KFDM COOP Posted July 11, 2007 Report Posted July 11, 2007 WO-S headed to 7-on-7 tourneyVan WadeThe Orange LeaderWEST ORANGE — The home of the Aggies will showcase plenty of speedy skill players from across the state as 96 teams, including West Orange-Stark, will compete in the 7-on-7 State Tournament at Texas A&M University in College Station starting Thursday.For the very first time, the tournament has split the tournament into two classifications in the 64-team Class 5A-4A field and the 32-team Class 3A-and-under field.Hardin will join WO-S in the small school bracket while both Beaumont West Brook and Port Arthur Memorial will compete in the big school field.“I really like our chances this year, Mustang tailback DePauldrick Garrett said. “I think we can compete against anybody but now that we’re facing schools our own size, we’re feeling pretty confident.â€The 3A-and-under division has eight pools with four teams apiece. The Mustangs are in Pool G with LaVilla, Madisonville and Pilot Point. WO-S will open play against Pilot Point at 1 p.m. Thursday.Other small school division schools include Athens, Bandera, Bridgeport, Palacios, Crane, Glen Rose, Lindsay, Rockdale, Gonzales, Mabank, Melissa, West, Aransas Pass, Canton, Harper, Lake Worth, Celina, Diboll, Marlin, Pleasanton, Elysian Fields, Hitchcock, New Waverly, Normangee, Graham, Navasota and Sundown.The fast-paced, high-scoring, offense-oriented competition is always exciting to watch for the fans and it certainly helps keep players in shape over the course of the summer. The game emphasizes passing using a 45-yard field and a one-hand touch for a tackle. All players, except the center, are eligible receivers and the game is played in two 20-minute consecutive halves with the uniforms consisting of shorts and T-shirts with no helmets or pads.“Without a doubt, 7-on-7 helps us stay in great condition, along with the weightroom,†Garrett said. “It helps us all become a closer type of team. It’s still a little different, you kinda miss the contact.â€The Mustangs are also getting the feel for a new quarterback in Ortavious Hypolite, who has played well this summer and continues to make strides.For Garrett, without question, 7-on-7 is a different kind of game. After all, the All-District tailback darted his way to 1,389 yards and 17 touchdowns on 191 carries as a junior as the Mustangs stormed to an 11-1 record and a District 21-3A title. In 7-on-7, it’s all about catching the ball.“I hope to contribute more this season by being a better receiver out of the backfield,†said Garrett. “7-on-7 helps us all get on the same page as far as our route running goes. I’m also seeing some time at cornerback. Man, that’s a tough position in that game.â€Fellow Mustang senior Cory Bell hangs his hat on the defensive side of the ball and will play rover this fall.The 7-on-7 game and the tough workout regiment at WO-S has Bell, who moved in from California, really excited.“The man-to-man coverage in 7-on-7 is so tough,†Bell said. “The officials don’t let you jam the receivers. You can’t tackle them, even though you that’s what you want to do.â€Bell loves the way the Mustangs have accepted him.“Football is serious around here, I found that out pretty quick,†Bell said. “All of the guys work so hard and I just wanted to fit in and I’ve worked really hard to get stronger and faster too. This going to state in 7-on-7 should be a great trip and it’s only going to get us ready even more for the season coming up.â€In the big school bracket, West Brook is in a pool with Arlington Lamar, Katy Taylor and San Benito while PA Memorial is in a pool that consists of Bryan, Colleyville Heritage, and Katy Cinco Ranch.
wos08 Posted July 11, 2007 Report Posted July 11, 2007 “The man-to-man coverage in 7-on-7 is so tough,†Bell said. “The officials don’t let you jam the receivers. You can’t tackle them, even though you that’s what you want to do.†;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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