Preview: Alto Yellow Jackets Football

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

 ALTO – The Alto Yellowjackets have a long history of winning football and that legacy is one of the reasons for the arrival of Alto’s new Head Coach Rusty Meeks.

“What was intriguing – from my standpoint – is the tradition that’s been here. This is a really great place to work and the past tradition makes it very intriguing for a coach,” Meeks said.

The Yellowjackets will be use a two-back offense with multiple formations “… but we like to spread it around and get everyone involved as much as we can,” the head coach said. “Defensively, we’re going to run an odd stack – a 3-3 stack – and do best to bring as much pressure as we can.”

Meeks said one of the team’s strengths heading into the season is at the running back position.

“I feel like we have some good depth there. It’s no secret that we’re going to rely on those guys as much as we can,” he said.

As far as areas where the team needs work is in the development of the offensive line.

“We’ve got some guys there who haven’t played there yet or haven’t played there before. So, you’ve got guys that are new to the position or haven’t had much playing time. We’ve got the guys to do it, we just have to them comfortable,” Meeks indicated.

“The same applies defensively,” he continued. “Those are areas where we just need some more practice time.”

Alto finished last year with a record of 4-7 and will bring back four offensive starters and six defensive starters, among the 16 returning letterman.

As October turns into November, Meeks said he would like to be in the thick of the hunt for a district championship.

“Right now, they (prognosticators) have us picked second or third behind Carlisle and Big Sandy. I think if we can stay injury free, we’ve a got short of competing for the title,” he said.

The Yellowjackets will compete in District 10-2A DI along with:  the Big Sandy Wildcats; the Cushing Bearkats; the Union Grove Lions; the Hawkins Hawks; and the Price Carlisle Indians.

Players to watch include: Fred Thacker; Clayton Taylor; Harmon West; Vidareous High; Foster Hall and Todd Duplichain.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected]

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