The high school football season starts in August. However, every Tuesday in June a “game day” atmosphere could be found. For instance, at Hughes field, on the back side where people normally park, you could see about eight games going on at one time.
Fans, parents and friends are all out cheering for their schools. Coaches were calling plays, barking out orders and are filled with the same passion as a regular season game. The teams are dressed in their game jerseys, but without pads, or helmets. They are high school teams from Jackson, Vicksburg, Hazlehurst, McLaurin and a few other cities that participate at Hughes Field.
On Thursday mornings, at Ridgeland High School, Ridgeland, Madison Central, Lanier, Clinton, Canton, Brandon and a few other high schools participate.
By now you might be wondering what is 7 on 7? It is when you have the quarterback, running backs, and receivers, running plays against the defense which is normally linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties. The concept of 7 on 7 is for teams to work on their passing game. There are no handoffs to running backs, no play action fakes, and no quarterback scrambling. The quarterback has five seconds to throw the ball to anyone running passing routes. There are usually two referees watching the action. One ref does the timing on the quarterback while the other watches for penalties.
What’s the purpose? The answer depends on who you ask. Players try to use any edge they can to move into a starting position. Coaches like to look at how players are progressing from week to week. Coach Jones, head coach at Callaway, said “It’s a good way to get the timing of the offense down and for the receivers and quarterback to get on the same page.”
That timing is essential for new quarterbacks and receivers. If they aren’t on the same page, it leads to incomplete passes and most importantly, interceptions.
Receivers also work on their catching ability. Some wear gloves, some don’t. Some receivers are being trained to be the number one receiver on their team. That’s who the quarterback will try to throw the ball to most of the time. Defenses generally know who this person is and they key in on him.
Linebackers also benefit from the 7 on 7 because they learn how to cover. This skill makes them more attractive to college scouts. The more skills you have, the better your chances of being recruited. There are a few scouts that come, but it’s mostly friends and parents.
In addition to the 7 on 7 being conducted for training purposes, it is still a competition. This week is the last week for 7 on 7 and the teams are competing for a trophy. At Hughes Field last year, Murrah’s varsity team won by going 16 and 0.
It served Murrah well during the season, because they featured a spread offense. They were plagued by injuries toward the end of the season, but they did move the ball through the air pretty well.
For the person who looks for something to hold onto until the football season starts, 7 on 7 is a nice little fix.
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