Jefferson names Atley new football coach

(Festus) A new era of Jefferson Blue Jays football is dawning.

Former assistant Matt Atley will become the new head coach starting next season.

Atley steps in for Alex Rouggly, who will take on the full-time role of athletic director at Jefferson R-7 High School.

Having enjoyed his time around the program, Atley says he’s thrilled to not only stay with the Blue Jays, but to also take on a new leadership role.

Atley has been the offensive coordinator and playcaller for Jefferson over the last 3 seasons.

Behind stars like Colby Ott, Dylan Schnitzler and Drew Breeze, the Blue Jays averaged almost 35 points per game.

But while great players are a big part of the equation, Atley says there’s a method to calling an offense that is so productive.

Jefferson is in the middle of one of its best stretches of football in school history, winning 16 games since the start of 2020.

But Atley says he won’t strictly measure success for his program in on-field results.

Jefferson won its first district championship in football and reached the Class 2 state semifinals 2 years ago.

The Blue Jays went 7-3 this past season.

Matt Atley Full Interview

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