Class A Division I Region III
Semifinal

Alto Yellowjackets (10-2)
vs.
Bosqueville Bulldogs (11-1)

7:30 p.m. Friday
Buffalo Bison Stadium, Buffalo

Coaches
Alto: Keith Gardner
Bosqueville: Clint Zander

Road to Regionals

Alto

  • Bi-district: def. Harleton, 35-9
  • Area: def. Hull-Daisetta, 35-28

 

Bosqueville

  • Bi-district: def. Colmesneil, 63-41
  • Area: def. Joaquin, 21-20

 

Next week: Winner plays San Augustine (9-2) or Mart (9-2) in the 1A Division I Region III final.

 

Playmakers

Alto

  • RB Jacolby Whitaker (244 carries, 2,246 yards, 31 TDs; 8 catches 101 yards, 1 TD)
  • QB Zac Sturns (43 of 90, 841 yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT; 176 carries, 1,057 yards, 11 TDs)
  • WR Anfernee Black (17 catches, 310 yards, 4 TDs)
  • RB Jyran Shaw (66 carries, 551 yards, 5 TDs)
  • WR David Berryman (8 catches, 148 yards, 1 TD)

 

Bosqueville

  • QB C.J. Collins (141 of 231, 2,233 yards, 28 TDs, 9 INTs; 76 carries, 553 yards, 7 TDs)
  • RB Greyson Gonzalez (122 carries, 978 yards, 7 TDs)
  • RB R.J. Bell (58 carries, 432 yards, 13 TDs)
  • WR Chase Hood (39 catches, 680 yards, 7 TDs)
  • WR J.T. Antis (40 catches, 622 yards, 12 TDs)

 

Just the facts

  • Alto is in the third round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2007 team went 14-0 and won its second consecutive state championship.
  • Under head coach Keith Gardner, the Yellowjackets have compiled a record of 79-18 in his eight seasons. Since 1993, Alto has become of the most consistent programs in the state with a combined record of 216-46 with a pair of state titles and one state runner-up finish.
  • Alto is averaging 40.3 points per game offensively, while its defense surrenders an average of 22.8 a game.
  • The combined record of Alto opponents is 61-66.
  • Bosqueville's only loss of the season came to Mart, 36-7, in the last game of the regular season.
  • The Bulldogs average 42.7 points per game, while their defense allows 16.5. The combined record of Bosqueville's opponents is 71-59.

 

Key matchup: Alto running game vs. Bosqueville defensive front. The Yellowjackets have gotten to 10 wins this season thanks in large part to its dynamic rushing duo of quarterback Zac Sturns and running back Jacolby Whitaker. The two have combined to rush for 3,303 yards and 42 touchdowns on the season. Bosqueville has experience defending a running attack similar to that of Alto, and that was in the regular-season finale against Mart. The Bulldogs surrendered 373 rushing yards to Mart, which had three ball carriers eclipse the 100-yard plateau. Bosqueville's defense will need to play much better against the run in order to keep its hopes of a rematch with Mart alive. If the Bulldogs are able to contain Alto's ground game, the Yellowjackets will have to rely on Sturns' abilities through the air. For the season, Sturns has only attempted 90 passes and averages just 70 passing yards per game. So finding success on the ground will be key for Alto.

 

Don't be surprised if: Alto tries to make a few more plays through the air, especially early in the game, in order to keep Bosqueville's defense honest. The Yellowjackets know Bosqueville's defensive game plan will involve a major focus on shutting down the run, so there might be a few big plays in the passing game that can be had for Alto. If the 'Jackets are able to open up the Bulldogs defense a little bit, finding success running the football will be made much easier.

More From East Texas Sports Network