StingEmALTO Posted September 28 Share Posted September 28 (edited) The Alto Yellowjackets will be back at home to host the Grapeland Sandies in a District 11-2A D2 showdown this Friday on Cam'ron Matthews Field at Jacket Stadium; kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. The Jackets escaped with a win over the Cushing Bearkats last Friday 27-24 while the Sandies fell to the Overton Mustangs 41-36. Many saw that loss as an upset. Through the first five games of the season, Alto is averaging 37 points per game while allowing 8.6 PPG. Grapeland is averaging 35.6 points per game while allowing 22 PPG. This will be the 65th meeting of the Jackets and the Sandies with Alto leading the series 40-23-1. The last meeting was in 2021 with the Mean Sting winning 49-14. The year before saw the Sandies break the 12-game Alto winning streak with a 50-28 Grapeland win. The Grapeland Sandies are coached by fourth year AD/HFC Jordan Wood. The Sandies return 20 lettermen with 6 lost to graduation; they return 8 offensive and 9 defensive starters from a 2-8 (1-5 district) 2023 squad. Dave Campbell's Texas Football picks the Sandies to finish fifth in District 11-2A D2 behind Lovelady, Mt. Enterprise, Overton, Tenaha, and ahead of Alto and Cushing. ALTO ( 5-0 / 1-0 ) W1 - @ GROVETON. 28-12 W W2 - CAYUGA 34-0 W W3 - HULL-DAISETTA 55-0 W W4 - @ WINONA 41-7 W W5 - @ CUSHING 27-24 W GRAPELAND ( 3-2 /0-1 ) W1 - @ CAYUGA 36-14 W W2 - BREMOND 44-32 W W3 - @ FRANKSTON 14-17 L W4 - GROVETON 48-6 W W5 - OVERTON 36-41 L Edited October 1 by StingEmALTO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackandGoldalum Posted September 28 Share Posted September 28 This could be a good game . Cushing game should not have been as close as it was multiple drives stalled by penalties. If Alto has a clean game and several starters are back it could be a good one . Of course I think Grapeland has a pretty good team this year to . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RETIREDFAN1 Posted September 28 Share Posted September 28 Grapeland Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kat77 Posted September 28 Share Posted September 28 It appears you don’t know which Grapeland team will show up! Looks like they’re either on or off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 28 Author Share Posted September 28 (edited) 35 minutes ago, Kat77 said: It appears you don’t know which Grapeland team will show up! Looks like they’re either on or off I just wish it was closer to basketball season…..I’d have a better idea. lol Sandies love the round ball! Edited September 28 by StingEmALTO 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kat77 Posted September 28 Share Posted September 28 21 minutes ago, StingEmALTO said: I just wish it was closer to basketball season…..I’d have a better idea. lol Sandies love the round ball! Right! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KirtFalcon Posted September 28 Share Posted September 28 Alto with the home cookin dub .... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 29 Author Share Posted September 29 5 hours ago, KirtFalcon said: Alto with the home cookin dub .... 14 points and all 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gametyme Posted September 29 Share Posted September 29 My nephew plays for Grapeland so go Sandies although I picked Alto to win lol. Grapeland is capable but the QB play is sketchy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blesseddaily Posted September 29 Share Posted September 29 This is going to be a good game! Coach Wood is trying hard to change the mindset of the Sandies but it's a tough fight!!! They show flashes of being a solid team but then there are those other flashes!! LOL!! Pretty sure I am going to make the trip up and watch this one!! What is the best "Friday night food" offered at the Alto concession stand?? Or should I eat before I get there!! LOL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 29 Author Share Posted September 29 (edited) 7 hours ago, Gametyme said: My nephew plays for Grapeland so go Sandies although I picked Alto to win lol. Grapeland is capable but the QB play is sketchy. Hope your nephew doesn’t see this post! Appreciate the vote though! Lol Good luck to that young man this week. Edited September 29 by StingEmALTO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 29 Author Share Posted September 29 (edited) 6 hours ago, blesseddaily said: This is going to be a good game! Coach Wood is trying hard to change the mindset of the Sandies but it's a tough fight!!! They show flashes of being a solid team but then there are those other flashes!! LOL!! Pretty sure I am going to make the trip up and watch this one!! What is the best "Friday night food" offered at the Alto concession stand?? Or should I eat before I get there!! LOL!! Why is it a “tough fight?” Just curious as to the statement. I mean, I know a little bit about Grapeland….I know they love basketball more than life. Coach Wood is in year 4 as the head man. Surely those guys and the folks are on board by now! And Grapeland has had some solid coaches of late even before Wood with the likes of Terry Ward and Wayne Mahaffey. Anyway. Just curious what “mindset” he’s dealing with here. As far a as concessions go, we are blessed to have the