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Making a statement: West gets going early in 7-on-7
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@acnpapers.com
After a 2010 season in which Plano West football didn't win a single district game, the Wolves have decidedly turned the table in the early stages of the 7-on-7 season, going 8-0.
"Our guys didn't like the way last season went," said Mike Hughes, West head coach, "and they have been waiting to get back out there."
The Wolves started the summer strong May 27-28 by going 5-0, outscoring their opponents by more than 100 combined points and beating two District 8-5A rivals en route to winning the Frisco Liberty State Qualifying Tournament.
"Anytime you play a team from district its going to be a little more intense," Hughes said. "What we've been working on is bringing that same intensity to all of our games."
As had been the case in pool play, West was clicking on both sides of the ball.
"We have a senior quarterback and senior wide receivers, so they were making plays," Hughes said. "But 7-on-7 gives such an advantage to the offense, so I was also really impressed by our defense and the fact that we didn't get many points scored against us."
Senior quarterback Carson Smith led the offense with senior Carlos Wiggins and junior Austin Copeland serving as his favorite targets. On the defensive end, a plethora of secondary members got in on the act as West recorded seven interceptions. Daniel Kim, Logan Caillouet, Amin Fooman and Colby Conner each registered an interception while Connor Vernon nabbed three.
Conner and Vernon both returned an interception for a touchdown.
That type of balance helped propel West past Hebron in the semifinals, 33-19. That win gave the Wolves a spot in the state tournament, but they were on the prowl for a more immediate tournament title as West defeated Plano Senior in the finals, 28-25.
That 5-0 run punched West's ticket to the 7-on-7 State Tournament, which is set for July 15-16 in College Station.
"The kids were excited cause it's a big deal to qualify," Hughes said, "but its also a big deal because anytime you win it helps build your confidence."
West's newly rediscovered confidence was on display June 3-4 as the Wolves went 3-0 at the Denton SQT.
West, which is now 8-0 in varsity 7-on-7 play, defeated North Crowley, McKinney and Wichita Falls Rider in the Denton SQT. Having already qualified for state, the Wolves did not advance to the championship rounds.
But the West success doesn't stop at the varsity level.
Also faring well thus far this summer are the junior varsity Wolves, who placed second over the weekend in their first 7-on-7 tournament. The event, which took place in Plano, saw the Wolves advance to the finals before losing to Carrollton Creekview.
With that result, West advances to the JV State 7-on-7 Tournament.
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