Play to Win

The 2023 Llano Yellow Jackets kicked off District 13-3A with a win in a solid 37-0 victory over San Antonio Cole. With the exception that RJ Coplin did not return a kick off for a touchdown, it was the best over all outing by the Jackets this year. The 3-2 Jackets now head to Lulling this Friday night to play a much improved 2-3 Lulling team.

To try and recap Friday night: Llano played two quarterbacks. Junior Colton Bailey threw for 63 yards on a 5 for 10 throwing night. Colton ran 8 times for 55 more yards. Freshman Luke Davis passed 10 times and completed 8 for 110 yards. Both quarterbacks threw a TD pass.

Llano had 6 players run the football. Junior Trey Mote started the game and ended with 66 yards rushing. Senior Kaleb Payten started the second half and got Llano started with a strong run, then moved to receiver and caught two passes. Llano had 6 players catch passes, with RJ catching 4 for 51 yards and a TD catch. Senior Alex Kachura caught 3 passes for 60 yards. Senior Jacob Hernandez had a catch for 8 yards, and Parker Parish had a catch for 12 yards. And while a surprise that senior Charlie White had a catch for 11 yards and a TD, Charlie’s best night was playing defense. Colton moved over to receiver where Luke found him for a big 27 yard gain down to the three yard line where senior Fitz Kennedy took it in for the score.

Llano was never in trouble in this game. The 24-0 halftime score reflects that. But the defense controlled the game. The defense forced two punts in the first half, and Cole tried to make first downs on three fourth down possessions. The defense held all three times. Outstanding play by Fitz at linebacker. Junior Tate Morgan at linebacker. Charlie White got an interception in the fourth quarter. Logan Van Pelt got a sack in the first quarter. And Dusty Miller had one of his best nights on defense.

Freshman Carlos Sapula kicked true after the first two Jacket TDs, and then in the second quarter, kicked a 31 yard field goal. Llano’s punting game is steady with senior Cooper McWilliams. His one punt was for 34 yards. Cooper also went into the game in the fourth quarter, carrying the ball on five straight plays, gaining 40 yards, before Hayden came in a carried down to the 14 yard line. Luke hit Jacob for 7 yards and then Carlos came in to try another field goal. Everyone got into the act, and Dusty’s 36 yards on 6 carries was a highlight.

Sophomore JD Friday continues to get better. As does junior Carter Bickett. Both in the secondary. Sophomore Aiden Detwiler and senior Jackson Hoot had their best nights as Jackets. Sophomore Brayton Shaw looks healthy again, and played on both offense and defense. Good solid night.

Maybe the most improved of the night was the offensive line. Seniors Dylan Kennedy, Frank Machuga and Hunter Brown are usually playing both ways. Their most improved play lead the offense and defense. JJ Vaughn maybe the best of the lot. Wrote down number 62 many times. And the return of senior Billy Everhart at center cannot be measured. Great return night by the senior. Josh Cooper keeps improving. Juniors Thomas Caldron and Stephen Barrack are welcome relief.

Most all of these lineman play defense. Konrad Zwicke, as sophomore, and senior Forrest Homesley had quality plays against Cole. The Jackets still had 10 penalties. A must area to improve. And improve a bunch. Most seems to being unfocused at the moment. 5 maybe….not 10.

The Yellow Jackets now have won 22 straight home games. Easily a school record. That is something every senior will remember…when they are my age!

The Jackets have now won 16 straight district games. Another school record. Going back to the last district game in 2019. Then 4 in 2020…4 in 2021…and 6 last year. And still counting, this year.

The District is better this year, Ingram is 4-0. Randolph is 5-0. Blanco, rated in the top 12 by Harris rating is 4-1.

The “WILL” showed up Friday night. The will to get better. The will to be better. And understanding how important getting better each week is. Can only get better with concentrated practices. And getting better against Lulling.

Llano 45 Lulling 12

The Llano Yellow Jackets played a less than inspired game in Coleman Friday night and came home after a 26-20 loss to the 2-A school of West Texas.

The Jackets opened the first quarter with three straight possessions of three and outs. 13 yards on 9 plays, and three punts. One the other side of the ball, the Jacket defense played good enough to win. Coleman was intercepted on their first possession. Senior Charlie White got the interception in the first quarter and put the Jacket offense on the field at the 43 yard line.

