Llano football to face top-ranked Edna

CAPTION: Llano running back Trey Mote (8) and the Yellow Jackets are preparing for their biggest challenge yet. Staff photo by Jennifer Fierro

The Llano High School football team is gearing up to meet Edna, a team that has consistently been ranked in the top 5 in Class 3A Division I.

The two meet at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Heroes Stadium, 4799 Thousand Oaks Dr. in San Antonio.

It’s a rematch of a contest played in the same round in 2022 where the Cowboys prevailed 40-21.

And just like back then, this Edna (13-0, 7-0 District 15–3A Division I champion) team is as strong and talented as that one. One win, a 35-7 thumping of Bay City Sept. 6, says plenty, Llano head coach Matt Green said.

“They beat Bay City, which is a Class 4A team,” he said. “That’s a quality win.”

Offensively, these Cowboys like to line up in spread formations using one-back, two-back and tight end looks.

“Their offense is very similar to ours,” Green said. “They can get in different formations without making personnel changes.” 

The passing attack is led by senior quarterback Chase Shubert and receiver Braylen Harris, a senior, and Hunter Buehring, a junior.

“(Shubert) is more of a traditional passer,” the coach said. “I do think he has a couple of favorite targets. I think the kid makes a lot of good decisions.”

Harris is a “most dynamic athlete. He’s very versatile,” Green said, Buehring is very similar to Llano junior Konrad Zwicke.

“He blocks, he sets as a tight end,” Green said. “Those are (Shubert’s) favorite targets.”

The rushing attack is led by sophomore Keegan Hicks and junior Ryland Slusher.

“(Hicks) is elusive when you hand him the ball,” Green said. “They’re both smaller, quicker scantback types. This team has a stable of running backs. They still like to run and they pass the ball.” 

Edna relies on some of the same athletes to play both ways. Standouts are Buerhing and senior Braylen Harris, who are the defensive linemen, Harris is a cornerback and junior Maverick Robertson is a safety.

“They definitely have a lot of talent,” Green said. “They play kids both ways. At the beginning of the game, you play well. You hope our tempo and our depth begins to wear on them. You have to withstand the teams that are extremely powerful and keep the game close. Hopefully you begin to wear on them. They’re big, fast, powerful and talented.”