Play to Win

The week of San Antonio Randolph is here. No more worries about looking ahead. No more wondering how the Ro-Hawks did last week. The game that many have anticipated for a whole year is here.

The Jackets took it on the chin last year 24-7, in what began a three game losing streak for the Jacket. I suspect what was most surprising is that Llano had won three district championships in a row, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The 34-5 record over those three years caused for expectations. But they did not get automatic wins. Each game had its own personality. And every win was hard fought.

Friday night will be no different. Randolph went on to a 10-2 record last season. They are undefeated this season at 7-0. Sam Oakland is their star returning from last season, playing running back and linebacker. Quarterback Collin Stucki returns and he threw for 26 TDs last season. Randolph makes few errors. Very few penalties and very few turnovers. Randolph is a very good football team.

So is Llano. The Jackets are scoring at a rate of 33 points a game. The defense is even better, allowing only 14 points a game. Penalties need to be cleaned up, and turnovers notched down to 0 The Jackets will win this game in the offensive and defensive lines. Few words are said about the guys that get dirty every Friday night. Seniors Stephen Barrack, Jaxon Johnson, Rice Thomas, Marshall Henderson, Thomas Caldron and Will Landers are all good football players. Juniors James Greenwood, Cason Stephenson, Zach Driskel, Ethan Griego, Hayden Bigger have been working hard for the Jackets running attack that averages over 200 years a game. This group needs to have their best night as Jackets to beat Randolph. Play one play at a time. It doesn’t have to get bigger than that.

The guys that have clogged the running attacks up front are playing great football….lead by senior nose guard Michael Logan. Sophomore Cole Kennedy is a great disrupter, and along with Logan Van Pelt and senior Isaiah Hernandez. While making lots of stops, they are so good about keeping blockers off the Llano linebackers. Senior Tate Morgan, and juniors Carsten and Gavin Hays along with Jose Sillas, Nico Arms and Mario Hernandez have made for hard sledding against Llano. No kidding ones self. The Jacket defense will have a super test Friday night. One play at a time.

The Jackets punting game has been fun for me to watch this season. Junior Jose Sillas punts, but not in the normal since. Don’t need a stop watch for the hang times. There is none. But, Jose usually kicks an end over end kick away from any punt returner, and usually ends up in the 30-35 yard range. He also has a very aggressive group of people that cover, lead by Carsten and Gavin Hays. They are always down field chasing Jose’s punts. Great effort by all.

The Jackets have played a tough schedule this year. Jarrell has won 4 games in their very tough district and in 4AAAA. 4AAAA Marble Falls gave Llano three hard quarters. Comfort will make the play offs. And Comanche is ranked in the top 20 in 3AAA. Randolph will be as talented as the Indians. But what I see, Llano has improved a lot since the Comanche game. The Jackets will be ready.

Llano 21 Randolph 9

You have 48 minutes to play the game and a lifetime to remember it…..Darrell Royal

Luck is what happens when preparation meets with opportunity….Darrell Royal

The harder I work the luckier I get.

To whom much is given, much is required.

The Llano Yellow Jackets, playing at home for the first time this season, came from behind Friday night to beat an old rival, the Marble Falls Mustangs 20-13 to up their record to 2-1 for the season.

Marble Falls took the lead into halftime 13-7. It took the Jackets a full half to get the offense rolling. Llano had over 100 yards rushing in the first half, and over 100 passing. But only 7 points. The Jackets first two drives covered 70 yards and 15 plays. A punt and a missed field goal was all Llano had to show. Graham Prokop had a 41 yard pass reception from sophomore quarterback Luke Davis to set up the field goal try.

On the other hand, the defense kept the score knotted at 0 to 0. The defense forced a punt with strong play by JD Friday, Carsten Hays and Austin Humphries. The Mustangs went for the first down on fourth down on the next series, only to be stopped. Senior Colton Bailey had one of his best games, in on several tackles and playing pass defense. Carter Bickett at safety and Brayton Shaw stopped the Mustangs.

Llano scored first in the second quarter. Luke completed three passes in a row to RJ Coplin, and two receptions by junior tight end Konrad Zwicke. Senior running back Trey Mote would have his best game. Trey ended the game with 162 yards. Luke ran for 23 yards on this drive and Trey scored from 8 yards out. Tate Morgan kicked good for the 7-0 lead.

