News Summary
The 27th annual State 7-on-7 Championships began today in College Station, Texas, featuring 128 high school teams competing in a fast-paced football format. This event marks the return of the tournament after its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic. Teams are competing in three divisions based on school classifications, with strong contenders aiming to secure their titles. Admission is free, encouraging community involvement, and real-time updates are provided for those unable to attend.
COLLEGE STATION – The 27th annual State 7-on-7 Championships kicked off today in College Station, Texas, showcasing 128 high school teams from across the state. This event marks a significant return after its cancellation in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and is being hosted in College Station for the 26th year. The championships are one of the final major offseason events in preparation for the 2025 football season.
The tournament has evolved over the years, initially featuring just 24 teams in its first edition. Now, it has expanded to include a larger field of competitors, allowing more schools to participate. Over the next three days, teams will compete in a fast-paced format known as 7-on-7 football, which resembles flag football but eliminates the use of flags; players must be touched with one hand to be considered “tackled.” Each match takes place on a 45-yard field with seven players per side, requiring teams to pass the ball within four seconds. Matches consist of two 15-minute halves, with a continuous game clock.
The participating teams earned their spots in the State Tournament by advancing through qualifying events held around Texas since late April. The tournament is divided into three divisions based on school classifications:
- Division I: Teams from 6A, 5A, and large private schools will compete on Friday and Saturday.
- Division II: Schools from Class 4A, 3A Division I, and small private schools are scheduled to play on Thursday and Friday.
- Division III: This division includes Class 3A Division II and smaller schools without private institutions, competing on Thursday and Friday.
The tournament has a storied history, with Celina holding the record for the most titles at four. However, they will not be participating this year. Notable previous champions include DeSoto with three titles and a recent championship in 2023, alongside teams like Graham, Baytown Lee, and Lake Travis, all recognized for their multiple victories. The defending champions—DeSoto in Division I, Hamshire-Fannett in Division II, and Gunter in Division III—will be vying to retain their titles.
Recent trends suggest a link between success in the 7-on-7 tournament and performance in the fall UIL football seasons, adding to the competitiveness of the event. In Division I, favorites include DeSoto, Alvin Shadow Creek, and Killeen Harker Heights. Central Texas is well-represented, with seven teams hailing from McLennan County, while Laredo will make its debut with three teams participating.
This year’s tournament sees several teams returning after multi-year absences, indicating a healthy turnover and interest in the event. Additionally, some teams are traveling from considerable distances, with El Paso Pebble Hills and Dumas marking the furthest journeys.
Admission to the three-day event is free, encouraging spectators to attend. Visitors are advised to bring refreshments and sun protection, as outdoor conditions can become challenging. For those unable to make it to College Station, real-time updates and coverage will be available through various social media platforms to keep fans connected to the action.
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Additional Resources
- SI: Texas High School State 7-on-7 Tournament
- Texas Football: 2025 Texas State 7-on-7 Ultimate Preview
- KXXV: College Station Cougars Ready for State 7-on-7
- KLTV: Longview 7-on-7 Football Punches Ticket to State Tournament
- Lubbock Online: Texas State 7-on-7 Tournament Bracket and Scores
- Wikipedia: Seven on seven
- Google Search: High School Football Texas
- Google Scholar: Seven on Seven Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- Google News: Texas High School Football
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