After another Jacket punt by, the defense took the field and stopped the Blue Cats and forced a punt. Strong play by Linebackers Tate Morgan (16 tackles) and Fitz Kennedy (8 tackles). Senior Dusty Miller may have had his best game. 7 tackles. Sophomore JD Friday played well, as did junior Trey Mote, after missing last week. ( 6 tackles)

In the second quarter, Coleman mounted a drive that saw a 10 play drive, and making first downs on two fourth down tries. Coleman went ahead 8-0 with 6:03 left in the half.

Llano came right back with a 6 play drive and scored from four yards out with a run by Fitz. Quarterback Colton Bailey completed a pass to Alex Kachura for 39 yards down to the 32 yard line. RJ had two catches for short yardage. Trey had a carry for 3 yards and Colton made 10 yards and a first down. The score was 14-6 at halftime, after Coleman scored on 3 plays to end the half.

The Jacket defense allowed 113 yards rushing on 32 running plays. A 3.5 average. Not a bad defense. Hunter Brown and Frank Machuga in the down lineman positions played very good. Same can be said for senior JJ Vaughn. All three seniors play both offense and defense. Defensive backs, senior Jackson Hoot and sophomore Aiden Detwiler had good nights. Aiden got his first varsity interception in the third quarter, that set up Llano’s best opportunity, when Colton on first play hit RJ for a 29 yard TD pass, and the score was 20-20 with 5:37 left in the third quarter.

But the high point of the night was three plays before that. When Coleman went ahead in the third quarter, 20-6, the Blue Cats kicked off. RJ was there again. 76 yards later, RJ had his second kick off return for a TD in as many games. A first, as far as I know to ever happen. It looked like at this point the Jackets were going to roll. Yet, it never happened.

Llano threw an interception, and three plays later Coleman threw an 80 yard TD pass to take the 26-20 lead. Llano had the ball two more times. Only 43 total yards, a punt, and Coleman ran the clock out.

Maybe it was just a long week. Coming off the last minute win against Crockett may have carried over. Maybe looking ahead to District play. But the intensity did not look like it was there.

You can’t continue to jump off sides and start first and 15. You can’t miss easy tackles waiting for someone else to get there first. You can’t have turn overs. And you have to know every play could be your last. It is that brief.

In the Coleman football program, as I opened it this morning, I read: “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of will”….Vince Lombardi

The Jackets have got to find their will. The seniors on this team know what that is. And these seniors must start leading. Yes, many of the Jackets are first time varsity players. Being assertive sometimes does not come natural. But the will to win…the demanding of each other their most effort, on every single play. No plays off. And focus is not there when penalties are costing you games. Everyone must own up to the mistakes, and forge forward with unbridled enthusiasm.

I know the Coaches have told you players this…but everything is in front of you. You can win game # 22 straight on your home field. You can begin defending the District Crown that you have won three years in a row. The Jackets have not lost a district game since 2019. This team should go 8-2 in this regular season, and then the play offs will be fun. Make this season one to remember…for the ages. But you must find the will to make it a reality.

PREDICTION: Llano 31 SA Cole 0

Never say die….Play to the last play….why do they play 48 minutes? Why not 47? I could only laugh at myself as the Llano Yellow Jackets beat 5-A Austin Crockett 20-17 Friday night 20-17. This game will go down in the minds and annuals of the best…or most unbelievable…or the most unlikely…in the history of the Jackets. The 2020 San Saba game….the 2018 Hondo play off game are two that come to mind…but this one….wow.

Let’s just remember, the Jackets had not blown the doors off anywhere along the way in this game Friday night. The Jackets fumbled in their first two possessions. Crockett lead 7-0 mid way thru the first quarter, after a Cameron Dickey 54 yard TD run. Dickey, a D I pledge, is everything you could think of when making comparisons. I’m sure he lead his team in tackles from his safety/linebacker position. As well as playing quarterback, receiver, running back and punter.

