August 26, 2009
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Play To Win
By Mikel R. Virdell…recording the history of the Fighting Llano Yellowjackets since 1973.
And the season will begin, this Friday night at 7:30 PM, Jacket Stadium, against #15 State ranking Rockdale. The Tigers beat Llano last year in Rockdale by the score of 39 to 33. Rockdale went on to a fine 9-3 season, and return 6 offensive starters, and 9 from the starting defense. Llano has its work cut out for it in the first home game.
Last year we saw the debut of Clayton Maples and Estevan Aviles. Clayton got 104 yards on 18 carries, and Estevan got 160 yards on 9 carries. Both return for their senior seasons, and both will be moving up the ladder of LHS records. It is worth the price of the ticket to watch these two great seniors. But, what is interesting is that these two players make everyone around them better football players. Lineman want to block successfully every play. On any play, both runners are capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. Both scored over 120 points last season. Lineman love this opportunity.
More interesting is that Llano has others! Other running backs that may prove to be capable in moving the chains. Capable of keeping the football in Jacket possession. Clayton and Estevan bring out that in everyone.
Beating Rockdale will be a tough first game task. But this is how 8-3AAA is. Burnet and Liberty Hill both play State Ranked teams this first week. Neither is picked to beat Brownwood and Giddings respectively. Getting started early and staying late is how Llano will start the process of getting better. The Jackets will play State ranked teams the first three games this season. It does not get easier.
The Harris Poll came out on Tuesday. Llano is placed at #38 ranking in 3AAA, while Wimberley (#10), Liberty Hill # 15, and Burnet # 21. The Harris Poll has been around since I was in high school. It is very respected, and very accurate to my dismay. Harris missed Llano last year as they had Fredericksburg ranked ahead of the Jackets for most of the season…until Llano beat the Billies! Van Harris will e-mail you, or mail you his poll every Tuesday for a small fee. If you go on line, you can sign up, or call me and I’ll give his address. The Harris Poll is one great addition to anyone's fun high school football season. He picks every game with a point spread. We have had a lot of fun over the past few years sparring about my Jackets and his predictions. See you Friday Night.
Prediction:
Llano 32 - Rockdale 14