First 7 on 7 SQT a success for Yoe

Despite not qualifying for the state 7-on-7 tournament this past weekend in Robinson, Cameron had plenty to leave happy about after stepping off the field. The Yoemen finished pool play with a 2-1 record, with wins over Palestine (39-6) and New Diana (49-19), before suffering a tight loss to China Spring (46-40).

"It was tough competition and I felt like this was a benefit for us today," said Yoe head football coach Tommy Brashear. "If we came up here and did this well again and did not qualify, we would do it. We would love to qualify for state. If we do, we do, but if we don't, we're still going to get out here and get better. I was really proud of the way they competed. They competed like Yoemen."

Cameron's offense was firing on all cylinders most of the day with an average of over six touchdowns per contest. The production was welcomed despite the challenges of new players stepping into big roles.

"Your quarterback and receivers are learning each other," said Brashear. "We have a few new guys on that side of the ball that Zack is working with and I saw them get a lot better as the day went along. This is what this is all about.

The Zack Andress to Iverson Westbrook combination, which resulted in multiple touchdown in each of the three games, is expected to be a dynamic duo once the pads are put on in the fall.

"Andress to Westbrook will hopefully be a big connection for us throughout the year," said Brashear. "It needs to be. Westbrook is playing outside receiver this year and that is a little different for him. He and Zack are having to learn each other in a different role."

From returning varsity starter KeAndrew Moore, to upcoming freshmen talent Kobe Young, all receivers contributed. That follows in the footsteps of an offensive philosophy that has won countless games the past several years.

"We have to learn to work the other guys in too, and spread the ball around so they can't just put everybody on Westbrook," stated Brashear. "That is what we are going to do. It is our offense and our philosophy to move the ball around."

Equally important is the the valuable experience the Yoe defense is gaining, which had multiple interceptions returned for touchdowns.

"The defense did a great job of communicating today," said Brashear. "I loved the way they were communicating in the secondary. 7 on 7 is set up for offense. The rules say you cannot get up there and press a guy on the line of scrimmage and there are a lot of things you can do in real football that you can't do in 7 on 7. That’s fine. We can still get good out of that."

Only one team advanced out of each pool, and China Spring drew Navasota in the semifinals. The Cougars defeated the Rattlers, 42-27 to qualify for state. West was the team on the other side of the bracket to qualify.

Monday's League Action

On Monday, Cameron went 2-1 with wins over Cameron B and Hearne, while suffering their first loss of the league to Caldwell. The league will wrap up on Monday from Yoe Field.