Members of next year’s football team practiced for the 7-on-7 football game against Cedar Park High School to be played May 19.
“It gives us a chance to compete against other teams … [and to play] live, faster reps as they would be in the fall without the pads and without the hitting,” Nick Lucio, junior said. “It’s useful for giving us a real look without the contact.”
Lucio, a wide receiver, said the game was pass plays only.
“I’m getting the ball or I have a chance to get the ball on every single play, so it’s fun for me,” he said.
Abdui Thomas, 11
“The focus of our current workouts is offensive passing drills. As a wide receiver during the regular season, this is my favorite part because I get to sharpen my skills without the weight of pads. I started my athletic career in basketball, but I felt out of place; the environment wasn’t right and we didn’t have the same opportunities,” Thomas said. “Football and 7-on-7 have brought me closer to my teammates and pushed me harder. Playing without pads is a completely different game. You have to be more careful and focus more on your skill. And have lots of trust in yourself and your body. You have to rely entirely on your skills and yourself, knowing your safety is on the line.”
Carsen Cole, 10
“I like 7-on-7 a lot as it’s a lot more competitive as there’s less players, no padding and we train way harder as it’s very hot during this season and we train every day and morning. And it’s also during third period so we still have lunch and last period and it sucks being all sweaty but i enjoy the strength it gives me,” Cole said. “Seven-on-seven has definitely made me train harder as your muscles play a bigger role since we have no pads. Also throwing it is so much easier as the pads don’t weigh down on my shoulders. It also helps us prepare a lot for next season as it’s more skill focused to strengthen my skills so then during the season I can focus on the plays better.”
Nic Lucio, 11
“Coming from a receiver seven on seven is so much fun as I get to actually throw the ball which I never get the chance to do during the season. It gives us all the chance to throw the ball even the people who never touch the ball once during the season and it’s just a good opportunity for all positions. It also helps us keep in shape for the upcoming season as if we just kept lifting and exercising most of us would lose our skills that come along with football,” Lucio said. “With a new coach on the way I’m going to be super sad since we coach Price has been with us for a long time and our team is so used to him and he’s been with me through all my seasons I’m definitely super sad about it, but I’m excited to see how our team plays with a new coach.”
Kyren Mcmury, 11
“Seven-on-seven is something I definitely look forward to each year as the training is just so different to regular season, no pads make it super challenging also we get to mix varsity and junior varsity so it’s really fun seeing everyone as a whole be together cuz we practice without each other the whole season as we have different plays. It’s also so cool trying new things like throwing the ball not everyone gets to do that.” Mcmury said, “Also knowing that next season is gonna look much different since coach price is gone scares me since it’s gonna be my last year and I know lots of things are gonna change but i hope for the best for next season and imma miss him but hopefully we play better going on to 6A.”
