7 on 7 team qualifies for state tourney
By Donnie A. Lucas
Albany’s 7on7 football team qualified for the state tournament last Friday at McMurry University.
The Lions defeated Merkel 13-7 in the D3 championship game to advance to the state tournament set for June 24-26 in College Station.
The Albany group, coached by Anthony Ceder, ended up in a three-way tie for first in pool play, then defeated Merkel to qualify for state.
The Albany 7on7 summer football team started the season late, failing to qualify for the state tournament in their first qualifying tourney in Archer City on June 5. The Lions had big wins over Olney 42-0 and Merkel 39-6, but lost to Archer City in the final round, 20-14.
The Lions were in a four-team pool along with Hawley, Comanche, and Brady at the McMurry tournament, which was the final day to qualify.
“We had the best team in the pool to move on to the qualifier round,” Ceder said. “All the games were tight.”
Albany defeated Comanche 25-13 in the first round, but lost to Hawley, 14-13.
“That loss didn’t count because Hawley had already qualified in a previous tournament,” the coach said. “We then lost to Brady, 13-12, which created a three-way tie which we won for first place in the pool.”
The Lions were then pitted against Merkel, winner of the other pool, earning the 13-7 victory that Ceder said was a defensive battle.
“The heat was a big factor, and the kids were exhausted,” Ceder said. “But they pulled off the win.”
Ceder said both London Fuentes and Cole Chapman played well at quarterback, while Adam Hill, Cooper Fairchild, Cole Chapman, Brooks Neece, and Jaheim Newton “all played key roles on offense.”
He commended Keatin Russell, Caden Price, and Ryan Mark for their defensive play.
“Our younger guys – Ashton Bailey, Cason Fairchild, Samuel Rosas and Lute Wheeler – all added key contributions throughout the day,” he said. “I am very proud of their effort, grit, endurance, and toughness.”
Albany teams have participated in 7on7 for the past seven summers, having advanced to the state tournament twice.
“One thing that I’m always proud of in 7on7 is that we are committed to running actual Albany plays on both sides of the ball,” Ceder said. “I really think our kids got better at what we do these last two weeks.”
Albany is competing in the Division 3 bracket which includes 2A and 3A high schools.
The Archer City tournament was the first of the season for the Albany team since several players had been involved in the Albany Lions baseball playoffs.
Albany ISD coaches are not allowed to assist with the summer program, which keys on skilled positions and gaining experience along with team bonding.
