7on7 team qualifies for state

Albany 7on7 team members went 3-0 in their qualifying tournament in Archer City this last Saturday, meaning that they have now qualified for the state 7on7 tournament in College Station on June 27 and 28.

The team had a few more players available for this tournament, as some of those that were previously playing baseball joined the team for the games in Archer City.

Local players faced off against Wink, Holliday, and the host team Archer City.

The team is coached by Anthony Cedar and Spencer Newsom.

Newsom was pleased with how the younger members of his team played.

“Our young guys really stepped up during this tournament,” said Newsom. “I was very impressed with how well they played on both sides of the ball.”

While the team was scheduled to also compete in another qualifying tournament in Abilene on June 14, that could possibly change.

“We are currently trying to decide if we will be going to our other qualifying tournament, since we are already qualified,” said Newsom.

The team also plays in exhibition games at the Lee School Complex, playing games there on May 30 and June 10, with more scheduled for June 17.

Teams from across Texas representing Class 1A through 6A attend the state tournament in College Station, and teams are put into divisions based on classification.

Albany did not qualify for the 7on7 state tournament last year.

Newsom thinks that having so many players available will be key to Albany’s success on the field.

“We have a lot of depth on our team this year,” said Newsom. “We have more guys wanting to play 7on7 this year than we have ever had before. It will definitely come in handy to have a lot of guys that are ready to step in and play.”

Each team is allowed to bring 20 players to the state tournament.