Aug 25, 2008
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By Mikel R. Virdell…recording the history of the Fighting Llano Yellowjackets since 1973.
The scrimmages are over, and this is Week 0 according to the UIL. Not everyone will open play this week, but most will. Playing in the hardest District in Class 3 AAA, there are problems, all of which revolve around scheduling games. Llano plays Rockdale, a school never before played in regular season. The Jackets normally beat up Class 4 AAAA Marble Falls the first game of the year, but the Mustangs said no more of this, and now will let Fredericksburg warm up on the Purple and Gold.
Burnet on the other hand has to play 3 AAA newcomer Brownwood at the Alamodome on August 30th. That could be a great game. District favorite Liberty Hill will play always strong Giddings in Week 0. Wimberley will travel to Luling, a team the Jackets beat easily in last seasons’ play-off run.
If you don’t think getting together a schedule for these five good football teams, rethink. Liberty Hill follows up their first game with Abilene Wylie in Week 1, and after taking Manor in Week 2, host Brownwood in Week 3. Everyone will travel more. Llano goes back to Taylor in Week 3 and the newcomer to varsity play, Canyon Lake will travel to Gonzales in Week 2.
I do think that Fredericksburg took their drop from 4 AAAA to 3 AAA more seriously than others. The Billies play Class 2 AA Brady and Comfort in Weeks 3 & 4. They do play Marble Falls and Uvalde, both 4 AAAA competition.
With seven teams in the District, everyone gets a week off during district play. Llano drew the long straw I think, as they do not play September 26th, when everyone else does. That opening week may help Llano get well, and rest before it begins the hardest district play of 6 games in the history of the school.
Llano does not play 6 teams that it played last season. No longer on the schedule are St. Michael’s, Marble Falls, Lexington, Brady, Comanche, and Kerrville. Llano won 4 and lost two of those games. The Jackets pick up Rockdale, Bangs, Fredericksburg, Liberty Hill, Canyon Lake and Burnet. By the time Llano and everyone in District 8 AAA get to Week 10, a rest will be welcomed, but only Ingram gets to start basketball early while everyone else plays the final week of regular season.
One thing I am terrible at, is trying to figure out how good we can be based on the scrimmages. I could not manage that 40 years ago, and could not Thursday night. I figure it is some secret that coaches understand, and it is for the rest of us to figure out. Llano looked terrible I thought against Early, in the early going, and sound in the “late going”. What will really count will be 7:30 PM Friday night against the Tigers. Rockdale has had a good strong program for several decades. In that light, they are similar to Llano. Even when they are down, they can still beat you on any given Friday night. Mark Drake returns at quarterback, where in 2007 he threw for 1,324 yards and 11 touchdown passes. Receiver Joe Sanders caught nearly 40% of those completions and 5 of the TD catches. No doubt, Llano will be tested .
This week, as all weeks, Llano needs to run the clock with their sound running attack. And a secondary that needs testing will get that challenge with the Tigers.
Just to Make things fun, let’s pick a few games. Have not done this in about 6 years. So, pick the winners (circle winner), and e-mail to me your guesses. Winner will be announced. Pick the score of the last game on the list for a tie-breaker. See you in Rockdale.
Week 0:
Canyon Lake @ Blanco
Marble Falls @ Fredericksburg
Llano @ Rockdale
Liberty Hill @ Giddings
Wimberley @ Luling
Taylor @ Reagon
Lampasas @ Manor
Burnet………. & Brownwood……….