Yellowjackets give Alto another state championship title for Christmas
BY LELAND ACKER

As the final whistle blew and a crowd of excited fans took the field following Alto's 22-0 victory over the Seymour Panthers, an emotional Keith Gardner, Alto head football coach and athletic director, accepted the state championship trophy and began an extended session of post-game interviews.

"I was excited for the kids and the coaches," Coach Gardner said. "Last year was easier. This year, we had to battle the entire year."

Coach Gardner said 2007 is a memorable year for the Alto Yellowjackets.

"We have good memories and great ball games," he said. "Being a part of two (state championship teams) is extraordinary. I am proud of all of the kids and the coaches. This is something they'll relish when they get to be my age."

Coach Gardner said watching the seniors graduate gets tougher every year.

"This group of seniors is a real special group of kids," he said. "They've provided us with great leadership and great play. They'll always be special in my heart."

"We couldn't ask for a better way to go out," said linebacker Clayton Scott. "We went 28-0 our junior and senior years and many of us played on the varsity our sophomore year. We only lost two games our sophomore year, so we went 37-2."

Scott said winning a second consecutive state championship is an amazing experience.

"Last year was great," he said. "This year is even more special. It felt great."

Scott helped anchor a defense, which decimated the Seymour offensive line.

"The defensive line ate them up all day long," he said. We out-ran them and beat them the whole game. The defensive linemen had two sacks each."

Linebacker and running back Lance Low had a stellar evening, scoring one touchdown and making the final interception, which allowed Alto to run out the clock.

"It was just unbelievable," Low said. "I knew we had to get the ball back, and I jumped up there… it was just unbelievable."

Quarterback Tarlandus Mitchell kept the Alto offense churning. Mitchell carried the ball 28 times for 147 yards. Often, it took several defenders to bring him down.

"This year we had to overcome injuries and minor obstacles, closer games and improved ball clubs," Coach Gardner said. "They all stand out, it's hard to pinpoint any one (memorable game)."

Coach Gardner said he will enjoy the state championship win over the holidays, but added his thoughts are already shifting toward next year. Alto will face UIL district realignment in February before next year's schedule is set. The team will look to replace its 10 graduating seniors during the off-season.

Clayton Scott (55) tackles a Seymour rusher for a loss during Alto's 22-0 state championship win. Scott, a third year starter for the Jackets, will graduate this year following two state titles and being named Defensive Player of the Year by Dave Campbell's Texas Football his junior year. PHOTO: LEANN JONES