Reviving the Milton Yellow Jackets: A New Era Under a Familiar Face

As the high school football season approaches, the Milton Yellow Jackets are gearing up for a fresh start under the leadership of a familiar face. Dustin Rock, a 25-year-old former Castleton Spartan, has taken the reins as the new head coach, determined to guide his alma mater back to the playoffs and beyond.

Unlocking the Potential of the Yellow Jackets

A Homecoming for a Hometown Hero

Dustin Rock's journey to the head coaching position at Milton High School is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the game. After two years as an assistant coach under Jim Provost and Mike Williams, Rock now finds himself at the helm of the team he once played for, a dream come true for the young coach."This place means a lot to me," Rock expressed. "I went on to play at Castleton, and that would've never been possible without this place. I think we're seeing the effects of where we left off last year, and that our tough loss in Fair Haven didn't really knock these guys down."With a deep understanding of the school's football program and the community it serves, Rock is poised to leverage his intimate knowledge to propel the Yellow Jackets to new heights.

Building on Last Year's Momentum

The 2022 season saw the Yellow Jackets experience a rollercoaster of emotions, with a dominant early-season victory over Missisquoi followed by a dry spell until mid-October. However, a big win over Spaulding and a miraculous comeback against Mt. Abe-Vergennes sent the team to the playoffs for the first time in five years."We'll learn from the mistakes we made last year, and we'll be able to use what we did in those last two games to carry us through the season," said senior lineman Quintin Mitchell.The team's late-season surge has instilled a renewed sense of energy and determination among the players, as they look to build on that momentum and establish themselves as a regular playoff contender.

Filling the Void of Key Departures

The Yellow Jackets will have to navigate the loss of several key contributors from last year's team, including Kayden Geraw and Matt Zeno. However, with a strong offensive line and the return of targets like Sam Plouffe, the team is confident in its ability to adapt and overcome these challenges."It has carried on into camp," fellow senior lineman Kenyon Burke said. "We have great energy right now. Everyone's bonding together. It's gonna be a great year."The team's resilience and determination to build on their late-season success will be crucial as they look to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.

A Renewed Sense of Hunger and Motivation

Under Rock's leadership, the Yellow Jackets have embraced a renewed sense of hunger and motivation, driven by the desire to prove themselves and reclaim their rightful place in the playoff picture."They came in this year, very, very hungry," Rock observed. "The effort, the energy and the heart, it's all there. They found this drive and this motivation."This newfound energy and drive will be essential as the team prepares to face off against Chittenden County rival Colchester in their season opener on August 30th. The Yellow Jackets are determined to use this game as a springboard to launch their campaign for a successful season and a return to the postseason.