Llano mounted a good drive at the end of the first quarter. A 12 play drive that drove to the 4 yard line. Carries by seniors Fitz Kennedy, Dusty Miller were solid, yet the longest run was 6 yards. Junior quarterback Colton Bailey did find RJ Coplin for a 13 yard pass play and a first down. Good blocking from JJ Vaughn, Dylon Kennedy and Hunter Brown helped the Jackets to the four yard line where a 22 yard field goal try was missed.

One has to remember also, the Jacket defense played nearly great. Crockett had two drives of 9 plays and 8 plays, only to be stopped. But penalties were just horrible. JD Friday had an interception that was called back. Outstanding plays by linebackers Tate Morgan and Fitz kept Llano in the game. Aiden Detwiler, a sophomore, really played well. Defensive lineman Frank Machuga had a great game.

After Crockett kicked a successful 46 yard field goal to take a 10-0 lead, the Jackets woke up.. Colton ran for 9 yards. Then Fitz for 12 more. Colton found senior Kaleb Payten for the longest play of the night and a 32 yard reception and a first down on the 6 yard line. From there, junior Trey Mote scored and the score was 10-6 going into halftime. Tate had an interception at the end of the half, and senior Hunter Brown and junior Michael Logan stopped the scoring as half time came on to welcome Homecoming.

Both teams had lots of penalties. Llano had at least 6 in the first half, not counting off setting penalties. The Jacket defense came to play in the second half. In the third quarter, Crockett had the ball 6 plays and two punts. They gained 9 yards. Fitz had a QB sack, and Jackson Hoot was in on most stops. Llano’s offense had a another 11 play drive, with one reception of 8 yards by RJ, and several tough runs by Kennedy and Colton. Two penalties did not help, and the Jackets punted. On the next possession before the fourth quarter, it looked like the offense might get untracked. Mote had a 20 yard run, and Dusty Miller ran for a first down. Tight end sophomore Konrad Zwicke had key blocks. Taking it into the fourth quarter, Colton found Alex Kachura for 8 yards and a first down. Alex had 5 catches for the night, giving him 14 for the season. Then RJ for 3 more. The final big play by Alex for 10 more down to the 6 yard line. Fitz scored from one yard out, and the Jackets took the lead 13-10 with 9:20 to play.

The defense came in and did their part. First recovering a fumble and next JD got his interception for real. Another set of off setting penalties kept everyone honest. And it looked like Llano was going to just run out the clock. But Colton ran to the right, and Cameron Dickey leveled him, causing a fumble. Dickey picked it up and ran it in for a TD…it appeared. In my 73 years, I’ve never seen what happened next. The referees called the TD back, gave the ball to Crockett, saying off setting penalties required the ball to come back to original spot of fumble. Never mind…Dickey scored two plays later to take the lead 17-13 with :51 seconds left to play.

Waiting for skipping kick off to prevent a long run back, I got up and started picking up my papers. But Crockett kicked deep. To RJ Coplin down to the 13 yard line. I scribbled 13 yard line on my pad….and RJ headed to the middle of the field…..but about the 25 yard line he planted his foot, and took off to the sidelines to his right. My thought he was trying to get out of bounds….yet up the sidelines he went. I could see most of Crockett players had wedged to the middle of the field, and Llano had several blockers on the East side of the field. At least one Crockett player was 15 yards out in front of RJ. But out of the corner of one eye, I saw a Yellow Jacket, running ahead of RJ….# 30….Jose Silas, a sophomore. Silas put the Crockett player on the ground, as RJ ran pass both in a mini second. Touchdown…touchdown, with 28 seconds left on the clock. Tate kicked good for the point after and the score was 20-17! (RJ’s 87 yard kick off return is already entered in the school record book)

I would love to say it ended there, but Cameron Dickey ran the kick off back about 30 yards. And then completed a 23 yard pass down to the 15 yard line.Yeks….but a fumble on an attempted field goal try to tie the game…… ended the game. What a finish..what a game…And Llano kept its home winning streak alive…now at 21 straight games.

Celebrate all you want, but this is another week. The 2-1 Jackets travel to Coleman this Friday. The Blue Cats have won 22 games over the past two years, and beat Brady last week 30-14. They will be hard to beat in Coleman.

I heard Coach Matt Green say to Artt after the game this was a great test for this young team. A great way to begin believing in all the work that has gone into this kind of effort and outcome. Sure am glad games are not 47 minutes!

