Dawson likes progress Clinton coach encouraged by younger players’ growth
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Clinton quarterback Mason Eckerson scans the field for an open receiver during the Dragons’ 7-on-7 competition Friday at Dragon Stadium. Eckerson, a dual-threat quarterback, has emerged as a leader for Clinton’s offense while drawing attention for both his passing ability and playmaking skills during summer workouts. - Tony Cox
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Clinton’s Austyn Phillips turns upfield after hauling in a reception during the Dragons’ 7-on-7 game against Coalfield on Friday at Dragon Stadium. - Tony Cox
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Clinton football Coach Jake Dawson watches the Dragons during a 7-on-7 matchup against Coalfield on Friday. - Tony Cox
Clinton High School’s football team wrapped up its final 7-on-7 competition before the TSSAA-mandated dead period late last week.
The Dragons hosted a 7-on-7 tournament at Dragon Stadium.
In addition to the host team, the event featured Austin-East, Coalfield, Scott, Wartburg Central, Harriman and Tellico Plains.
Clinton Coach Jake Dawson said he was pleased with the Dragons’ effort.
“I thought it went really well,” Dawson said. “It’s 7-on-7, so it is what it is. But I was really happy.
“It was a chance to see some younger guys and get them some reps, and we got to see some different teams, teams from outside the area that we don’t normally get to see.
“We played a bunch of young guys.”
The tournament marked Clinton’s final competition before the TSSAA dead period, which begins June 22 and runs through July 5.
The Dragons will continue practicing and lifting weights this week before the mandatory break.
“We’re going to practice up until the dead period, and then we’ll come back and start to really prepare for the season,” Dawson said.
On Friday, Clinton played Wartburg Central, Coalfield, Austin-East and Tellico Plains.
“We got to play four games,” Dawson said.
While 7-on-7 competition features quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, linebackers and defensive backs, Dawson said the primary objective is helping skill players develop chemistry and timing.
“You want to see how well you compete, and you want to see if guys know where to line up,” Dawson said.
“If you don’t know where to line up, it might be a little too late at this point,” he said.
“The biggest thing about 7-on-7 is that it gives your quarterbacks, receivers and defensive backs a chance to work on their timing and get that timing down.”
