7on7 team heads to state tournament
By Donnie A. Lucas
The Albany 7on7 football team is scheduled to play at the state tournament beginning Thursday (today) in College Station.
The Albany team will play in Pool H, which also includes Gunter, Mildred, and Eldorado. The Lions will play each of the other teams in the pool to determine which groups advance into bracket play on Friday.
Albany’s pool games are set for 1:00 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, according to coach Anthony Ceder.
Albany is competing among Division 3 teams at the tournament, which includes 1A through 3A schools.
The pool games will be played at Veterans Field in College Station.
“Our players are excited to go compete against the best,” Ceder said. “The state tournament is always a fun time for bonding and building team chemistry.”
Albany advanced to the state tournament in 2019. No games were played in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The local team got a late start due to UIL playoffs in baseball, competing in their first 7on7 tournament on June 5 in Archer City.
Albany just missed qualifying in Archer City by a touchdown but was able to fill a spot at the tournament played on June 11 at McMurry University.
The Lions defeated Merkel 13-7 in the final round to qualify for the state tournament.
The team is expected to take about 15 players to College Station for the tournament.
The state tournament is sponsored by Adidas, with players receiving uniforms and other accessories provided by the brand.
“We are excited to keep gaining momentum as we prepare for what is going to be a special year,” Ceder said.
The 7on7 game is very similar to flag football and is played on a 45-yard field, with seven players per side. There’s no rushing; it’s all passing, and the quarterbacks have four seconds to throw the ball.
Games are played in two 15-minute halves, and the clock never stops.
Teams qualify for the State 7on7 Tournament by advancing out of one of the numerous qualifying tournaments which begin in early May.
Participating squads are divided into three divisions: Division I plays 6A, 5A and large private schools, while Division II play consists of Class 4A, 3A Division I (large school) and small private schools. The Division III bracket includes schools in Class 3A Division II and below, including 1A and 2A schools.
