The Llano High School football team showed it is ready for the 2024 season by thumping Lytle 47-0 Aug. 30 in the first game of the year.
"We played well in every phase of the game, considering it was the first game of the season on the road," head coach Matt Green said. "They got two long runs on us. Then after that, they couldn't move the ball."
To say the Jackets (1-0) swarmed to the football is an understatement. The Pirates (0-1) struggled to get anything going. They couldn't plant to complete a pass. They couldn't juke a move to spring free in the run game. And they couldn't use a trick play because the Jackets were so quick to locate the ball.
"I thought our defense tackled well," Green said. "We defended the run well. We defended the pass well."
To illustrate just how unblockable the Jackets were, consider this. Lytle junior quarterback Toby Davila is known for this ability to buy time by extending plays with his legs. From the start, he relied on his legs to get away from Llano. The result was a 40-yard loss in one play.
"We had him running for his life," the coach said. "Their quarterback is evasive. We were very concerned about his ability to get away. Our defense did a great job of understanding that young man's talent and ability."
Senior defensive back Carter Bickett recorded an interception.
Green was equally complimentary of the offense, pointing out the Jackets controlled the line scrimmage there, too.
"We executed extremely well," he said. "We had very few penalties."
The offensive line's command of the line of scrimmage resulted in Llano rushing for 257 yards and four touchdowns on 39 carries. Senior running back Trey Mote led with nine rushes for 103 yards and a score followed by sophomore Cody Greenwood with 10 carries for 60 yards.
The effectiveness of the running game allowed sophomore quarterback Luke Davis to pick apart the defense. He completed 13 of 19 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns. And equally important, he didn't throw an interception.
"I thought Luke threw the ball very well," Green said. "The only time he was tackled was when he ran the ball. Our offensive line did a great job of protecting him. If we can do that and not have turnovers in our passing game, you're going to be competitive every Friday."
Davis hit six different receivers during the game led by senior Heith Rhea's two catches for 43 yards, Bickett's four receptions for 40 yards and two touchdowns, and junior receiver Austin Humphries recorded three catches for 25 yards and a score.
Senior athlete R.J. Coplin had an 11-yard carry and caught three passes for 39 yards
"It just got spread around," Green said. "I left that game thinking there's not a receiver you can eliminate and you can be OK. Our slot receivers, our wideouts -- they all have the ability to catch and make plays with their feet. We played really well. Because we can throw and pass protect, we can overcome second and 8, third and 8 and pick up the first down."
He noted Lytle entered the contest confident thanks to returning 19 starters who were part of winning seven games last year and advancing to the playoffs. And as he pleased as he was with the way his athletes competed, the coach believes they can be so much better.
"We can most definitely improve," he said. "Clearly we have a lot of room for improvement."
Llano will travel to face Comanche at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. The Indians lost to Poth 35-14 Aug. 29.
Quarterback Cayden Davis completed 7 of 13 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown and had 11 carries for 83 yards.
"He can throw and run," Green said. "He's equally dangerous in both."
Sophomore Ladainian Smith had 12 rushes for 64 yards. Junior receiver C.T. Buford caught two passes for 70 yards and a touchdown, and senior Manuel Ortiz had two receptions for 57 yards.
"They're a very good team," Green said. "They are big and extremely aggressive. Their skill kids are talented. They're going to run the ball right at us. Defensively, they want to blitz and come right at you. They're big and physical."
