Some of the Blue Jay football players got an up close look at the facilities of the Arkansas Razorbacks last week as they traveled to compete in a 7 on 7 tournament.
The following story and pictures were contributed by Paul Weddle.
The six car Marshfield Blue Jay convoy pulled out early Friday morning headed for Razorback Country, Fayetteville, Arkansas for their annual VYPE 7 on 7 competition. By the time the convoy arrived in Fayetteville, two other cars had joined, all with Blue Jay Football players and staff.
The VYPE 7 on 7 (a football team minus the linemen) is a 25-minute, high energy set of eight scrimmages that pits two teams against each other in a pass-only game. Starting on the 40 yard line each team was given three downs to either convert to a first down and get an additional set of downs or score a touchdown. After a touchdown, the scoring team is given the opportunity to try for a 2 point conversion. After the eight games that determine how the teams are seeded, a single elimination tournament finished out the 7 on 7. It is an exciting, fast-paced competition that requires a good passing game on offense, and good pass coverage on defense. No QB sacks in this game, just intense pass coverage.
On Friday, the Jays were participating with nearly all JV, Freshman and even two eighth- graders. Most of the Jays starting varsity team were playing in a baseball tournament in Nixa, but arrived late Friday night, ready to play on Saturday morning. Considering the caliber of competition on Friday, the Jays team did pretty well. Try to imagine eighth graders competing against varsity veterans. “You got a baptism by fire,” Coach Jack Randolph told the young Jays following their first loss of the day.
This Jays team faced six different teams from Arkansas and although they were unable to walk away with a win on Friday, they saw some pretty intense competition. “Some of these teams we faced are State-ranked in Arkansas in 6A and 7A school systems. Our young guys played their hearts out and we are excited to see their potential for the future,” Randolph said. “Our boys played well, they learned a few lessons today, but they played well and I am proud of them.”
The rest of the team, excluding the linemen, arrived in Fayetteville late Friday night. Saturday proved to be better for the Jays. Reinforced by their varsity, the Jays came out of the shoot ready to make up for lost ground. They walked away from the first game with a big win. Quarterback Cameron Keenan had a touchdown connection Zack Reed; later to Brad Dinwiddie who made an incredible acrobatic grab for a touchdown for their first win.
The Jays were in a situation where they needed to win the next game to advance into the single elimination tourney. The challange was #1 seed Shiloh Christian Academy from Springdale, AR. In 2006, the SC Saints were ranked #1 in Arkansas and #8 overall in the Southwest United States, sending nine of their players to play at the collegiate level, including Auburn and Harvard. The Saints were undoubtedly the best team the Jays have faced in a long time.
In the first two sets of downs, SC scored two unanswered touchdowns. On the third SC set of downs the Jays stopped their drive and scored on their set. Set four of SC was ended by an interception by Chris Bigley. It seemed the Jays had rattled the Saints. The Jays stepped up and ended the Saints’ scoring in the last quarter of play. . “We showed up to play and we proved to these guys that we can play with anyone,” Coach Randolph told the Jays after the game.
“These guys played until they were exhausted and played a heck of a game. I am proud of them and we look forward to a great season this year.”-Coach Randolph said of his 2008 Jays.
The Jays will begin camp this week followed by full practice in August. They will take the lessons learned from 7 on 7 and focus on making a great season. This is the first season after the conference readjustment so they will be playing more schools in their class.
The boys are also going to be involved in the Convoy of Hope Outreach, August 2nd in Marshfield area. They have already started to help by collecting nearly 1000 items of non-perishable items to contribute to the outreach that will help families in the Marshfield community.
The football booster club, the Pigskin Pride, will be holding a membership drive starting during CampWeek and continuing throughout the season. If you have any questions about Pigskin Pride, its function or operations, please feel free to attend the monthly meeting. Pigskin Pride meets the second Wednesday of every month in the MHS Cafeteria at 6 PM. It is an open meeting to all parents/guardians of Marshfield Football players, cheerleaders and track athletes.
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
