Llano makes offensive changes for Salado game

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

LLANO — The Llano High School football team aims to finish its non-district schedule the right way when the Yellow Jackets welcome Salado on Oct. 2.

The game begins at 7:30 p.m. at Llano Stadium, 400 Texas 71 East.

The Eagles (0-5) also are the homecoming opponents. Therefore, events that celebrate Llano Independent School District and welcome back alumni are part of the festivities. However, head coach Craig Slaughter said the football team understands its role.

“There’s always a whole lot going on,” he said. “We all want and expect a win.”

Last year, Llano (1-3) defeated Salado 34-13.

This season, the Eagles feature quarterback Ryan Kyburz, running back Trey Sheppard, center Willy Whigham and offensive lineman Anthony Young, all sophomores.

Kyburz has 21 completions for 255 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions, while Sheppard has 32 rushes for 162 yards and a touchdown and five receptions for 44 yards.

The top receiver is junior Jake Harvey, who has 11 receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown.

Llano is on a three-game losing streak, so Slaughter said his first priority each week is to make sure his players continue to stay positive and mentally sharp.

“They’re still expecting wins on Fridays,” he said. “They’re fully engaged when we play people.”

That starts with a change at quarterback.

Sophomore Ben Walling will make his first varsity start against the Eagles, though the coach said he is looking for each player to do his part during the game.

“All of our kids will get a chance to contribute in some fashion,” he said.

Offensive inconsistency is a reason for the change.

During the 28-14 loss to San Angelo Lake View, Llano had 10 offensive drives. Five ended in a punt, and two others resulted in a fumble. The Jackets also had only three explosive plays in four quarters.

The other factor Slaughter considered was the halftime score, a 7-7 tie. The Jackets defense had recovered a fumble, caught an interception, forced a turnover on downs and made the Chiefs punt twice.

Meanwhile, the Llano offense had two fumbles, two punts and took a knee with 20 seconds left in the first half.

So Slaughter is hoping a quarterback change results in longer drives.

“We have to make first downs,” he said.

But he also added that the challenges on offense go beyond one position. High snaps, missed blocks, poor running and turnovers also have contributed to the offensive stalemate.

“We have left more than our share on the field,” he said.

And it’s no secret, he added, that the Jackets need to show the offensive rhythm that matches the defense and special teams.

“This is the first week we have all the puzzle pieces working together,” he said.

jfierro@thepicayune.com