Llano will play at the Taylor 7-on-7 state qualifying tourney
The Llano 7-on-7 football team has one more opportunity Saturday, June 11, to qualify for the state tournament, But the Yellow Jackets will have to win their pool and a semifinal game of the Taylor State Qualifying Tournament to do.
It won’t be easy as Llano faces Comal Davenport, Lampasas and Taylor No. 2 in pool play. Since it’s a 16-team tournament, the pool winners will play in semifinal contests. The winners of those two games will receive automatic bids to the state tournament.
Llano head coach Matt Green said Taylor officials are treating their event like it’s two tournaments. Llano is in pool B matched up against pool A.
The Jackets have performed well in 7-on-7 contests the last several weeks, including posting a 1-2 record at the Jourdanton State Qualifying Tournament June 4. Llano defeated Navarro 21-7 but lost to Pleasanton 21-13 and to Wimberley 27-19.
Llano had to battle Mother Nature at 5 that morning simply to get to Jourdanton.
“We went through a crazy rain storm,” Green said. “We were sleep walking through the first half that allowed Pleasanton to lead 21-0 at the half.”
The Jackets made a comeback and had a first down on the one but couldn’t score.
Llano experienced a similar scenario with Wimberley. The two played to a 13-13 tie. The Jackets dropped a wide-open touchdown pass in the end zone for the tie.
“It comes down to one or two plays,” Green said. “We played well against good competition. Navarro was a good win. And Pleasanton qualified for the state tournament by beating Marion. But we got a lot of good experience. We played in a very, very tough pool, to say the least. We had our chances, and you can’t miss an opportunity to score. Every time you get the ball, you got to be hitting on all cylinders. “
The Jackets have played five Class 4A teams in state qualifying tournaments at Burnet and Jourdanton.
Llano may be finished with state qualifying tournaments but still play in two nights of a June league during the week at 5 p.m. On June 15 the Jackets welcome Fredericksburg, Mason and San Saba. Other teams include Johnson City, Comfort and Brady.
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