Prediction:

Llano 21

Coleman: 7

The Llano Yellow Jackets took one on the chin Friday night in Burnet against the long time foe in 4-AAAA, the Burnet Bulldogs. And while the 47-12 loss on the “Green Field” was humbling, the Jackets can take solace in knowing this 2023 season is still all out in front of them. While I never did come up with the year that the Green Field was built, the Jackets have never won on that field.

The Jackets’ game got off to a rough start, and really did not get better. After senior Kaleb Payten caught the opening kick off and got the ball back to the 34 yard line, that was as far as they were going. A loss on a run, two penalties, forced a punt. The punt was blocked and caught in mid air and the Bulldogs ran it in for the first score of the game.

Not knowing how quickly bad things could go down hill and so fast, and the third play from scrimmage, the Jackets threw an interception. And now the good part. The Yellow Jackets defense was on the field and held the Bulldogs to 4 yards, forcing a punt. Linebacker Tate Morgan made a good stop on a running play, and pressure from seniors Jackson Hoot and Hunter Brown forced the punting unit on to the field.

Llano’s offense put together a strong series. Senior Fitz Kennedy carried the ball four straight plays for 12 yards and a first down. Good blocks from junior Stephen Barrack at center, and seniors Frank Machuga and Josh Cooper. Junior quarterback Colton Bailey then hit senior Alex Kachura over the middle for an 11yard gain. Alex ended the night with 5 catches. With four from last week, Alex leads the team with 135 yards and 9 catches in two games. RJ Coplin had 8 catches for 90 yards, giving him 9 catches for the two games. Both receivers are very good route runners. Bailey ran for three yards, and sophomore Brayton Shaw ran for three more. But two more penalties ended the drive, and senior Cooper McWilliams came in and punted for 30 yards.

This time the Bulldogs were not to be denied. Four plays and a 21 yard run put the ‘Dogs out in front 14-0 near the end of the first quarter. One paper it was not as bad. The Jackets ended the quarter with 47 yards of offense, and Burnet had 42.

The Jackets next three possessions were not good. A forced punt after gaining only 6 yards. A fumble while going for a fourth and one play. And then an interception on the first play after Burnet had just scored. Burnet scored again before the half and lead 26-0.

The Jackets were scrambling from the get go in this game. Early in the game senior center Billy Everhart came out of the game with a leg injury, not to return. Llano was trying to find the right combination. I counted 8 different players getting time on the offensive line. Besides Dylan Kennedy, Josh Cooper, and JJ Vaughn, we saw action from Barrack, Brown, Machuga, and Thomas Caldron. Junior Will Landers and Carson Stevenson also took snaps. Senior Parker Parrish is a good blocker as his his back up, sophomore Konrad Zwicke.

The offense has to find its identity. And offenses take time. We can see the possibilities of a good running game. Fitz has 140 yards rushing in two games. Shaw has 112 yards in two games. And Bailey can run from his quarterback position. Junior Trey Mote shows a real burst playing in the back field, and had 36 yards against Burnet.

I do like the Jackets short passing game. We know both RJ and Alex and catch and then run. And more throws to the backs, and to speedsters like Kaleb Payten and Parker will help back off the linebackers that have loved to get in close to the Jacket running game. This identity will be found.

The Jacket defense played much better than the 47 points allowed Friday night. Both Fitz Kennedy and Tate Morgan are very aggressive linebackers. Senior Dusty Miller had a good game. Jackson, Charlie White, Carter Bickett and JD Friday all played well. Hunter Brown is getting better in the middle of the line, as is Josh Cooper and Logan Van Pelt. Wesley Whitaker and Mason Martin had good games. The defense is going to be alright. Too many good players not to improve every week.

Austin Crockett is not the same team this year as Llano saw last year. The 5-A, Div. II school was not good last season when Llano beat them in Austin. But Crockett went on the win the last 5 of their last 6 regular season games to make the State Play offs. The brothers, Caleb and Cameron Dickey played lights out in the second half of last season. Cameron, the quarterback, was responsible for 45 touchdowns and was All Central Texas. His younger brother, Caleb, was in on 129 tackles last season, and too was All Central Texas. They shut out their last opponent last week. Expect a barn burner this week for the Jackets Homecoming.

