7-on-7 champions
Little Rock Christian played in its first 7-on-7 tournament Thursday under new coach Eric Cohu and won it.
The Warriors traveled 1.4 miles west on Arkansas 10 to Joe T. Robinson’s Charlie George Stadium, where they earned the Senator Showdown title, defeating Pine Bluff in the championship game 38-27.
Cohu, a Harding University graduate, was hired by Little Rock Christian in April, replacing Jeff Weaver, who is now at Russellville. He was 87-12 in seven seasons at Madison Academy in Huntsville, Ala., leading the school to three Class 3A state championships.
The Warriors finished 7-0 in Thursday’s tournament, defeating Clinton, Fordyce, West Memphis and Pine Bluff in the championship bracket.
“Our guys have worked hard,” Cohu said. “They’ve worked hard in spring ball. They’ve showed up every day in the summer. We’re learing execution and doing it properly.
“It paid off today [Thursday]. They’re in good shape. These 7-on-7s that last all day, it’s an attrition thing. We did a good job of staying the course and competing all eight games.”
Little Rock Christian went 5-7 last season, but defeated 5A-South champion White Hall in the first round of the Class 5A playoffs behind quarterback Jackson Bowersock and running back Ladarius Burnes. Bowersock and Burns will return for their senior seasons and sophomore Chris Hightower is expected to start this season after earning playing time as a freshman a year ago.
“We’ve got a lot of special football players on this team that can make plays,” Cohu said.
While 7-on-7 is played without offensive and defensive linemen, Cohu said the experience of playing in the tournament can only help his team.
“It’s not regular football, but it shows a competitive spirit and nature and who can make some plays,” Cohu said. “It’s a game within a game because it’s a different deal. But it shows perseverance and who the playmakers are.”
EXTRA POINTS
Allen, Texas, won the Shootout of the South 7-on7 tournament Saturday, defeating Springdale Har-Ber 38-29 in the championship game in Little Rock. Allen’s victory snapped a seven-year streak by Pulaski Academy, which lost in the first
round Saturday to Glendale, Mo. … The Arkansas Activities Association’s two-week dead period is June 26-July 9. Athletic programs are prohibited from participating in any activity during the period. … Pulaski Academy Coach Kevin Kelley said assistant coaches Madison Taylor and Jason Wyatt will serve as co-defensive coordinators for the 2017 season. The Bruins’ defensive coordinator post was left vacant earlier this year when Todd Wood left to fill the same position at Russellville under new coach Jeff Weaver. Also, Adam Thrash, who was the quarterback of Pulaski Academy’s first state championship team in 2003, will be the Bruins’ defensive line coach. He coached at Maumelle last season. … Bryant, Fort Smith Northside and Pulaski Academy will play in the USA Football National 7-on7 Tournament from July 14-15 at the Dallas Cowboys’ headquarters, The Star, in Frisco, Texas.