The Jacket offensive line also had their best game. Playing against what looked like a very big Mustang defensive line, Llano paved the way for Mote and Brayton Shaw, who had 79 yards. Jaxson Johnson, Cason Stephenson, senior Will Landers, junior James Greewood and junior Zach Druskel had great games. With seniors Stephen Barrack and Thomas Caldron and Isaiah Hernandez, the Jackets line is in good hands.

The Mustangs had two big plays in the second quarter. A 58 yard run that set up their first score, and a 40 yard pass and catch for a TD. JD Friday kept the score close with a super effort and blocking the extra point try by the Mustangs. Marble Falls lead 13-7 at halftime.

There were rumblings coming out of the Yellow Jacket dressing room at halftime, but no one knew what was said. The only thing anyone really knows is that Llano came out in the second half and were on fire. On the third play run by Marble Falls, Carsten Hays got his first varsity interception of the year, setting Llano up on the 47 yard line. Luke steered the offense down the field. 14 yards by Trey. A completion to Carter for 7 yards. Luke ran for 8 more. The speedster Brayton Shaw ran for 29 yards down to the five yard line. And two plays Shaw scored and with Tates’ extra point kick, Llano lead 14-13.

The defense came to play in the second half. Another take a way. This time Michael Logan recovered a Mustang fumble and the Jackets had the ball on the 30 yard line. The defense held the Mustangs to 24 total yards in the third quarter. Exceptional play by Michael, junior Jose Sillas, senior Logan Van Pelt and sophomore Cole Kennedy. These four guys set up shop in the Mustangs backfield. The Mustangs managed only 26 yards rushing in the fourth quarter. # 19 Gavin Hays had a great second half from his defensive secondary position. Colton and Shaw lead all tacklers with 11 each. Tate, as usual was outstanding from his linebacker position had 9 tackles.. Jose, Wesley Whitaker, and Michael Logan were over powering.

Llano scored the winning touchdown on a drive at the end of the third quarter. Shaw, Trey and Luke ran the football. Trey scored from 19 yards out. Llano went up 20-13.

The Jacket defense faced the Mustangs on 12 series. They forced 4 punts, held on fourth down 4 times, and got three turnovers. The Mustangs were held to under 300 yards of offense. Llano had over 400 yards of offense. A great win against a good 4A school.

The Jackets play again at home this week against Jarrell. Another 4A school. Jarrell made the play offs last season and have 8 returning starters. Their quarterback, Nico Rodriguez threw for 2,598 yards last season with 28 passing TDs. Llano has beaten the Cougars in the only two meetings, winning last season 28-13.But last year won’t help much. The Jackets can expect a very strong group of athletes, and the ball will be in the air. Llano must get a good pass rush and the secondary must be ready. Expect Jarrell to score points. I expect Jarrell to be as good as Comanche. But I do see Llano getting better each week. Llano 31 Jarrell 26.

The Llano Yellow Jackets found their own hornets nest last Friday night in Comanche, falling by the score of 34-21 and squaring their season record to 1-1.

Who would have thunk? Comanche kicked off to Llano, and RJ Coplin took it all the way back for a 90 yard score. Senior Tate Morgan kicked the extra point thru and Llano lead 7-0 with less than 20 seconds gone. Maybe it was too easy.

What was odd is that there was no let down. The Jacket defense came right back on the field and forced a three and out. Carter Bickett and Tate forced a punt. Llano’s first series was nothing to talk about, but why take any chances. Comanche gets the ball back, drives 8 plays, but again, punts.

I really thought that at this point the Jackets were waiting for that right moment. But, it never came. On Comanche’s next possession, on first down, the Indian’s quarterback went 56 yards nearly untouched to tie the score 7-7.

From my view, the air was out of the balloon. Llano punted on its next three possessions before half. Comanche score again. It was 14-7 at half time. My concern was Llano only had 48 yards of offense in the first half.

The second half started strong. For Comanche. The Indians took the kick off and in 5 plays scored. 21-7. The Jackets settled down a bit. Sophomore quarterback Luke Davis handed the ball to Trey Mote 4 times for 17 yards. Luke ran twice for 15 more. And Luke threw to Carter for gains of 14 and the final 13 yards and a TD. 21-14.

