Yoemen start slow, finish strong in 7 on 7 league play

The last time the Yoemen 7 on 7 team saw action on the field was when they qualified for the state tournament in Burnet on May 27. The over two week layoff appeared to have its impact in the early going of league action on Monday in Belton. However, Cameron managed to show improvement as the evening went on, capping the day off with a win over Temple to finish at 1-2 overall.

“We didn’t get to compete last week with Cove getting rained out,” said Yoe head football coach Tommy Brashear. “I was glad that we got to come out here and compete. I thought we started off kind slow and rusty. You could tell we had not played in two and a half weeks.”

The Yoemen lost the opener to Copperas Cove (30-23) and game two versus Belton (35-32) before bouncing back with a win over the Wildcats (25-20).

“I thought we finished strong,” said Brashear. “I didn’t get to watch all of that because I went to watch some of the other ones (sub-varsity), but I saw the beginning and the end, and I liked what I saw in that game.”

Offensively, Cameron managed to score on a majority of their possessions in the first two games, but couldn't get the stops on the defensive end.

In the loss to Belton, KeAndrew Moore (2), Ka'Zirrus Holt (2) and Iverson Westbrook all caught touchdown passes from quarterback Zack Andress.

The Yoemen got the ball first versus Temple and put the pressure on as Andress hit Holt for a 3-yard touchdown to go up 6-0. Temple answered to tie it at 6 before Andress hit Kadrian Hammond over the top to go back on top, 12-6. After the defense picked up a stop, Andress went back to Moore for a 40-yard score to push the lead to 18-6. Cameron led 25-20 in the final minutes with the defense picking up a late stop to secure the win.

In addition to the varsity, the JV and freshmen teams are also competing in these 7 on 7 league matches.

“They need all the reps that they can get,” said Brashear. “We did not get them all here, so we are kind of piecing things together. The ones that are here are getting reps and are getting better and staying in shape. They are running routes, working on defense and communicating coverages. I’m glad we’re doing it.”

State 7 on 7 Tournament Update

This past week, 15 more teams qualified for the 64-team state tournament field. Included in that group was the Rockdale Tigers, which punched their ticket in the Giddings SQT. Navasota was the other team to qualify in the tournament. Other notable teams that have already qualified include China Spring, Gatesville, Giddings, Lorena, Lexington, Mexia and West. The state tournament will be played at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in Bryan on Thursday, June 29 and Friday, June 30. Pools will be released in the coming weeks.

Remaining League Schedule

In preparation for the state tournament, Cameron will compete two more weeks in the 5A/6A league. On Monday, Cameron will get to host teams from Yoe field with games starting at 5:30. Play will conclude on Monday, June 26 in Temple.