FALL SPORTS PREVIEW 2013: Llano football
[box]2013 LLANO YELLOWJACKETS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
(All kickoffs at 7:30 p.m. unless noted)
Aug. 30 at Wimberley; Sept. 6 vs. Bangs; Sept. 13 vs. Bandera (homecoming); Sept. 20 vs. Boerne; Sept. 27 at Fredericksburg; Oct. 4 (bye); Oct. 11 at Liberty Hill (district); Oct. 18 vs. Lampasas (district); Oct. 25 at Gatesvile (district); Nov. 1 at Burnet (district); Nov. 8 vs. Brownwood (district)[/box]
TEAM: Llano High School football
HEAD COACH: Craig Slaughter
DISTRICT: 8-3A
2012 RESULT: 3-7 overall and 1-4 in district
RETURNERS: Layton Rabb, Carter Tatsch, Matt Center, Isaac Hutto, Gilberto Arredondo, Caleb Penny, Mason Ladd, Eli Tiffin
NEWCOMERS: Lance Reven, Jalen Bauman, Cody Harp, Chance Ware, Aaron Moss, Clancy Durham
OUTLOOK: When Craig Slaughter took over at Llano in 2012, the team was in the midst of a nine-game losing streak that started the previous year. But fans quickly took notice when the Yellowjackets came within a point of beating powerhouse Wimberley in the first game of the season. Then, Llano defeated Bangs in Week 2 and followed that with a victory against Bandera in the third game. A win against Lampasas in the second District 8-3A contest ended Llano’s six-game losing skid in division play.
As Slaughter begins his second year with the Yellowjackets, the team has some definite advantages, including the return of starting quarterback Rabb. His experience and dedication will allow him to change the play if needed after breaking the huddle.
“We’re giving him a lot more at the line of scrimmage and letting him get us into a better play,” Slaughter said.
Other players expected to contribute offensively are running back Tatsch and receiver Hutto. Each has the potential to account for 1,000 yards individually. On the defensive side, Slaughter said the No. 1 goal is making key stops and quickly getting off the field.
“When you get a chance to make a play, you better,” he said. “We’re trying to get more speed and tacklers on the field.”
The coach believes District 8-3A will be as competitive as the year before. But the big difference this season is each Class 3A district will have four playoff spots up for grabs.
“Our goal is to be in the playoffs,” he said. “We expect to be very competitive.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com
[tabs style=”default”] [tab title=”JUNIOR VARSITY”]
The 2013 Llano High School Yellowjackets junior varsity football team. Courtesy photo[/tab] [tab title=”FRESHMEN”]
The 2013 Llano High School Yellowjackets freshmen football team. Courtesy photo[/tab] [/tabs]