Pictured Left to Right: Rafael Rodriguez (Sr), Rafael Rodriguez (Jr), Rudy Estrada, Luis Alex Escajeda, Ernest Friel, Jose Baeza, Clinton Flowers, Josh Mendez, Jonathan Corralez, Former Eagle Sammy Quintana. Kneeling: James King, Alex Urias, Sahil Damniwalla
Not Pictured: Isaac Baeza, Aaron Urias, Daniel Arrazate, Damien Tarango
By Brian Gibson
The Van Horn Eagle 7 on 7 football team traveled 594 miles one way to Rockport to play in the last chance state qualifier tournament. They went to Rockport hungry for a birth in the state tournament and were up for any challenge anywhere. The Eagles topped a previously unbeaten Rockport – Fulton 27 – 20, then moved to 2 – 0 in the tournament with a 37 – 26 over Taft. The Eagles played a tough game against Aransas Pass but lost 35 – 34. Finishing up pool play with a 2 – 1 record, the Eagles moved into the tournament semi – finals as the #1 seed and played the #2 seed out of the other pool. A victory in this game would clinch a berth in the state tournament. The Eagles left no doubt smothering Raymondville from the beginning and coming away with a 48 – 13 victory.
The State 7 on 7 tournament will be held in College Station on July 7th and 8th. The Eagles open play against Bay City at 1:00 pm on July 7th, followed by a 3:00 start time against Wimberly and a 5:00 start time against White Oak. Depending on how they end up in pool play will determine who and when they play on the 8th.
The state 7 on 7 tournament divides the qualified teams into two divisions (Division I and II). Division I is all the 6A and 5A schools, and Division II is all of the 4A, 3A, 2A, and 1A schools.
