WESTVILLE YELLOWJACKETS
Coach: JORDAN BARLOW
1-9
OFFENSE
Westville is entering the season with renewed determination and a fresh perspective under new head coach Jordan Barlow. “There are a lot of changes going on within the program from coaches to style of play. Our kids are coming in and working hard every day and we believe this season will be a great opportunity to showcase the progress we are making and the direction the program is headed,” Barlow said. The Yellowjackets will transition from the Flexbone to a more multiple offensive system. “Our look may change week to week as we gameplan to find openings in the defense. We hope to have a very balanced attack that gives our guys opportunities to excel each Friday night,” Barlow explained. Key offensive performers include Alex Rider (5-8, 160, Sr.), who will be a highlight on both sides of the ball. Rider moved to Westville last year from Stilwell but was not granted eligibility. Kyle Kiddy (5-9, 170, So.) is also on the offensive roster at running back while tight end Brennon Gatewood (6-1, 180, Jr.) continues to draw the coach’s attention. The ability to win the line of scrimmage conflicts will include the efforts of Manny Latta (5-10, 230, Jr.), Jacob Settle (6-0, 260, Sr.) and Ryan Turman (5-10, 215, Jr.).
DEFENSE
Defensively, Westville will operate out of a 4-2-5 base formation with a two-shell coverage. “We look to be an aggressive, fundamentally sound defense with an emphasis on creating takeaways,” Barlow said. The Westville coach confirmed that Alex Rider will see double duty as a leader in the ‘Jackets secondary. “He’s just a tough kid that excels at every position we have put him at so far. We look for him to be one of our leaders on and off the field this year,” Barlow mentioned. Adding to the run/pass coverage will be Anthony Gates and Kyle Kiddy. Winning the battles on the line of scrimmage will rely upon several two-way heroes including Manny Latta, Jacob Settle and Ryan Turman while Brennon Gatewood brings edge pressure from his outside linebacker position as Yellowjackets’ defense aims to set the tone for the games with physicality and discipline.
