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7 on 7 team plays first games

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Albany News

Albany’s 7on7 football team went 1-2 in their first games of the season, as they prepare to enter tournament play. 

The local team played three games at the Lee School Complex in Abilene on Thursday, May 30 to start their season.

Eight players made the trip to Abilene, where they competed against Haskell, Merkel, and Merkel JV.

The team lost to Haskell 35-21, lost to Merkel 14-7, and then beat Merkel JV 49-6.

Albany was shorthanded because many local players are still involved in baseball playoffs.

“A lot of the guys that play for us are still playing baseball,” said coach Spencer Newsom. “It will definitely give us a boost to get them back.”

The group that went to Abilene last week consisted of eight players, with only two of those playing on the varsity football team the previous year. Seven players is the minimum needed to have a team.

“We were definitely a little rusty, and we made a few mistakes that we normally wouldn’t make,” said Newsom. “Still, we played well overall, and it was very encouraging to see the guys get out there and play hard. The first couple of games are always a little rough as the guys get used to playing football again.”

The team will compete in qualifying tournaments in Archer City June 7 and in Abilene on June 14.

The winner of the qualifying tournament will advance to the state 7on7 tournament in College Station on June 27 and 28.

Albany did not qualify for the state tournament last year.

Teams representing Class 1A through 6A are all present at the state tournament, where teams are put into divisions based on classification.

Anthony Cedar will join Newsom on the coaching staff.

Newsom is looking forward to the season ahead.

“We showed a lot of good things in the games that we’ve played so far,” said Newsom. “We should have a great team once we shake off the rust and get our full squad back. I’m excited to coach these guys and see them play.”

The team is scheduled to have practice games at the Lee School Complex on June 10 and June 17 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.