Turnovers fuel Llano scoring spree in 44-0 win over Cowboys

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | November 17, 2022

BI DISTRICT FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

COTULLA CAN’T OVERCOME FOUR TURNOVERS IN THE FIRST HALF OF BI-DISTRICT LOSS TO STATE-RANKED YELLOWJACKETS.

Four first half turnovers led to 30 Llano first half points as Cotulla fell behind early and could not bounce back in dropping a 44-0 loss to the state ranked Yellowjackets in bi-district action last Thursday at Barry Field in Hondo.

Cotulla threw three first quarter interceptions and Llano capitalized on two of them after suffering a turnover on downs after the first. Both teams were slow out of the gates as they exchanged turnovers and defensive stops. Llano then cracked the scoreboard on a safety as the snap sailed over Cotulla’s punter and through the back of the endzone for a safety.

Leading 2-0, Llano then converted two turnovers into 14-0 points and a 16-0 lead in the first.

“It was a tough one,” CHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Marcus Booker said. “They had more seniors (27) than I had players (25), but that is why I love these kids, because ever since pee-wee football, they all have to play both ways and never complain, they just show up and fight the fight.

“We just cant have six turnovers against a good team and expect good thing to happen. We tackled better but just got worn down. Every team we played this year went two platoon with their offense and defense and we have at least eight kids playing both ways.”

Briggs Green threw four touchdowns while Carson Kuykendall added a pair of rushing touchdowns to lead Llano.

Ulisses Martinez had a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery, setting up the Yellowjackets at the Cotulla 18 and 23 on two possessions.

Trailing 9-0, Cotulla tossed a pick at their own 28 that led to a Kuykendall score as Llano increased the margin to 16-0 in the first.

Martinez’ fumble recovery in the second led to a Green touchdown pass as Llano went up 30-0 just before the half.

Penalties then stalled Cotulla drives in the third quarter as the team could not get anything going on offense.

Cotulla then attempted a fake punt in the third on their own 28 but it was snuffed out by the Yellowjackets. They would then turn that into another Green scoring pass as the lead went to 37-0.

Another Cotulla drive stalled on downs at the Llano 36 and the Yellowjackets iced the game as Green needed one play to go 64 yards through the air for his fourth touchdown of the night.

“I love these boys for the effort and heart that they show every game night,” Booker said of his team. “Like I said, we do not play smart all the time, but we will play hard.

“I love these kids, especially the seniors who bought into what we are trying to do here. We will be back stronger and tougher next year.”

Cotulla closes out it season with a 6-5 mark overall and were 2-3 and fourth overall in District 14-3A, Division II. The team saw a four-game improvement from last season and made the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

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