7-on-7 jamboree nice break from routine

Dion Clisso/PrepsKC

By Dion Clisso PrepsKC Managing Editor
Posted: July 16, 2010 - 6:20 PM



While most schools are done with 7-on-7 this summer, a few Metro programs took time to get together for a 7-on-7 jamboree Wednesday night at Bishop Miege.

The Stags hosted fellow Kansas school Piper along with Missouri schools St. Pius X, St. Mary’s and Platte County. Miege and Piper were in the middle of their team camp but the Missouri schools just used it as a chance to sharpen those passing games one more time before practice starts in a few weeks.

The event is really as much a coaching reunion as practice. Miege coach Tim Grunhard and Piper coach Tom Radke were once members of St. Pius X head coach Rick Byers and the three have gotten their teams together the last few summers. For all involved it gave them a chance to get one more night of 7-on-7 in and see some teams they wouldn’t see at any time during the regular season.

“It was really nice to break up the week,” Radke said. “The guys have been beating up on each other all week. We get to come out here with some really great competition. Miege was a state champion last year and Pius and Platte County have been powerhouses.

“It’s always good to see those guys. I coached with Rick Byers and Tim Grunhard at St. Pius so it is good to come out and talk a little smack with each other.”

The Stags were also in camp this week and even though 7-on-7 is for quarterbacks, receivers and defensive backs, one of Miege’s top players was there to support his teammates. Standout defensive end Shane Ray wasn’t playing but he still took the time out of his night to cheer on his fellow Stags.

“It’s great to watch my teammates perform how we expect it,” Ray said. “We just got a couple of interceptions back to back of course they are doing a great job. It’s all about camaraderie and being a team and supporting each other. In the end it all comes down to if we decide to work together to win.”

For St. Pius coach Rick Byers this was a good night to see former coaches and get his kids some different work. The Warriors are currently just doing their summer weight program so some competition is just what the doctor ordered.

“We just wanted a little something between regular 7-on-7 and team camp,” Byers said. “The weight room can get boring some of the time.”

Dion Clisso is the Managing Editor of PrepsKC. To reach him send e-mail to dion@prepskc.com.