But to no avail. Comanche came right back and scored in 4 plays. 28-14. And then scored again early in the fourth quarter. 34-14. Llano just never looked comfortable. Trey scored from three yards out late in the game to close the gap to 34-21.

I’ve said this a hundred times. “There never is a good loss”…I may hedge that statement. I only count three Jackets on offense that you can say are returning starters from last season. The inexperience of game like conditions raised its head in Comanche.

Llano hit everything right against Lytle. Nothing went right for the Pirates. And the scoring was perfect. But when things don’t go right, leadership has to come forward. Leadership was needed Friday night against Comanche. And Llano may not see a quarterback as good until we play Randolph in late October. Llano can play against and beat good players, but they have to be ready from the beginning, and be ready for glitches. And then over come each and every one. Being prepared mentally in a game that you get behind. Be ready for all issues, and over come them. We have some great seniors on this team. Now is the time for all of them to take control of this team, and meet their own expectations.

And Llano gets to greet and old, old foe., Marble Falls. The Jackets last played the Mustangs in 2007, and won 26-14. Marble Falls is a large 4A school, with nearly 1,200 enrollment. We have a lifetime series of 31 Jacket wins, and 20 losses to go with two ties. About 30 years ago, Marble Falls, Burnet, and Lampasas were all in the same district with the Jackets.

The Jackets opportunity here is to regroup, and come out mad as h….! And take it to the Mustangs early. And even if that doesn’t work, be prepared to overcome all obstacles. Be prepared to win. May take all four quarters. But expect to win. And don’t be surprised if it doesn’t come easy. It was once said that successful people are not looking for easy. Llano 31 Marble Falls 16

A new small feature. The Jacket fans that may remember head football Coach Karl McCormack. And while he was a very winning coach in Llano, he may be best remembered as one of the very best defensive coaches Llano has ever had. Only since Llano defensive coordinator Matt Anastasio came to Llano can I say “we have the best”. But Karl collected things. He recorded every bowl game that was on TV for a decade, and then studied them. Everyone. And he collected “locker Room Slogans and Quotes” His words, not mine. 56 pages, single spaced. 1,101 of them. Without Karl’s permission to print a few here every week. And for you that would like a copy of these, come by my office, and I’ll make you a copy. Thank you Karl

Experience is not what happens to a man. Experience is what a man does with what happens to him…….Chuck Knox

The only people that never fail are the ones that never try.

After all is said and done…more is said than done.

A loss is forever. And a win only last until Monday. Last year’s game will probably stay with me until I’m dead……Dennis Erickson

The 2024 version of the fighting Llano Yellow Jackets put a strong statement out to everyone last Friday night. “We’re Llano, and we came to play.”

The Jacket’s first win ever over Lytle was enough for me. But the sound play on offense, defense and special teams proved at least for one week, Llano came prepared. Lytle last season was a good football team. And nearly all of those players returned for their senior season. Many Llano fans were lost without a program for the Jackets. New players, some old veterans, and a Coaching staff still in place.

The Jackets took the opening kick off and drove 13 plays and scored. Just like you do in practice. Senior Trey Mote carried 4 times for 22 yards and two first downs. Junior Brayton Shaw carried 3 times. Sophomore quarterback Luke Davis ran twice. And Luke threw four times with two completions to senior split receiver Carter Bickett and 10 more yards. And then on fourth down, Luke threw a perfect over the shoulder TD pass to Carter and the 19 yard score. Senior Tate Morgan kicked true and Llano lead 7-0 with 7:15 left in the first quarter.

Senior center Stephen Barrack along with seniors Will Landers and Thomas Caldren manned the offensive line. Luke was hardly ever touched all night long. Luke finished the night 12 of 17 and three TD passes. Still in the first quarter, Luke found senior RJ Coplin for a 14 yard completion. And on the next play RJ took an end around hand off and scored from 11 yards out.