Llano has now won 20 straight games in Jacket Stadium. Win number 21 will take everything the Jackets have to offer, and more. But this is where the Jackets grow up. Playing a much larger school with very good athletes. Llano will be better. The offense will expect to eliminate the turnovers and the penalties. And the defense will get Cameron Dickey off the field.

Llano 31

Crocket6 20

The 28-13 win over 4-A Jarrell Friday night was a strong win at Jacket Stadium and playing the first time on the new surface, installed just weeks ago.

I felt strongly that the defense would need to show up against a team that last season scored 26 points against a great Jacket defense. With a very athletic and talented quarterback in Nico Rodriguez, the Cougars were always only a run or throw away from scoring. Yet the defense did not disappoint. On the 6th play from scrimmage, Llano’s sophomore defensive back stepped in front of a Nico pass and intercepted for the first turnover of the season for this defense. JD Friday in his first varsity game showed why he is a starter. His played sparked the offense.

On the first play from scrimmage, sophomore Brayton Shaw scored from 40 yards out and Llano took an early lead after freshman Carlos Sapula kicked his first of four extra points. According to Head Coach Matt Green, Sapula is the first freshman to start for him as a freshman.

The Jacket offensive line can stand proud on this performance. Lead by senior Dylan Kennedy, the Jackets were able to rush the ball for 255 yards Friday night. Seniors Billy Everhart at center and Josh Cooper were very good in their first Jacket starts. Seniors JJ Vaughn and Frank Machuga showed their experience and were both very good. Senior two year starter Parker Parish had several key blocks. Seniors Jackson Hoot and Hunter Brown had several key plays in key spots. And sophomores Konrad Zwicke and Carson Stevenson were outstanding in their first varsity games. There will be much to improve on as the season progresses, but this was a good start.

One of the very good moments, being four of them, was the punting of senior Cooper McWilliams. Cooper’s first punt put the Cougars at their own 2 yard line. And his four punts for the night averaged over 37 yards. A wonderful debut for Cooper. And a great weapon for the Jackets. Also, good coverage by junior Wesley Whitaker and Charlie White on Kick offs. This will help Sapula’s kick off game, keeping the Cougars 31 yards and deeper each time.

The Jacket defense continued to show up when needed. Linebacker senior Fitz Kennedy had several outstanding defensive plays, while also playing running back and carrying the ball 13 times for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Full evening for Fitz. Junior Tate Morgan lead the team in tackles with 8. Sophomore Friday, had 7 solo tackles. Muchuga played so tough in the middle of the defensive line. And old timer Charlie White continued his play from last season with a very strong game. Senior linebacker Dusty Miller was in on 5 tackles from his linebacker position. And Brayton Shaw playing on defense, he also lead the team in rushing with 15 carries and 109 yards and a TD. Not a bad nights work for the sophomore. Sophomore Aiden Detwiler showed why he is on the varsity with a good first game at defensive back. The Jacket defense held on fourth down 3 times, forced 4 punts, and intercepted twice.

New players will be stepping up every week. This roster has 18 juniors and sophomores. I know I missed some in this first week, but I too plan on getting better. Such a surprise to me and such wonderful memories were brought back when I saw Kaleb Payten lining up at cornerback. Kaleb’s first year in Llano, is Tommy Duncan’s grandson. When I was a sophomore, I was honored to play with Tommy when he was a senior. Tommy was one of Llano’s all time greats at running back and defensive back.

And Carter Bickett had a great varsity debut. Carter plays safety I think…maybe corner. But his interception in the fourth quarter sealed the Jacket victory. Carter is the son of Billy Bickett, one of the greatest safeties to ever play for Llano. Billy started as a sophomore along with Bradley Kassell in the secondary. Nearly 30 years ago!

The running game of the Jackets was exciting, and until junior quarterback Colton Baily really gets a good feel for the passing game, will need to carry the offense for a while. Colton completed 5 of 11 passes for 94 yards. Not at all a bad start. But Colton helped his own cause with 13 carries and 58 yards rushing. Along with Fitz and Brayton, a strong running game is perfect at this point. Junior Trey Mott also came in and showed a burst of speed with two carries. I think this offensive line of Kennedy, Vaughn, Machuga, Everhart, Brown and Cooper is built to have a strong running game. It will be needed this Friday night.

