Oct. 12, 2009
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Play To Win
By Mikel R. Virdell…recording the history of the Fighting Llano Yellowjackets since 1973.
3AAA District Standings
Wimberley 3-1
Burnet 2-1
Liberty Hill 2-1
Llano 1-1
Canyon Lake 1-1
Fredericksburg 0-2
Ingram 0-3
The Llano Yellowjackets lost a hard fought contest last Friday night to the Burnet Bulldogs. The Bulldogs now have the easiest path to the 3AAA State Playoffs, as they hold a 2-1 district record, and three games left against teams all with losing records. The 24-10 lose was hurtful, but not a deal killer for Llano. Now with a 1-1 district record, the Jackets face four opponents left on the 2009 schedule in which Llano will be favored in two. The Jackets now must look at the last four games as all winnable, and there is little reason that the Jackets will not win out. But, one game at a time is the only way it can be done.
Burnet was a very good football team. By whipping up on perennial district champion Liberty Hill last week 48-6, the Bulldogs let the world know the king was dead. The Jackets on the other hand by playing Burnet close, and even closer than the score, told still another story. And that one being they were not intimidated by the Bulldogs, despite not beating Burnet in over 10 years, and their fortunes were still very much alive. The Jackets 10-0 lead into the mid part of the second quarter showed a team determined to play its best.
There were several turning points in the game. The Jackets’ obvious mistakes of three turnovers were big. Also, again, several key penalties doomed efforts that could have changed the game. But Llano also missed out on a great opportunity, and that was when Burnet was held by the Jacket defense on third down, and Burnet elected to punt on fourth and one at the 50 yard line. It said how much Burnet respected the hard charging Jacket defense, and with the score at 17-10, Llano may have had a break.
Llano took the ball after the punt and drove 12 plays back to the Bulldog 24 yard line before a failed fourth down try halted the drive and the Jackets’ hopes. Llano went on fourth down four times Friday night, and was successful three. The Burnet offense quickly responded with their final scoring of the game.
Llano’s defense did about all one could hope from a defense. The first half of play, the Bulldogs rushing attack had only 21 yards on 7 tires, and their passing game produced 126 yards on 8 of 16 passes. The Jackets forced three punts after three plays and out. Senior linebacker Kayden Gass may have had his best game as a defender. Cody Allen was tremendous in the middle of the line. And senior Estevan Aviles was all over the field, although I think he lines up at linebacker, but that is never where he ends the play. Sterling Jameson, Michael Rusche, and Raven Herron played very good in the secondary. Senior Clayton Maples was outstanding, as was senior Seth Graham and senior Josh Gammill. Travis Lawrence had a good game, as did sophomore Conner Chauncey in the secondary. A great team effort that limited Burnet to 268 total yards and only 12 first downs. A team averaging well over 30 points and nearly 400 yards per game. The Jacket defense can continue to get better, and can look for domination over the next four weeks. You can bet that the Bulldogs had all of the Llano defense that it wanted. Every player from Llano that played defense can sleep easily knowing the defense of the Jackets is getting better every week. The offensive players also know that fact. And that partnership is going to make 2009 very special.
While Llano’s quarterback Preston Rabb threw only one pass last week against Fredericksburg, he threw 28 against the Bulldogs. 9 of his 11 completions produced first downs, for a total of 120 yards for the Jackets. Senior Charlie Durham had a 21 yard catch, Aviles four catches for 38 yards, junior Justin Saverance four for 46 yards, and seniors Seth Graham one for 15 yards and Maples one for 6 yards. Five players involved in the passing game helped to get the tough Bulldogs off the line of scrimmage. Still Maples was able to rush for 100 yards on 23 carries, while Justin had 44 yards and Estevan got 43 more. Llano’s 315 yards with 21 first downs was impressive. Mistakes just stopped drives short of the goal line.
Llano’s lost actually will make no difference in the playoff routes of the other two teams. Only should Burnet lose again, (and that won’t happen), would it come into play. Had Llano won every district game, it would still be in the small 3AAA division, as will Liberty Hill or Wimberley, which ever other one makes the playoffs besides Llano. The Jackets improve their position by winning all four remaining games and being to top seed in the small division. Burnet’s 975 enrollment assures their big school status. Llano’s 500 enrollment is the smallest school in 8 3AAA.
The Jackets mission this week is easy. They must strive to be perfect. Only with a clear goal can the Jackets continue to get better. Fumbles, interceptions, and penalties need to go away this week. It is no secret that Ingram is very weak. Winning the game will come. Getting better against a team that gives Llano no real contest is the only way the Jackets can be ready the following week against Canyon Lake. The season is past the half way point. Llano’s seniors need to recognize the moment. Seize it and relish in it. These next four weeks do not get better. It will be the most important and fun times of your lives. Getting nearly perfect will make these times not easily to ever forget.
Llano 28 Ingram 0