Yellowjackets looking to rewrite history

LLANO — The Llano High School football team is looking for its first win against Wimberley in several years. 

And to head coach David Yeager, the victory couldn’t come at a better time, especially since a Yellowjackets win would keep Llano in the playoff chase. 

“Our kids understand what’s on the line,” he said. “They know every play is important.”

Both Llano and Wimberley are tied at 3-1 in District 8-3A play. The Yellowjackets’ only loss in league play was to Burnet, 35-12, Oct. 10. 

Wimberley is coming off a loss to Liberty Hill, 49-21, last week.

“I’m not sure if it had been better for them to win,” the Yellowjackets skipper joked. “They could come here with vengeance.”

The Texans will finish the season at home against Fredericksburg next week, while Llano will play at Liberty Hill, Class 3A’s No. 1 team.

Therefore, Yeager would like for the Yellowjackets to secure a playoff berth today at 7:30 p.m. at Llano Stadium.

“This is a game we have to win by six points,” he said. “If we beat Wimberley by six or more, we’re in regardless ofthe last week.”

But it won’t be easy. Wimberley boasts one of the top players in the area, freshman running back Dennis Smith. He has 116 rushes for 1,031 yards. 

Even if a defense contains the running game, Yeager said the Texans, known for their passing attack, have no reservations about going back to their traditional spread offense.

Quarterback Barron Scudder has thrown 71 passes for 1,032 yards and rushed for 142 yards on 27 carries.

“The quarterback can hurt you,” the coach said. “He’s a dual threat.”

Scudder’s favorite target is Brooks Blakemore, who has 23 receptions for 398 yards. Blakemore is a diverse athlete. He has 27 rushes for 142 yards and has completed four passes for 82 yards as well. 

“Wimberley is a very good offensive football team,” Yeager said. “They have a smart coach (Weldon Nelms) and do a great job. They’ll be in multiple formations with the run and they’ll beat you with the pass. We’ll just have to do our jobs.”

Llano will rely on the Slot-T offense, the same offense Liberty Hill executes. While it seems the Texans had issues containing the offense, Yeager has previously said a defense that has two weeks to prepare for it can defend it better as time passes. 

Quarterback Trey Brooks, who twisted an ankle in the win against Fredericksburg Oct. 3, has been playing. But because the Yellowjackets had big leads in wins against Canyon Lake and Ingram, the quarterback has played an average of two quarters.

“He may not be 100 percent, but he’s pretty near close,” the coach said.

The offensive line also had some illness or injuries in the last few weeks. But the good news is that coaches have been able to substitute freely and develop depth. 

As for special teams, Yeager said the Texans are dangerous.

“Wimberley has very good special teams,” he said. “They have strong walls and have good kickoff and punt returners.”