Alto teams head to post-season play
BY LELAND ACKER

The Alto baseball and softball teams are preparing to kick-off their 2007 playoff runs this week against notable opponents. The Yellowjacket baseball team will face off in Jacksonville against La Poynor in a three-game Bidistrict championship series which will begin Friday at 7 p.m. at Norman Field on the campus of Jacksonville High School. Game-two will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at the same location, with game-three to follow if necessary.

"La Poynor has solid pitching and is a fairly well-rounded team," said Head Coach John Paul Dixon.

Coach Dixon's Jackets took second place in district with a 9-3 record. Friday, they wrapped up the regular season with a 12-2 win over Chireno. Clint Dover went 3- 3 from the plate, while Jared Moore went 3-4. Tarlandus Mitchell was the winning pitcher and also hit 2-4 from the plate.

"We've had a good year," Coach Dixon said. "We have a lot of young players, and we'll get them back next year."

Lady Jackets face Grapeland

On the softball diamond, the Lady Jackets have wrapped up their ninth consecutive district title with a 12-0 district record. Alto will play Grapeland, who is ranked third in the state of Texas, at 7 p.m. Thursday in Crockett for the Area title.

"They have a great pitcher and are known for their hitting," said Head Coach Sharon Reid. "Hopefully, we can score enough runs to beat them."

Coach Reid said the Lady Jackets have pulled together as a team and know what it will take to beat Grapeland.

"Hard work should pay off."