The Jackets had about 112 yards of offense in the first quarter. Trey had a 57 yard TD run in the second quarter. Luke completed passes to Heath Rhea for 18 yards and a first down, and another for 27 yards. RJ caught a pass from Luke for 27 yards and another first down. An 8 yard reception by junior Austin Humphries was getting the Jackets close. Junior Konrad Zwicke had several key blocks. Two runs by Trey for 19 yards put Llano on the 15 yard line. Again Luke found Austin for the 15 yard TD pass. Llano lead at halftime 40-0

Oh yea…that 0. Someone showed up for Llano and played defense. Lytle had one drive, the first time they had the ball, and had a 10 play drive. But in that drive, the Jackets threw the Pirates for losses on 3 plays for negative 58 yards! They had 2 first downs, and were forced to punt. Senior linebacker Tate Morgan leads this very good defense. Wesley Whitaker and JD Friday had strong nights. Nose guard Michael Logan was unstoppable. Most of the night Michael was double teamed, but to no avail. Senior Logan Van Pelt had a very good evening. The three down lineman for Llano were a horrible menace to the Pirates. The Jackets held Lytle to 55 total yards for the entire game. 6 times the Jackets forced punts on three downs and out. Twice Lytle went for the first down on fourth down. Both times the likes of Carsten Hayes and Cole Kennedy stopped the runs.

Lytle only had the ball 16 plays in the second half. I think everyone on the Jacket sideline got to play. Youngsters like Ethan Griego, Hayden Scott, Brayden Amidon, Hayden Dean, Zach Driskell, Rice Thomas got valuable snaps. And running backs Cody Greenwood and Isaiah Aguilar carried the ball 17 times in the later part of the game. Sophomore Cash Lynch had two catches. And the leadership of senior Colton Baily while playing awesome in the secondary, came in and played quarterback in the fourth quarter. A great first game win. And we beat Lytle.

So many people have asked ” Is Llano good”? I still don’t know. Lytle just never showed up. Or did the Jacket just play that good? One way to find out. The Jackets travel again this week to Comanche. The Indians were 8-5 last year. Three games deep into the play offs last year. They are in a tough district, along with Jim Ned and Sweetwater.

Somehow, the Comanche all time record got deleted in the record book. But I’ve uncovered a few games. In 1966 Llano beat the Indians 28-0. The last time Llano played Comanche was in 2011, I think. Llano won 36-32. But in 2002, the Indians won 45-27. When time allows, I’ll go back and get it brought up to date. Over all, it has been a hard fought, competitive series.

You can bet that Comanche will be ready for Llano this week. The Indians lost to # 6 ranked Poth last week, but were still ranked above Llano. The young Jackets get the opportunity to get better. Playing a strong play off team from last season is needed. Keeping the penalties at a minimum paid off last week. And no turnovers. Llano gets better. Llano 27 Comanche 12

The 2024 season kicks off this Friday night in Lytle Texas. The Jackets have prepared for 9 long months. Thank goodness there is no more waiting. Let’s see what we have.

While I suggest that Llano is young, that based on experience, and somewhat lack of. The hard work has been put in. The countless hours. The worry of that first game can’t be measured. And with Coach Matt Green and his very experienced coaching staff, the Jackets will be ready.

Since that first season in 2017 that Coach Green came to Llano with a mission in mind. A purpose to fulfill. That since of confidence he gave us all. And his staff has always been so strong. I’ve never doubted our resolve.

In 1965, the Yellow Jackets had a veteran team. Future TCU star Sammy Rabb lead the Jackets from his full back position. Tommy Duncan was at tailback. And Quarterback Butch Stovall was returning having been 2nd team All District his junior year. All three were seniors. Jim Everett, Robert Mosely, Lyndon Lockhart, Mike Livingston, Shorty Lockhart were veteran lineman. All seniors. Expectations were high in Llano Texas for Coach Weldon Seeligers’ team.

The second game of the season, Llano played Round Rock at Round Rock. Early in the game, Butch rolled out to the sideline and was tripped up. He got up slow, got back to the huddle, but never ran another play. What was thought of at the time of being a pulled calf muscle, was much worse. Butch got to the sidelines, and that was the last time we and the team saw of him until the next day in the hospital.

What ever the leg injury was, I don’t know. But days later Butch was taken to a San Antonio hospital where they removed all of the muscle in Butch’s right leg. He never played again.

