaching staff is able to accomplish.  And our competition has not had that problem.

While over the past 39 years of writing about the Jackets, few other topics have caught my attention more than enrollments.  And, like last season, Llano was lowest in high school enrollment in 25-3 A, with the exception of Salado.  Salado’s 467 students was bettered by the Jackets with 510 students.  Last season, Salado had 15 seniors, while Llano had 14.

This month of October, the UIL will redraw district alignments.  Many in Llano keep thinking  the Jackets could go down to Class 2A.  With numbers as they appear today, that will not happen.  36 schools in 3 AAA have lower enrollments than Llano.  And out of 184 schools in 3-A, 20% would have to go backwards before the Jackets dropped.  The playoffs are based on 32 districts, and that is how you get 6 games in order to make it to the state finals.

Being a small, or sometimes the smallest school in the district is not new to the Jackets.  We have been in and out of Fredericburgs’ district since the 1930s.  Llano has had Round Rock, Georgetown, Lake Travis, and Marble Falls in the district.  Now all are 4-AAAA and 5-AAAAA schools.  The Jackets have competed thru it all.  One past successful Jacket coach would remind his troops that the other team could only play 11 players at a time, dispite that they would bring 50 to a game.  The Jacket reputation over the past 50 years  as been that Llano kids were tougher, and hit harder than anyone else.  Llano coaches have always been in awe of the hard working kids of the Jacketland.  That part has not taken a beating.  That is why Llano will still have a say in the 25-3 A starting next week.

And, to get back to those seniors.  This weekend we will review those seniors and their inspired play over the past 5 weeks.  While Llano may be few in numbers, their hearts are painted Orange and Black.  District begins this week.  The Llano seniors will be leading the way.  Get well, rest up, and let’s get ready for Taylor.

The 49-10 romp by the Brownwood Lions was not as bad as the score indicated, but it was worse than the Jackets needed.  Two of the best Yellow Jacket lineman went out with injuries, and the depth problems loom ahead.  Remembering the article that I wrote just four weeks ago in regard to school enrollments, now looks rather optimistic.  The Jackets face a very tough second half of the season, and still must play Friday night the largest enrollment school in 3 AAA, Fredericksburg.

The Jackets played good football for 24 minutes last Friday night.  Yes, Brownwood took the short Jacket kick-off on the 34 yardline and from the first play the Lions had control of the Jacket defense.  Passing plays of 31 and 25 yards turned into 7 points after 7 plays.  It could have gone bad from here, but it did not.  Llano took the kick-off and began play on their 20 yardline.  Twenty yard pass completion to senior Vance Bauer, another pass for 6 to junior Storey Tatsch, a seven yard run by junior quarterback Rhett Brooks, another 9 by Rhett, a Matt Center catch for 11 yards and another first down. A 10 yard completion to sophomore Caleb Penny, and finalized by Brooks with an 8 yard TD run.   Fourteen plays and the Jackets best drive this season.  Excellent blocking up front by senior  Wes Haverlah, junior Taylor Stewart, senior Jordan Johnson, and junior Allan Lucas.  Four of four passing by Brooks, 4 different receivers, 10 running plays with Tatsch blocking, senior Clay Tarter, Bauer, Penny and Brooks carrying the football.  Llano had tied the score with 3:20 left in the first quarter in Gordon Wood Stadium.

If we could have said, “we enjoyed the trip” and see you next year, it would have been a great night.  But, not the case.  Again, Llano kicks short and the Lions start play on their 49 yardline.  Five plays later, and the score is 14-7. The Jackets line up, and an interceptions deep in Jacket territory, and 2 plays later, the score is 21-7.  But don’t give up now.  The Jackets still have some fire in the belly.

Llano takes the kickoff this time from the 20, and Brooks breaks off a 21 yard run.  Then four straight completions, to Bauer, Storey, sophomore Isaac Hutto, and Taylor Sorenson, now down to the 27 yardline.  Four running plays  gets the Jackets a little closer, and Sorenson kicks a 32 yard field goal to put Llano closer at 21-10 mid way thru the second quarter.  If Llano could just play offense…..

And, here we go again, a short kickoff, Lions on their 41 yardline, four plays and another Lions score.  Llano finished the quarter by driving 8 plays down to the Lions 17 yardline, before an interception stopped a promising drive.  Good running by Storey and Clay, and catches by Caleb, Matt and Isaac had Llano showing firepower and ability.  The best plays in the first half by Llano on defense was senior Cole Barrett’s sack for a 13 yard loss  helped end the half.  Sophomore Penny was playing good at linebacker, but went down with an ankle injury and his status is unknown. Also, junior linebacker Ryan Williams had a busy night and played well.  Score 28-10.

From there, it gets bad.  Not so much playing wise, but early in the 3rd quarter, senior Jordan Johnson goes down a concussion.  Johnson was taken to the Hospital, and may not be as bad as it could be. Still,  he will be doubtful for the Fredericksburg game.  Jordan’s play on offense and defense is unmatched among Jacket lineman.  He plays every play at 100%.

Three plays later junior center Taylor Stewart goes down with what looks like a very serious knee injury.  We usually have little idea what centers do, other than somehow they get the football to the quarterback.  After that, only coaches and dads know what they do.  A slight game changer for the Jackets.  Second team center is junior Cooper Hill, who is standing on the sidelines with a cast on his ankle.  In comes senior Justin Oestreich, who also has a motor that does not shut off.  Justin is one of the Jackets best lineman, but during the week, he has to learn other duties.  Llano’s depth, or lack of it showed up early in the game, and even Wes Haverlah tried to center.  A few practice snaps during the week would have helped. Any how, the Jackets had a hard time.  Justin, Wes, and maybe even Brooks may get a try at center this week.  But Llano’s unlikely to get any of the 6 players back on the field this week against the Billies., that are presently hurt.

Llano needs a week off.  But not before they get their second win of the season.  Fredericksburg is 0-4 for the season, but have scored alot of points.  Llano is now 1-3, and have given up a lot of points.  Still, Llano’s offense can score.  I see Llano entering this week in a very serious mood.  Everyone on the team will have to step up.  Lineman Nick Bornholdt needs to have his best game.  He played well against the Lions.  Gilbert Arrendondo also played well when Stewart and Johnson went down.  He will get plenty of snaps this week to improve.  And junior Jacob Beasley will need every pound of his 220 pounds to protect Brooks and open holes for Clay and Storey.

Llano has beaten Fredericksburg three years in a row.  I’m pretty sure, four has never happened.  Llano, if they keep the turnovers to a minimum, can beat the Billies.  And the reward will come in the form of getting healthy and preparing for District play, as the Open week is next week.  Llano 35 Frederickburg 26

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.