Aliceville High School Yellowjackets

ALICEVILLE, Ala. (WCBI) – The Rico Jackson era has begun in Aliceville. He took over a team that won nine games last season, but lost in the first round of the playoffs. He says he’s felt welcomed.

“The kids have been receptive of me since I’ve been here,” Jackson said. “The main thing we have to work on is the mental aspect of the game. If we can handle the mental aspect, I think we’re going to have a chance to be pretty good.”

“Coach Jackson, he got us working harder than ever,” senior lineman Anthony Brown said. “This is one of the best coaching staffs I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

“He’s a cool guy, positive,” senior athlete Daquan Curry said. “He’s a good role model to us so I know that’s going to take effect on the field.”

Jackson came from 5A Fairfield in Birmingham. He has 12 years of coaching experience and says he knows all about Aliceville’s success in 3A.

“Win baby,” Jackson said. “That’s what they do. The tradition is going to stay. I hope I can add to that tradition.”

The Yellow Jackets’ motto this season is “together,” as the team looks to replace 20 seniors.

“The seniors last year, that was a positive role model for us to step up and be more leaders,” Curry said.

The team starts off the season at Paul Bryant High School on August 21.