manager of the Jacksonville Chili’s as an Alto guy! He currently has a senior cheerleader and his two boys are AHS grads so he’s been in charge of the concession stand for a few years now. I recommend the JACKET BURGER meal. If you get into town early enough Lindsey’s Lazy L BBQ can't be beat. This was their menu from this past Friday. Hilary will fix you up! There’s also Miss Mollies and a pizza shop called Rise Up in downtown Alto, and the Taqueria which is down by First Baptist (I recommend the quesadillas and also the fajita bowl). Oh yeah, and also we’ve grown up in Alto. There is Jack’s Mule Barn (at the old DQ) for any beverage needs you may have and also a vape/CBD shop if that floats your boat. Wanna trade in your truck for a new Dodge Ram or buy the wife a Jeep? Stop by Pearman’s and talk to Lee or Bob. They are open on Friday’s until 6:00 I think! Edited September 29 by StingEmALTO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blesseddaily Posted September 29 Share Posted September 29 LOLOL!! No vapes or alcoholic beverages needed!! Thanks for the information on the menu, it sounds great!! You are correct about past coaches...Coach Mahaffey has helped Jordan immensely in getting his program accepted and the kids to buy in. Coach Mahaffey is very special to our family because he gave me my first coaching job!! Great guy and very good coach!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 29 Author Share Posted September 29 Just now, blesseddaily said: LOLOL!! No vapes or alcoholic beverages needed!! Thanks for the information on the menu, it sounds great!! You are correct about past coaches...Coach Mahaffey has helped Jordan immensely in getting his program accepted and the kids to buy in. Coach Mahaffey is very special to our family because he gave me my first coaching job!! Great guy and very good coach!! Mahaffeys are good foks! Cherokee County neighbors FOR YEARS! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 29 Author Share Posted September 29 1 minute ago, blesseddaily said: LOLOL!! No vapes or alcoholic beverages needed!! Thanks for the information on the menu, it sounds great!! You are correct about past coaches...Coach Mahaffey has helped Jordan immensely in getting his program accepted and the kids to buy in. Coach Mahaffey is very special to our family because he gave me my first coaching job!! Great guy and very good coach!! Now about that “mindset…” jkjkjk 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gametyme Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 (edited) 4 hours ago, StingEmALTO said: Hope your nephew doesn’t see this post! Appreciate the vote though! Lol Good luck to that young man this week. Lol right and thanks. I wanted to go to the game but my son has a game that night for Lufkin in Beaumont so I'll have to wait and catch their game on the 11th Edited September 30 by Gametyme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lion1996 Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 (edited) I’m picking Grapeland. Just think the bremond game was the best win out of these 2. Both played Cayuga and Groveton. Alto beat Cayuga by more and Grapeland beats Groveton by more. But I heard a bunch quit Groveton after the lovelady game. So Grapeland played a different team if that happened. Edited September 30 by Lion1996 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 30 Author Share Posted September 30 5 minutes ago, Gametyme said: Lol right and thanks. I wanted to go to the game but my son has a game that night for Lufkin in Beaumont so I'll have to wait and catch their game on the 11th Well that makes sense. LP! LP! LP! Lufkin is just 5 points from being 5-0! Good for them. 4-game winning streak and you must be a happy man lol Good luck to your son at Beaumont Westbrook this week! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 30 Author Share Posted September 30 8 minutes ago, Lion1996 said: I’m picking Grapeland. Just think the bremond game was the best win out of these 2. Both played Cayuga and Groveton. Alto beat Cayuga by more and Grapeland beats Groveton by more. But I heard a bunch quit Groveton after the lovelady game. So Grapeland played a different team if that happened. I had heard that about Groveton losing some kids as well. Not sure the situation but looks like they are going through it based on the scores. Hard year for the Indians. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washington76 Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 On 9/28/2024 at 3:00 PM, StingEmALTO said: The Alto Yellowjackets will be back at home to host the Grapeland Sandies in a District 11-2A D2 showdown this Friday on Cam'ron Matthews Field at Jacket Stadium; kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. The Jackets escaped with a win over the Cushing Bearkats last Friday 27-24 while the Sandies fell to the Overton Mustangs 41-36. Many saw that loss as an upset. Through the first five games of the season, Alto is averaging 37 points per game while allowing 8.6 PPG. Grapeland is averaging 35.6 points per game while allowing 22 PPG. This will be the 65th meeting of the Jackets and the Sandies with Alto leading the series 40-23-1. The last meeting was in 2021 with the Mean Sting winning 49-14. The year before saw the Sandies break the 12-game Alto winning streak with a 50-28 Grapeland win. I will get more info up about Grapeland's returning starters etc....later. For now: ALTO ( 5-0 / 1-0 ) W1 - @ GROVETON. 