Llano 31, Jourdanton 14
Quick take: After a season of pummeling opposing defenses to the tune of 45 points per game, the Jourdanton offense was stifled as the Indians fell to the Llano Yellowjackets 31-14 in Cedar Park. Jourdanton surrendered eight sacks and threw three interceptions in an uncharacteristic performance that saw the Indians score fewer than 35 points for the first time this season.
Highlights: Jourdanton got the start it was looking for, forcing a Llano punt on the game’s opening possession before scoring on a 9-yard pass from Cole Andrus, who rolled out to his right and threw a dart to Brett Berg to take a 7-0 lead.
After four consecutive punts to open the game, Llano’s offense picked up in the second quarter with a 58-yard touchdown pass from Case Kuykendall to Quincey
Prince to even the score. Andrus had an answer for the Yellowjackets, connecting with Jarel Lilly on an out-route in the shallow area of the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown pass.
On the ensuing kickoff, Jourdan recovered a Llano fumble to regain possession at the 37-yard line but immediately turned the ball over on a failed trick play, bailing the Yellowjackets out of trouble. Later in the quarter, Kuykendall tied the game once again on a designed quarterback run from four yards out.
Both defenses locked down the opposing offenses for the majority of the third quarter until Diego Miguel’s 20-yard field goal put Llano in front, 17-14. The Yellowjackets added to their lead midway through the fourth quarter on a perfectly executed read-option run by Kuykendall, who broke a couple of tackles and stretched the ball over the goal line to give Llano a two-score lead.
Llano forced a three-and-out on the following possession, then scored on another Kuykendall keeper from 25 yards out as the Yellowjacket offensive line seemed to have finally worn down the Jourdanton front seven. Jourdanton quickly worked its way into the red zone but ultimately turned the ball over on downs after yielding another sack as time expired to cement the 31-14 loss.
What it means: It was a night that will stick in the minds of the Jourdanton coaches and players for what’s sure to feel like a never-ending offseason. The Indians tallied 46 rushing yards and completed 51.2 percent of their passes as they struggled to protect their quarterback on passing downs and generate a push up front on rushing plays. After jumping out to an early lead, Jourdanton surrendered 24 unanswered points to close out the game and was held scoreless for the entire second half. Llano is undoubtedly a strong team capable of reaching the finals, but Jourdanton has to feel like it let this game slip.
Game balls: Running back Juan Lerma was one of the few bright spots for Jourdanton, carrying 13 times for 74 yards. For Llano, Kuykendall was the differencemaker behind center. The senior completed eight of 20 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown, while rushing 13 times for 50 yards and two more scores.
Up next: Llano will face Lago Vista in the Region IV quarterfinals at a time and date to be determined. Jourdanton’s season has come to an end, with the Indians finishing at 11-2 with a