July 7, 2010

It's hard to believe that high school football preseason camps will be opening up in less than a month. Some area teams aren't waiting that long and are taking the field in informal 7-on-7 games throughout the month.

Albemarle, Charlottesville, Monticello, and Western Albemarle are all taking part in the 7-on-7 program that will take place each Wednesday in July. Wednesday marked the opening of the program at Monticello High School and, while the games were pushed back a little bit because of the heat, went off without a hitch otherwise. The Patriots and Knights squared off in the first game, with Monticello and Western battling under the lights in game two.

These games are played without pads and helmets and are all passing. The contests are giving players a chance to get some early work in and add a competitive football environment to their conditioning in the weight room. It's also giving coaches the chance to get an early look at players and see who is going the extra mile to catch a pass or make a defensive play. Coaches are evaluating how players are faring in these games as the season approaches.

Click on the above video link to view highlights from Wednesday's match up and hear from Monticello head coach Brud Bicknell and Charlottesville head coach Chris Fraser.