28-12 W W2 - CAYUGA 34-0 W W3 - HULL-DAISETTA 55-0 W W4 - @ WINONA 41-7 W W5 - @ CUSHING 27-24 W GRAPELAND ( 3-2 /0-1 ) W1 - @ CAYUGA 36-14 W W2 - BREMOND 44-32 W W3 - @ FRANKSTON 14-17 L W4 - GROVETON 48-6 W W5 - OVERTON 36-41 L My father played safety on the 1977 team that beat Alto 67-0. He blocked a couple of punts, and took one and an interception back for a touchdown. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue42 Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 Rooting for Alto but it could go either way. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 30 Author Share Posted September 30 (edited) 3 hours ago, Washington76 said: My father played safety on the 1977 team that beat Alto 67-0. He blocked a couple of punts, and took one and an interception back for a touchdown. Sounds like he had a heckuva game that night! 1977 was the first 0-10 season in Alto history, followed up by another 0-10 season in 1978......until last season the only two in 97 years of Alto football history. 67-0 is a complete thrashing. Wow. 2 of my favorite Alto/Grapeland memories involves my dad and my son. Dad story: For years anytime we played Grapeland I heard the story from my dad about his senior year (1965) when Grapeland was ranked #3 in the state. The game was played at the old Student Field in Alto and 12 Yellowjackets (yes TWELVE) were suited up that night for the game vs. the #3 Sandies. Alto was circled up near the north goal post on the Hwy 294 end of the field ("like a softball team" because there were so few of them. lol) to warmup during pre-game when Grapeland came out of the dressing room on the same end of the field, just west of the gate that lead onto the field. Instead of Grapeland coming through the gate and heading down to the south end of the field, they ("about 30 of them" lol) proceeded to "run through our goal post and busted right through our huddle." Welp. That didn't go over well apparently. My dad was QB and played free safety/linebacker and his job that night was to tackle the big Grapeland RB Sheridan all night long "whether he had the ball or not." LOL That pre-game entry kind of stirred up those Jackets and by night's end Alto had beaten the #3 Sandies 17-0. Years later when Tom Guidry's boys were at Alto and he was coaching here, he and my dad were hanging out at a birthday party and Tom brought that up. He was a sophomore on that team in 1965 and he told my dad he remembered it well and that he didn't think at the time that "that was a very good idea. I didn't have anything to do with it." lol Son story: Sophomore year (2020) Alto had lost 19 seniors from the previous year's team and literally had 11 sophomores on the field at various times. We played Grapeland in Alto that year against BJ Lamb & Co. and the Sandies were a tough team that year. We had a 12-game winning streak over Grapeland on the line and they took it to us that night 50-28. As our boys were huddled on the scoreboard end with the coaches after the defeat, the Sandies came by and let's just say they were very jubilant to have broken that streak that dated back to 1991......to the point that my son was heading to their locker room after the game when his best friend and teammate (a freshman I had coached in baseball since he was just a kid) helped him calm down. One (or two) vs. an entire team are not good odds and the boys went home. Flash forward a year and those same sophomores who were now juniors went to Grapeland to face a highly touted Wiley & Co. and brought home the win 49-14. Remembering back to the year before made that victory all the more sweeter. lol (My dad’s drawing as he is explaining to me how Grapeland came onto the field! ) Edited September 30 by StingEmALTO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 30 Author Share Posted September 30 1 hour ago, Blue42 said: Rooting for Alto but it could go either way. Thanks and YOU'RE RIGHT. I think it will come down (as does in most cases) whose defense gets the most stops. Turnovers will be huge, too. Gotta limit penalities and play a clean game and take advantage of mistakes and field position. Maybe we are evenly matched, maybe not. I know it will be a fight. Looking forward to the Booster Club meeting tomorrow night to hear from the coaches! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gametyme Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 20 hours ago, StingEmALTO said: Well that makes sense. LP! LP! LP! Lufkin is just 5 points from being 5-0! Good for them. 4-game winning streak and you must be a happy man lol Good luck to your son at Beaumont Westbrook this week! Thanks and it's been a good year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingEmALTO Posted September 30 Author Share Posted September 30 (edited) 28 minutes ago, Gametyme said: Thanks and it's been a good year. I like it when Lufkin is winning. Been to several of their battles over the years when they played Southlake Carroll, JT, REL. Y'all keep it up! Edited September 30 by StingEmALTO 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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