Wildcats close out 7-on-7 with strong showing
Blake Stansberry was steady at the helm for the Wildcats. (photo:Tony Cox )
“We just have practice this week,” Wildcats Coach Derek Rang said. “We’re shifting away from 7-on-7 and focusing on 11-on-11. It’s that time. It’s time to get back to real football.”
Oak Ridge, the two-time defending Region 3-5A champion and a 2024 state semifinalist, will be the first area team to kick off the new season.
The Wildcats, moving up to Class 6A, will open at home against Knoxville Halls on Thursday, Aug. 21.
While 7-on-7 action is different from traditional football, Rang welcomed the chance to see his team compete against top-tier area programs.
“I think we did pretty well, and it was great to see our guys compete in the heat and play well,” he said. “We went 2-1 in pool play and got into the quarterfinals, but we ran out of gas.”
Top offensive contributors included quarterback Blaine Stansberry, wide receiver Ja’Rel Jimmerson and tight end Malik Howard.
“We were able to build on the previous 7-on-7s we’ve played this summer,” Rang said. “It was great to see Blaine out there throwing the ball around. Ja’Rel made some big plays, Adam Washington made some good catches, and Malik had some big plays from the tight end position. That’s what we expect from him.”
Rang also praised his defense, especially considering the team was short-handed.
“We were missing a couple of guys, so some players had to play both ways,” he said. “Defensively, we played well. It was a collaborative effort. In 7-on-7, sometimes the quarterback is standing back there for 3½ or 4 seconds, so everybody has to stay sharp.”
The Wildcats opened the event Thursday with wins over Oliver Springs and the host Panthers to go 2-1 in pool play.
In Friday’s double-elimination bracket, Oak Ridge opened with a win over Knoxville Central before falling to Grace Christian Academy. The Wildcats bounced back with a victory over Union County but were eliminated by Stone Memorial.
