High School Sports

Tyler's two Class 5A high school football teams will be looking to graduate to College Station.

The John Tyler and Robert E. Lee 7-on-7 squads are entered in State Qualifying Tournaments today - the Lions in Temple and the Red Raiders in College Station.

The top-two finishers in both SQTs advance to the 64-team State 7-on-7 Division I (Class 4A-5A) Tournament on July 11-12 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Lee has made it to state eight straight years, including a championship in 2004.

JT missed state last year for the first time since joining the passing frenzy in 2003.

The Lions find themselves in an unusual eight-team field event. JT drew Pool A, along with Austin Bowie, Round Rock Stony Point and host Temple. Pool B features Austin Westlake, Copperas Cove, Killeen and Round Rock McNeil.

"It's an eight-team tournament and all eight are good," said JT 7-on-7 coach Reginald Coleman. "Anyone can beat anyone."

Through one week of play in the local Trinity Mother Frances SportsCARE 7-on-7 Passing League, JT looms as the lone unbeaten at 4-0. JT has limited its last three opponents to one touchdown each.

Coleman credited newfound dedication as JT's major reason for improvement since last season.

"They're coming to practice, showing up early to games. They're ready to get better," Coleman said. "You can't ask for more. Overall, (good) things are carrying over from the Blue-White spring game. Everyone is up to listen. The kids are (showing) discipline. They want to win."

The A&M Consolidated SQT field consists of the host school, as well as Brenham, Bryan, Conroe, Cy Creek, Cy-Fair, Klein Collins, Klein Oak, La Marque, Lee, Navasota, Oak Ridge, Round Rock, Waller and The Woodlands.

Thirty-six teams have already qualified for state, with 14 more bids going out today.

Seven tournaments are slated for the following two weekends, including the Tyler Lee SQT on June 21 at Lindsey Park.

- Harold Wilson