Lehman quarterback Matt Anguiano will try to help lead the Lobos to 7-on-7 success this summer with many returning varsity teammates by his side. (Photo by Eric Guerrero)
by JASON GORDON
Lehman High finally has the numbers 7-on-7 coach Lee Perry feels the Lobos need to be a highly-competitive squad this summer.
After having to play many athletes on both sides of the ball in recent years, with numbers as low as 12 total players last season, the Lobos had 32 show up for 7-on-7 practice.
“We had to cut the varsity to 18,” Perry said. “It was pretty amazing. The junior varsity and freshman teams are completely full as well. It will be an interesting summer. We’ve never had this problem before.”
Perry said the luxury of only playing the Lobos on one side of the ball would be key.
“Kids get tired when they are out there the whole game, whether it’s in the summer or in the fall,” Perry said. “It’s obviously a huge plus when you don’t have to do that. We have a full offensive side and a full defensive side with four backups each. That’s how it should be at the Class 4A and Class 5A level and I think it’s great Lehman is finally getting to the numbers level where it can be equal with most of its opponents.”
As of now, Lehman is planning on only playing in the regular Tuesday night double-header season at Shelton Stadium which lasts May 24 until June 28, and will play in only one state-qualifying tournament – June 26 also at Shelton Stadium.
In 2009, the Lobos came within one win of advancing to the State 7-on-7 Tournament in College Station, but lost to rival Hays High in the semifinals of the qualifying tournament.
The Lobos have knocked off Hays in the Tuesday night league once in each of the past two seasons.
“I honestly think Lehman can match up with anyone,” Perry said. “We have a lot of great athletes at the skill positions. I think a lot of people will be very surprised when they see just how hard our athletes have worked in the weight room this offseason.
We have much better size and strength than we have before.”
Lehman will have several key players lining up this summer during 7-on-7 that played key minutes on varsity last fall, including Levi Medley, Matt Anguiano, Matt Riojas, Jaylon Hardaway, Julio Besa and Charles Williams.
“This team has so much continuity,” Perry said. “We don’t have individuals feeling like they need to win games for us by themselves. They realize it takes everyone on the field, and they are ready to win.”
Riojas agrees Lehman should have success this summer that will carry over to the fall season.
“It’s great that we have a lot of talent and those players want to work hard,” Riojas said. “I think with as much work as we’ve put in during strength and conditioning, and the success we’ll have in 7-on-7 will get us ready to win in the fall. I think we’re going to give a lot of teams a challenge in district this year.”
