OVERTON, Texas — **EDITOR'S NOTE: Overton High School's enrollment is 155, not 250 as stated in the video above, per the latest numbers provided by the OISD school board.
The Overton Mustangs are set to host the Alto Yellowjackets in a District 2A showdown with playoff implications on the line.
The Mustangs had a historic season last season, finishing 10-2 which was their best record since 1993. However, this year they're 5-2 by falling to Alba-Golden in week one, and Lovelady last Friday.
On the other hand, Alto went 0-10 last season because of the team's playoff ban, but this year they're making good strides going into Friday's game 5-2.
Coming off a historic season could put pressure on the Mustangs to perform better than they did last year, but Overton Head Coach Scotty Laymance commended his team on their resilience throughout the season.
"We kind of got off to a rough start, losing that first game to Alba. So that kind of knocked out the undefeated season and that's kind of a goal for us starting the year" Laymance said. "So our kids did a great job of regrouping, bouncing back, and trying to really show what what we're capable."
Laymance is embracing the high expectations surrounding his team because that means they're doing something right, and he knows his team is still in a good playoff hopeful position being No. 4 in district.
Alto was made ineligible for the 2022 Texas High school football playoffs after the UIL State Executive Committee ruled that the school turned in an incorrect enrollment number. The Yellowjackets were put on a playoff ban, resulting in a poor overall season record and loss of motivation from the team.
Head Coach Brock Grigsby took over the Yellowjackets in 2022 after Lance Gamble resigned after just one season. Grigsby is pleased with his team this season and their ability to take on a 'no excuses' mindset.
"A year ago, we kind of had every excuse in the world to not be successful," Grigsby said. "Moving into this year, our team motto has been 'find a way.'"
Overton will host Alto this Friday at 7:30 p.m.
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