Llano Survives Against Lago Vista

By Chris Doelle
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Updated: December 5, 2020

photos: Steve Thomas

Yellowjackets Score Late Touchdown to Advance to First-ever State Semi-finals

Friday night’s UIL 3A-D1 Region IV final at AC Bible Stadium in Leander was set up to be an epic showdown. The matchup was a District 13-3A DI rematch which featured the Llano Yellowjackets and the Lago Vista Vikings. When the two teams first met on October 16, the Jackets overcame a 21-10 first-half deficit for a 44-27 win.

Since that loss, however, the Vikings had won five straight including an 18-14 win in the previous round over Vanderbilt Industrial. Llano, meanwhile, entered the contest at 13-0. In the previous round, the Jackets overcame a slow start to defeat Jourdanton 31-14. In the first meeting between the two teams, the Yellowjackets got off to a slow start but were able to pull away in the second half. This time, however, the Vikings proved to be a much more formidable adversary.

After the Vikings forced the Yellowjackets to punt on the opening drive, Lago Vista quarterback Adrian Hernandez broke free for a 35-yard keeper; and running back Layne Powers scored on a one-yard touchdown run two plays later. Llano wasted little time responding, however. On the ensuing drive, quarterback Case Kuykendall broke free on an 80-yard keeper to tie the game at 7-7.

Following the touchdown, the Llano defense recovered a fumble for its first of six turnovers on the night. Receiver Abel Prince then gave Llano the lead on a seven-yard touchdown run. Early in the second quarter, Hernandez connected with receiver Ethan Helton for an eight-yard touchdown pass; but the Vikings missed the extra point leaving Llano in front 14-13.

On the opening drive of the second half, Layne Powers put Lago Vista back in front 19-14 on a 13-yard touchdown run. Case Kuykendall responded on the Yellowjackets’ next drive with his second touchdown of the night on a 14-yard keeper. The Vikings were able to block the extra-point attempt, however, which left the Yellowjacket lead at 20-19. Lago Vista appeared poised to respond on the following drive, but the Llano defense recovered receiver Bowen Stobb’s fumble at the Llano 22-yard line. After the Yellowjackets’ offense stalled out in Lago Vista territory, kicker Diego Perez extended the Llano lead to 23-19 on a 23-yard field goal.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Bowen Stobb atoned for his earlier fumble with a 48-yard touchdown catch. Llano was able to block the extra-point attempt, however, leaving the Viking lead at 25-23.

Late in the fourth quarter with just under a minute left, the stage was set for a dramatic finish. Trailing 25-23 the Yellowjackets had the ball on third-down from the Vikings’ seven-yard line. On the third-down play, disaster appeared to strike for the Yellowjackets as receiver Abel Prince appeared to fumble the ball with the Vikings recovering. Prince was ruled to be down, however; and the Yellowjackets retained possession. On the next play, Kuykendall found the end zone on a three-yard keeper. The Yellowjackets also converted the two-point attempt giving them a 31-25 lead. On the ensuing drive, Lago Vista managed to move into Llano territory; but defensive back Quincy Prince intercepted Adrian Hernandez’s pass in the end zone to seal the game.

After the game, the scene was one of jubilation and excitement among the Llano players and fans. In addition to improving to 14-0, the Yellowjackets also advanced to their first-ever state semi-finals appearance. Regarding the achievement, Kuykendall expressed great excitement for his team and the city of Llano. He described his team as “battle-tested” and attributed their ability to overcome the late deficit to that.

For his part, Llano head coach Matt Green also expressed great joy at his team’s historic success. Regarding everything the team had accomplished, Green said, “I feel like I’m living a dream.” He also had great praise for Kuykendall who he said was an integral part of their success.

In the semi-finals, the Yellowjackets will face the Region 3 champion Hallettsville Brahmas (12-2) following their 23-21 win over Columbus. Lago Vista, meanwhile, finishes the season at 9-4.

by Steve Thomas