Albany prepares for 7-on-7 state tournament in College Station
By Melinda Lucas
Albany’s 7-on-7 team is on the practice field this week as players get ready for their upcoming trip to the Division III State Tournament, set for June 26-27 in College Station.
Albany punched its ticket at an Abilene state qualifier on June 6 with four straight wins – beating Merkel, Dublin, Miles, and edging Tolar 21-19 in the championship – to earn its sixth trip to the state event since 2015 and the first since 2023.
Thirteen players are set to travel, according to coach Branson Beal, including the recent addition of Mason McCloy. All are planning to attend.
And this week’s hot weather during practice will actually help the Lions get ready for the state event. While the hot and humid conditions in College Station are notorious, Beal, who has some personal experience as a player in past state tournaments, said the grass fields at the state venue are actually easier to play on than the turf used in Abilene.
“In my opinion, it’s a lot easier playing down there,” Beal said. “In the qualifying tournaments in Abilene, the biggest challenge was dealing with blisters because of the heat on our feet and shoes.”
One shot, one chance
Albany qualified after just one attempt this year – competing in only a single state qualifier. The team, which typically practices twice a week, is coached by Beal with help from London Fuentes.
The Lions will begin with round-robin pool play on Thursday, June 26. The top two teams in each pool advance to Friday’s 16-team championship bracket, while the remaining teams move into the consolation bracket. Bracket play is single-elimination.
Support fuels the season
Community support has helped make the trip possible, Beal said, with about $1,000 raised toward expenses so far. Entry fees for the tournament total $500, with additional funds going toward snacks and drinks.
The Feed Store and Chelsea Parsons are providing new uniforms.
“We really appreciate everyone who’s helped us,” Beal said.
2025 Roster
Players on this year’s 7-on-7 team include Breylon Billington, Calhan Fairchild, Jaxson Street, Slade Windham, Christian Hernandez, Bennett Neece, Woods Peterson, Blake Britting, Lyle Wheeler, Aiden Vickers, Jakobi Roberson, Wesley Gleitz, and Mason McCloy.
