Clinton claims 7-on-7 title
Dragons go unbeaten at Knoxville Classic
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Jaylon Benjamin, a trusted field general for the Dragons, gave Clinton experience in the backfield. - Tony Cox
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Mason Eckers alternated time at quarterback with Jaylon Benjamin. That proved effective for the Dragons. - Tony Cox
New Clinton High School football Coach Jake Dawson couldn’t help but be a little excited Friday night, but he wasn’t about to get too thrilled.
The Dragons won the Knoxville Classic, an elite 7-on-7 tournament hosted by Powell High School.
The event, featuring top high school teams from Tennessee and Kentucky, was held Thursday and Friday at Powell.
“We went undefeated and we won the whole thing,” Dawson said. “But I don’t want to get all amped up because it’s passing league. It’s 7-on-7 and it’s not 11-on-11.
“We did pretty well,” he said. “We had two quarterbacks, and both did well throwing the ball. I’m happy with the way we competed. We played hard, and at this point in our program, anytime we can compete and compete well, it’s good.”
The Dragons used Jaylon Benjamin and Mason Eckers at quarterback. Both played efficiently, according to Dawson.
The new coach also had high praise for Ryin Jones (wide receiver/cornerback) and Cam Anderson (running back/safety).
“Our quarterbacks both played well, and skill-wise, Ryin Jones and Cam Anderson both had good days,” Dawson said.
The event wrapped up the 7-on-7 season for the Dragons, who posted victories over Concord Christian School, Grace Christian Academy and the host Panthers.
In double-elimination play, Clinton defeated Gatlinburg-Pittman, Gibbs and Powell to secure the title.
Now, preparations for the coming season will kick into high gear as Clinton shifts its focus to 11-on-11.
The Dragons will practice this week ahead of a home scrimmage against Grace Aug. 1. The time for the scrimmage has not yet been determined.
