High school football competitions Friday open to public

Photo by: Victor Moreno

Maricopa and Desert Sunrise high schools are teaming up to co-host 7-on-7 football tournament and Big Man competitions June 2. 

Twenty area high school teams will compete, including Basha and Casa Grande, 4-10 p.m. at Copper Sky. General admission is $5; children 9 and under are free.  

In contrast to traditional football, 7-on-7 is a competitive variation that emphasizes gameplay without physical contact, omitting the offensive and defensive lineman. 

Played on a regulation-size football field spanning from the 40-yard line to the endzone, it bears resemblance to flag football, DSHS head coach Jonathan Clark said. 

But the linemen aren’t off the hook.  

They will compete in tire flips, relay races, farmers carry, truck pushes, medicine ball tosses and tug-of-war to put their strength and endurance to the test.  

“We have some pretty solid talent here,” Rams head coach Tevin Rutherford said. “We’re excited to get some eyes on the teams that are often overlooked.”  

In addition to the action on the field, attendees can enjoy food trucks and concessions.  

The event is sponsored by American Legion Post 133 and View Post 12043.