Friday, Jul. 04, 2008

Jags Not Going to State

Football Notes

By Kevin Lonnquist

Staff Writer

Flower Mound’s first and only attempt to qualify for the state 7-on-7 tournament June 14 at Coppell ended with the Jaguars not getting out of their pool.

Although they went 2-1, the record was still not good enough to advance to the semifinals. But it didn’t help that they were missing eight of their 14 players, including three of their top three in Collin Ashley, James Kelly and Michael Williams. All three were taking the ACT.

The tournament, set for July 11-12 in College Station, may have reinforced coach Cody Vanderford’s indifference for these formalized summer leagues. Now, consulting coach Bo Wasurick has joined that thinking.

"With the summer going on and many people wanting to do things during the summer, it just becomes more of a headache," Wasurick said. "The other thing is that it’s not realistic, because you’re seeing teams play defensive formations that you will never see during the football season. For instance, one of the teams was playing seven safeties. That will just not happen."

Vanderford has also never been pleased with how late the tournament is held prior to the start of the fall workouts. Usually, the tournament is held the third weekend of the month. But this year was the exception.

The one-day tournament format wasn’t a total loss. Flower Mound participated in SMU’s 7-on-7 tournament on June 18 and went 3-1. The tournament was scheduled to carry 20 teams. However, three teams failed to appear.

That left tournament officials to improvise and put a format together that would help get the most out of the day. Turns out, Flower Mound defeated Coppell, Carroll and Grapevine.

Dominating Thursdays

It’s been a good time for the Flower Mound program at the Hurst L.D. Bell League. The weekly Thursday night league has produced tremendous results.

Through the first three weeks, the Jaguars are 14-1-1. There was no league on Thursday because of the Independence Day holiday. The league will conclude its season July 10.

One benefit coming from these leagues is that starting quarterback Brandon Colquitt is working with more than just his standard stable of receivers. He is also working with the likes of Paul Clark.

"The good thing about this is that this helps other guys develop and could give us more options during the season," Wasurick said.

The junior varsity team won a Metroplex 7-on-7 tournament held several weeks ago. The tournament was held for sub-varsity squads.

Recruiting Update

Marcus wide receiver Joel Free said he felt like he had good camp days at Oklahoma and Texas in early June. However, neither has extended an offer. Free has yet to receive his first offer … Flower Mound tight end Craig Wenrick attended Texas A&M’s camp but also did not receive an offer from the Aggies. A&M already has a commitment from a tight end, Hutson Prioleau of Fort Worth All Saints.