Dennis Raesener was the sophomore quarterback on that team. Dennis had been the starting quarterback in the 7th, 8th and 9th grade teams. He was a very accurate passer, and in those days, the quarterback called his own plays. Dennis was very smart, and a very cool guy. The situation did not fazz Dennis. That Jacket team finished the season 7-2-1, losing only to Fredericksburg in the last game of the season for the District Crown. Only one team from each district advanced to the state play offs.

Dennis went on the start 28 more games for the Yellow Jackets. His record of 17-10-1 was remarkable. Of the ten games lost…all were to teams that were district champions or co-district champions. 4 loses were to teams that went 10-0 in their regular seasons. Dennis holds the LHS record for most games started by a Llano quarterback. Behind Dennis is the quarterback of the 2007 and 2008 Jackets, Trey Brooks. Trey started 25 games for Llano, and finished with a 17-8 record.

Last year, the Jackets lost all State quarterback Briggs Green before the first game. In stepped Colton Bailey and freshman Luke Davis. Both played well. In fact I thought Colton turned into one of the Jackets best defensive players by the end of the season. Luke continued to improve at quarterback and got much experience. Both players will need every bit of last seasons experience to help beat a very sound Lytle team.

And while Luke and Colton, along with Trey Mote, Brayton Shaw, Konrad Zwicke, RJ Coplin, and Carter Bickett work on fine tuning the skill positions, expect this first game to be controlled on both lines of scrimmage. Seniors Rice Thomas, Stephen Barrack, Will Landers, Thomas Caldron, Marshall Hernandez, Jaxon Johnson, and Isaiah Hernandez must be at top speed. Seniors Michael Logan and Logan Van Pelt along with sophomore Cole Kennedy will man the trenches on the defensive side.

Lytle went two deep into the play offs last season, with 10 offensive and 9 defensive players returning. They have experience. And their confidence of having a record of 2-0 against the Jackets has not hurt that confidence.

Let’s turn that record around. Llano 21 Lytle 13

August 27, 2024

Llano Yellow Jacket head football coach and Athletic Director Matt Green is entering his eighth year at the helm of the Llano program. Only John Baskin from 1976 thru 1983 held the position as long. Green has lead the Jackets to three District Championships, an 58-26 overall record, and a 10-6 post season record. All school records and counting.

Coach Green’s winning percentage is at .691% Only Llano Coach Ken Gray has equaled the percentage. Gray’s two district championships and over all record of 23-10-1 in three seasons, plus Gray’s 2-2 post season mark places him in the top three all time.

Llano Coach David Yeager was in Llano for 7 years, and had a 43-36 over all record. His 5-5 record in the state play offs was remarkable.

Coach Karl McCormack was head coach for five seasons, and had a 35-22 record. Karl resigned after being told by then Llano School Superintendent Jack Patton that the school board had met, and had decided to fire Karl at their next meeting. Karl, being the stand-up guy that he was, immediately resigned. It was weeks later that Karl found out the school board had never met. I owned the The Llano Buzz at the time, but Karl asked me not to tell the story. Many years later, I called Karl and asked him if it was OK for me to tell Llano what had happened. He agreed. I published the story.

Due to inexperience on both sides of the ball, the Jackets took a small step back, going 5-5 for the season. Last season, the Jackets were expecting to be at the top of the district race. But when returning All State quarterback Briggs Green had a season ending injury the week before the first game, all bets were off. So many great seniors last season all had to be at their best. And for most parts, they were. As mentioned in last weeks article, the games won against Jarrell, Austin Crockett and San Antonio Cole were stunning. But inexperience at most positions raised its ugly head as Llano came into the home stretch.

With strong freshman and sophomore classes now moving towards the varsity level, the Jackets look to be more experienced. Many very good players got invaluable experience last season. And maybe best of all, the expectations will be more sound. These players now have a feeling of what to expect, and be prepared for the unexpected.

Scrimmage at Mason Friday night. Then scrimmage with Brady here at Jacket Stadium the following Thursday. And on August 30th, Llano travels to Lytle, somewhere south of San Antonio. Llano has never beaten Lytle in two games. These young Jackets can start their own legacy on August 30th.