I have asked around. I have been to every game played in the present Burnet stadium when Llano played, since it was built. I do not think the Jackets have ever beat the Bulldogs in their green stadium. If we have, please let me know. So this would be a great time to start. Burnet has one of their strongest teams in years. And they still have not gotten over Llano’s win last season. Let’s make it two in a row.

LLano 28

Burnet 12

The Llano Yellow Jackets host the Jarrell Cougars this Friday night at 7PM. The first game to be played on the new turf, also brings with it a Yellow Jacket 19 game home winning streak. Jarrell scored the second most points against the Jackets last season. The 26 points was bettered only by Edna in the State Semi Final game. The Jackets in 2022 gave up an average of only 12 points per game…may not be a record, but the best by far in over 30 years.

The elephant in the room today is the loss of senior quarterback Briggs Green. The returning 2nd team All State quarterback in the Coaches Padilla Poll cannot be measured here. Briggs’ 32 TD passes last season is the second best all time in school history. Career marks in passing yards, completions, and TD passes all would have fallen had the season begun with Briggs. We hope for a speedy recovery, as his leadership skills and experience as an all district safety his sophomore year marked a remarkable two seasons.

While Llano looses one of its best, know that these varsity Jacket players will be playing harder as they recognize the steep hill to be climbed. Llano still has experience at key positions, and experience that will be leaned upon every Friday night. Maybe no one more important than seniors Dylon Kennedy in the offensive line, Parker Parriah at tight end, Alex Kachura at wide receiver, Charlie White at defensive back, Dusty Miller on defense and running back, and likely two way starter, Fitz Kennedy at outside linebacker and running back. All 6 of these juniors last season received recognition on the All District team. Also, two key members are seniors J.J.Vaughn and Frank Machuga. Both experienced offensive lineman.

The Jackets looked good against Brady in last Thursday’s scrimmage. But a scrimmage against Brady is not the same as against a very good Jarrell team coming to Llano Friday night. Jarrell’s team last season was very fast at the receiver positions, as four TDs were for long yards and and they happened fast. Last season Llano had several key players that were experiencing their first varsity games. No different this season for Llano. When you think that players on last seasons team such as Ulisses Martinez, Luke Turner, Russell Nelson, and Cole Franklin had little experience, but went on to gain all district recognition, were just learning in the first game last season.

The excitement for many Jacket fans is just that. Learning new players. When I think back about Mason Baker, Hyden Manahan, or Ricky De La Torre all as sophomores and the kind of players they all became is inspiration for any young varsity player. You can do it. Others have done it. And they all started at the same spot, in that first varsity game.

Will be closely watching Friday night how our new quarterback does, as he will need a very strong running game to keep the ball away from the Cougars. That means the offensive line will have to mature and grow up fast. The defense last season, as I said, would be able to keep Llano in many games until the offense caught fire. I can say the same for this years’ defense. I feel strongly that it too can keep the Jackets in many games, until the offense finds its footing.

Prediction: Llano 27 Jarrell 20

The mystery of what is to come for the 2023 Llano Yellow Jackets football season brings excitement and nervousness to an inexperienced team. But other Jacket teams have been in need of experience, and have had on the job training. Llano will need to hit the ground running, as pre-district games will be true test.

The scrimmage this Thursday in Brady should be a good start. Brady made the play-offs in 2022, in a good 2-3A Div.II. Ballinger, Wall and Early will test the Bulldogs in district play

In a bad kind of way, I wish the Jackets played Brady on a more consistent basis. One of the longest rivalries in our history, few teams have given each other more heart ach than the Jackets and the Bulldogs over 70 years. I can easily count 10 Jacket teams that had 8-2 season records only to be the second place team, and not go to the play-offs. The bitter pill of 1970 when the Jackets and Brady played to 21-21 tie, and the Bulldogs advancing to the play-offs on one more penetration. The Jackets finished that season 9-0-1. Many Old timers would like to see a renewal of the game, someday.

