Westfield High Competes in Mel Kiper Jr.'s Passing Tournament

While uncertainty abounds over the likelihood of a 2011-12 NFL season, there is no so such concern in regards to high school football in Northern Virginia. The first game of the season is less than two months away and players are ready.

Five teams converged on football stadium on Sunday to participate in passing tournament. As players walked to the field, the distinct sound of cleats as they scraped against concrete served as a welcome reminder to all that football season is near.

Ft. Hill, Oakton, Westfield and West Springfield high schools competed in the tournament. Due to roster size, Westfield fielded two teams. Ft Hill High School, located in Cumberland, MD, made the tournament a mini-vacation, as the team lodged in a local hotel after making the two-hour drive the day before.

With a trip to the tournament’s national championship at stake, each team had incentive to perform well. Westfield defeated Oakton in the tournament’s championship game, and both advanced to the national championship,which will be held July 14-16 at in Chantilly.

“As the host, we felt a little pressure to perform to the highest standard. It’s nice to have all these teams come out, and it’s nice to see all the football guys get together during the summer,” said senior Inside Linebacker Mo Katz.

As the five teams scrimmaged on the field, coaches watched from the stands, in accordance with Virginia High School League rules. Coaches were prohibited from being on the field and coaching players. Despite the fact, they still welcomed the opportunity for their players to get the extra practice.

“It’s all about having something for the kids to participate in,” said Westfield Head Coach Kyle Simmons.  “We spent a week at passing camp the first week of June, and this is just a good opportunity for them to come out and compete and be involved in an event with other teams.”

Not only were the scrimmages constructive by allowing players to work together, they also had the opportunity to do so in a less regimented atmosphere.

“It’s a lot easier without pads, running backs and an offensive line. I’m having fun,” said senior Wide Receiver Quentin Basil.

While Basil took pleasure in the simplicity of the plays and formations, Katz appreciated the tournament for other reasons.

“The weather is beautiful; I’m getting some nice tan lines,” he joked.

Despite the eight month lay-off from football, players looked extremely sharp. Quarterbacks threw accurate passes with nice touch on the ball, while receivers ran crisp routes and made impressive catches.

Jim Boone, 7on7 University (7on7U) Founder and COO of Mel Kiper, Jr. 7on7U, was not surprised with the athleticism displayed at tournament.

“There’s good football in the Northern Virginia area. We’re in a good area where the youth and high school teams are very competitive,” said Boone.

Boone says that the tournament, which is held in various states, aims to focus not only on football, but also on developing the young men into better individuals.

“We’re not only creating a series of tournaments that lead up to a national championship, but our goal is to build some good educational programs and clinics that not only strengthen the team, but also help the individuals as leaders,” he said.

Boone’s claim was evidenced when J.C. Watts, former University of Oklahoma quarterback and three-term congressman, visited the tournament’s afternoon session to spend time with players and spectators.

Westfield and Oakton are two of 32 teams that will compete in next month’s national championship. For some, such as Westfield senior quarterback, Matt Pisarcik, the chance to play against competitive teams this early is an opportunity that he enjoys.

“It’s really exciting. Especially with it being the first opportunity of the year to go against other teams. It’s really good practice for us,” said Pisarcik