Of the 14 teams, six were already qualified for the state tournament, but the day did not disappoint. Even with many teams short handed because of the SAT tests and handful of college camps going on across the state, the Katy ISD squads of Cinco Ranch, Taylor, and Seven Lakes, along with Houston Stratford all advanced to the semifinals.
When it was all said and done, Stratford and Seven Lakes battled in the final game, in which Stratford was victorious. Both punched a ticket to the state-qualifying tournament in College Station in July. Cinco Ranch won the third place game over Taylor.
FINALS
There was one thing for certain, neither team was willing to give up until the final horn sounded. And while this game proved to be one where defense was pretty solid, it was Stratford taking the crown with a 19-14 win over Seven Lakes.
Stratford quarterback Mark Benninger led the way connecting with touchdown passes to Terrence Lewis, Chris Young, and brother, Brett.
For Seven Lakes, Christian Duda made quite a few plays for his team, but the Stratford defense had one stop too many in the end.
CONSOLATION
Cinco Ranch 36, Taylor 27
SEMIFINALS
No blowouts here as the four teams were hungry trying to get to the show at College Station in July.
Seven Lakes 31, Taylor 27
The Spartans scored with less than a minute to go to get the bid to the state tournament beating district rival Taylor.
Stratford 33, Cinco Ranch 27
The Benninger-to-Young connection was strong in this match up as well as the Spartans outlasted the Zach Myers-led Cougars.
Stay tuned as TPI brings you coverage next week from the area’s 7-on-7 tournaments.