Everything the last two weeks is preparing for Jarrell. The Cougars may be in the roughest district in Class 4A. Having Wimberley, Geronimo Navarro and Lago Vista in your district is nothing short of brutal. The Jackets spent most of 12 years playing those teams. And before that add in Liberty Hill and Burnet. Yet Jarrell made the play offs last season and with a run to the regional semifinalist and a 6-7 record. Preparing smart with Brady Thursday is a true key to being ready for the Cougars to come to Llano on August 25th.

Many LHS football seasons have come and gone, but this season is one I enter with as little of first hand knowledge as ever. The 2023 Jackets bring back All District quarterback Briggs Green with a career 33 TD passes. The Kennedy brothers return. (And their Dad, Coach Joe) Two of the very best from last season. Dylan in the defensive line (2nd Team All-district) and Fitz at linebacker (1st Team All District) return. And 2nd Team All District tight end Parker Parrish. These four team leaders will be the core of a very talented but less experienced Jacket team.

Receiver Alex Kachura, defensive back Charlie White and very special team player and running back Dusty Miller make up a talented group that will have expectations high in Jacket land.

When a 3AAA school has 27 seniors, you can expect good things. The 2022 season and a 13-1 record, tying the best record in school history was awash with experience. But even last season, no one expected Jackson Dillard to have the season at the receiver position to have the home run season he had. No one saw Jaxon Rhea being one the best defensive lineman in school history. Or the play of Bryce Mize. Seniors that came in and played like they were four year starters. Remington Hipp comes to mind. And so many clutch plays by Cole Franklin. They all grew up. And played like veterans.

The returning of JJ Vaughn, Donaven Rodriguez and Frank Machuga will help this team come together sooner rather than later. Hunter Brown could be a difference maker. And glimpses of Jordan Coranado last season who could become a bright star. Jackson Hoot saw action last season, and he too will bring savvy to this 2023 season.

Llano lost alot, including two running backs with nearly 3,000 yards rushing. Four offensive lineman that had multiple years of starting. And an unmatched defense that gave up only 12 points per game. Not easily to be replaced. But….we will.

One ingredient that Llano still has is the winningest head football coach in school history, Matt Green. We return offensive coordinator Ryan Priem. And Llano returns defensive coordinator Matt Anastasio. I can’t imagine three better high school coaches all at one school. The Jackets in 2023 face an uphill battle from the first game on. These three coaches along with a group of super assistances will figure it out. Llano has gone 34-5 over the past three seasons. Three District Championships.

The Jackets face four teams in pre-district play that could all beat Llano. Jarrell, in 4A, Crockett in 5A, and Coleman in 2A all made the state play-offs last year. And by all accounts, Burnet has one of the most talented teams they have had in a decade. Llano plays at Coleman and at Burnet.

Our Yellow Jackets face one tough road ahead, but I fear not. These Jackets will surprise, exceed, and play beyond their expectations and make their goals come thru. 2023 will be an exciting season, and I can’t wait to see what happens. I’m along for the ride.

Next Monday we’ll talk about the schedule, and look at how soon August 25th will get here. The scrimmage this Friday is here in Llano on the new playing surface. Llano will play host to Mason.

August 25 7PM @ LLANO…….JARRELL

September 1 7PM @ BURNET

September 8 7PM @ LLANO…..AUSTIN CROCKETT

September 15 7PM @ COLEMAN

BEGIN DISTRICT PLAY

September 22 7PM @ LLANO….SA COLE

September 29 7PM @ LULLING

October 6 7PM @ LLANO….SA RANDOLPH

October 13 7PM @ MARION

October 20 7PM @ LLANO…..BLANCO

October 27 OPEN DATE

November 2 7PM @ INGRAM MOORE

Texas High School Coaches Association Super Team

Jaxon Lange- Center- Senior- 1ST TEAM

Class 3AAA- Division I

Bryce Mize- Kicker- 67 Extra Points, 7 Field Goals- Senior – 2nd Team

Ulisses Martinez- Defensive Back- 9 Interceptions- Senior- -2nd Team

Ross Edwards- Offensive Lineman- 66 Pancakes- Senior- 2nd Team

Jackson Dillard- Wide Receiver- 48 Catches/ 914 Yards-Senior- 2nd Team

Carson Kuykendall- Running Back-1,931 Yards, 26 TDs, Senior- 2nd Team

Briggs Green- Quarterback- 2,402 Yards Passing- JUNIOR- 2nd Team