Llano scores fourth quarter TD for win

Salado Eagles scored 24 unanswered points against Llano Oct. 2, but the Yellowjackets scored 13 points to overcome a 10 point deficit for a 27-24 win.

The Eagles are now 0-6 on the year and travel to Caldwell, where they will face the 3-3 Tigers in district 11-4A football.

Sophomore quarterback Ryan Kyburz threw for three touchdowns and as many interceptions on the night.

Llano scored two touchdowns in the first period, the first on a three yard dive by Mason Greenwood on the Yellowjackets first possession with 8:51 left in the first.

The Yellowjackets took advantage of the first of three Kyburz interceptions, to take over the ball  in Salado territory. Wyatt Chambliss hit Cody Miller for a 21 yard touchdown with 1:07 left in the first. John Heflin slanted in over the left side for a two-point conversion and 14-0 lead.

Llano intercepted another pass in their own territory but a snap went past the backfield and the Yellowjackets were forced to give up a safety in the second quarter for a 14-2 lead.

The Eagles scored on the ensuing series on a 13 yard pass from Kyburz to Tyler Stairs. Alex Carmona made the score 9-14.

After stopping Llano, the Eagles scored again in the second quarter on a sustained drive. Facing third and five, Eagle running back Trey Sheppard was caught in the backfield, but broke the tackle and changed direction to get a first down on a 20 yard run at the Llano 25 yard line. Hayden Ebeling gave the Eagles a first and goal before a defensive offside put the ball at the Yellowjacket two yard line. Kyburz was stopped in the backfield on the next play, before he hit Cody Chambliss for the TD. Cardenas’ kick gave Salado a 16-14 halftime lead.

In the third period, Kyburz hit Chambliss at the 45 yard line coming across the field and he ran untouched into the endzone for a 71 yard touchdown. He hit Drew Dobbins on a quick strike for the two-point conversion and a 24-14 lead.

Llano would close the lead to 24-20 on a 27 yard run by Greenwood. Chambliss ran past his blocker to block the point-after kick as the Eagles carried a 24-20 lead into the final quarter of play.

The Yellowjackets forced Salado to punt, partially blocking it for a short one that gave them the ball at the 44 yard line. Eight plays later, quarterback Casey dove in on a sneak from the 1 yard line for the go-ahead touchdown.

Salado had one last chance to drive the field. Facing fourth and two, Kyburz hit Sheppard for a screen pass that earned 25 yards and a first down near midfield, but Salado could not move the ball any closer as time ran out for the Eagles.