GATTO'S GOT GAME: ‘He brings a level of intensity to the team that you absolutely must have,” Seahawk coach says

Standing 5 feet, 8 inches and weighing in at 160 pounds, Jay Gatto does not look like your typical running back, but don’t tell that to the opposing defenders who attempt to tackle him under the Friday night lights.

Gatto, South Walton High School’s junior running back and linebacker, is menacing on the field. Coming off a career day against Vernon, Gatto will be the first to tell you that he doesn’t even keep up with the stats.

Stretched back in Coach David Barron’s office, Gatto said that he is just a normal teenager.

“I like to eat pizza and eat ice cream,” Gatto said. “AC/DC is my favorite rock band.”

Gatto went to see AC/DC last year in Cincinnati with his brother and a friend, joking that he even skipped football practice to go.

“It was probably the best thing that I have ever done in my life so far,” Gatto said.

When not playing football, he likes to relax at home, watching television and playing on the computer.

Gatto is still relatively new to the area, moving to South Walton from Louisville, Ky., last year. He said that it was a relatively easy transition for him, having moved in with a few friends he knew from home when he arrived in Florida.

Gatto said that he lived about 25 minutes from downtown Louisville.

“There are so many bridges and stuff there,” Gatto said. “I still barely even know how to get through there, and I lived there for eleven years.”

Barron has also made the transition easier for Gatto.

“I love him, compared to my old coach” Gatto said. “He is really cool and just like a friend.”

Gatto said that Barron is easy to relate to, making sure to note that the coach will be the first to get in your face when necessary.

The feeling of mutual admiration is apparent when you listen to Coach Barron talk about Gatto. He has nothing but the best to say about the young man.

“Jay Gatto is a winner,” Barron said. “He brings a level of intensity to the team that you absolutely must have.”

On the season Gatto has 92 carries for 628 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per carry, and seven touchdowns, in addition to 14 receptions for 188 yards, and a touchdown, according to www.maxpreps.com.

Gatto had 65 yards on the ground and 26 through the air, in addition to his two touchdowns, a sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery in last week’s game against Vernon.
Barron said that Gatto is a big time competitor on the field and that off the field he is a clown.

“I remember one day Jay came up to me in the dressing room and gave me a big hug and a kiss on the cheek,” Barron said.