Dozens of the young players that will constitute the future of Virginia prep football had their talents on display last Saturday, as Mach I Academy held its “2 Up 2 Down” 7-on-7 showcase at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. The event is one of a handful that is constituted up and down the East Coast and includes tournaments in Raleigh and Pittsburgh.
The Mach I Academy, headed by Bishop Sullivan assistant football coach Stephen Evans, is centered on the process of success, and as stated in their mission statement, is focused on each participant being growth-conscious more than goal-conscious. Components of growth consciousness include the principles of faith, character and conditioning, which come together to honor the process of success.
Sullivan was well represented, with Crusader assistant coach Rashad Lilly taking the helm of two squads. Coach D.J. Palmer, a fellow assistant from Stafford, also brought a pair of “Beast Mode” teams to the affair.
In the end, it was one of Lilly’s teams that won the championship for the day, but there was something to be gained for both coaches and players, who braved a cold and windy day to play a little football.
Palmer, who brought a handful of Yellow Jacket players with him, is up to five teams, ranging from U-9 to U-15, with his program in Fredericksburg, and spoke highly of the opportunity to travel south.
“We are so grateful to the people of Virginia Beach. They do so many things for these kids,” said Palmer, who is in his fourth year with the travel team, but has been coaching youths and high school footballers for 16 years. “Without events such as this, we wouldn’t have anywhere to be.”
Palmer’s troops were loaded. His 14-and-under group featured players such as wide receiver Holt Egan of North Stafford and Massaponax tackle Brandon Howard, who was listed at 6’1 and 210 pounds last season, but looked much larger on the Sportsplex field. To his credit, Egan made several outstanding catches, including one leaping grab where he caught the ball behind his head.
“He’s big time,” quipped Palmer.
It was the 13-and-under group that created the most fireworks for Palmer on Saturday. With Todd Smith at quarterback, and receivers Jairen Plummer and Isaiah Daniels at the flanks, the seventh graders moved the ball with ease.
“This group has been together for a few years,” added the coach. “In fact, they made it to the AYF National Championships last year. These kids know each other,” said Palmer, who added that earlier in the morning the group had played a ninth grade team and held their own in a 12-6 loss.
Although his teams are successful, Palmer is just as proud of his system for gathering players.
“Unlike most of the other teams, we don’t do tryouts. We coach everybody. Usually what happens with us is that somebody plays on one of our teams, and then brings a friend to play. And those friends bring their friends.”
Of course, there is a limit. “We do have to stick to a limit of 16 with the travel teams, because obviously, only seven at a time can play. But the guys who aren’t on the travel team still come to practice and work out with us.”
Several of the players enjoyed the opportunity for extra exposure and a chance to play some tough offseason competition.
Quarterback Taylor Eggers played his sophomore year with Miles Godwin in Richmond, but suffered a concussion in the “fourth or fifth” game, leading to him splitting time behind center with another QB over the rest of the season. Looking to gain an advantage and a shot at more playing time, Eggers will be transferring to Trinity Episcopal next year.
It is Eggers’ first year in the 7-on-7 league, but he looks to enhance his college options with the move.
“I like the exposure (of playing in the league) and the chance to earn more college visits. Already, Eggers, who looks like a college-sized signal caller at 6’3” and 205 lbs. has taken two unofficial college visits, to Alabama and Auburn. Asked which of the schools he preferred, Eggers enthusiastically remarked, “I loved Auburn!” The University of Georgia is next on his visit list.
Meanwhile, young receiver and free safety Ze’marion Harrell waited for his next game. The Landstown Middle student and player will be enrolling at Bishop Sullivan next year, and aims to make an immediate impact for Coach Chris Scott.
Asked why he chose Sullivan, the quiet and reserved youngster said, “For the school, the academics, and the football.” Harrell is well familiar with the 7-on-7 league having played for several years. “I know all of the coaches, especially Coach Steve (Evans), added Harrell. He called the Mach I experience “wonderful,” and felt that his first three games had been “good.” He stands 5’9”, but already possesses the hands of a quality receiver as evidenced by the handshake grip he gave to a reporter.
Several more tournaments like this will take place later this spring, including Recruit757.com’s own Battle, which will pit 757 players against 804 and NoVA competitors.
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