7-on-7 Football: Wildcats, Chargers ready for action

Clear Creek competes for the second straight week and Clear Springs makes its 7-on-7 season debut at this week's Manvel State Qualifying Tournament.

Clear Creek didn't make it out of pool play last week during the Houston Texans SQT, but will be looking for a berth in the finals and a ticket to state on Saturday, May 28, at Manvel High School.

Pool play games are at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., with pool winners in the semifinals at 1 p.m., and the championship and consolation games at 2 p.m.

Senior Austin Smith is taking over at quarterback for Clear Creek after serving as the backup, and dabbling at wide receiver, for the 2010 playoff Wildcats.

"It's good to be back at quarterback, and after a good spring, we can't wait to get the season started," Smith said. "I got a different perspective last year after being a full-time quarterback since middle school, and I think it will help me be a better quarterback."

Smith got even more familiar with running back Colby Davis, and receivers Deon Lewis, Chris Mirka, Bane Bilc, Matt McCullough and others, during the spring, and is doing the same in 7-on-7.

"One of the best things about 7-on-7 is you get to work on your routes against live competition," Smith said.

Clear Springs wrapped up its spring workouts with a scrimmage and youth workshop on Wednesday, May 25, and gets its first taste of 7-on-7 at Manvel.

One of the Chargers' biggest tasks is finding a replacement for quarterback Dylan Doebler, who as a senior helped lead Clear Springs to the playoffs in 2010.

Among the top candidates is Zach Cripps (6-3, 195), and he'll get a good look during 7-on-7 and over the summer heading into fall workouts.

"Cripps was our junior varsity quarterback and was moved up to varsity for our last (regular season) game against Brazoswood as a freshman last season," Clear Springs coach Clint Hartman said.

Cripps completed a 65-yard touchdown pass on his only throw during the 42-28 win against Brazoswood, and was also in uniform in a 41-35 playoff loss to Hightower.

Clear Springs is looking for its first 7-on-7 state tournament berth.

Clear Creek has advanced three times in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

The 7-on-7 Division I State Tournament for Class 5A and 4A schools is July 15-16 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

Cy Creek and Second Baptist also host 7-on-7 SQTs beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 28.