-
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Walker Bennett runs in for a touchdown against Dallas Life Oak Cliff at the Mineral Wells State Qualifying Tournament for 7on7 held Friday, May 22. The Steers beat Dallas Life Oak Cliff, Godley, Krum and Stephenville to advance to the state tournament in June. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Steers 7on7 coach ZT Burkett congratulates the team after their win during the Mineral Wells SQT. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Austin Kilpatrick dodges the Dallas Life Oak Cliff defense during the Mineral Wells State Qualifying Tournament for 7on7 held Friday, May 22. During the tournament the Steers advanced to state which will be held in June. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Walker Bennett runs in for a touchdown against Dallas Life Oak Cliff at the Mineral Wells State Qualifying Tournament for 7on7 held Friday, May 22. The Steers beat Dallas Life Oak Cliff, Godley, Krum and Stephenville to advance to the state tournament in June.
The Graham High School 7on7 football team will compete in the state tournament after advancing out of the Mineral Wells State Qualifying Tournament.
The Steers and Fort Worth Southwest Christian were the two teams to advance out of the 16-team SQT held Friday, May 22.
Competing in Pool D of the tournament, the Steers met Dallas Life Oak Cliff, Godley and Krum. In the first game, the Steers defeated Dallas Life Oak Cliff 34-27. In the second game, the Steers were victorious 34-18.
The Steers advanced to the state qualifying round with a 40-12 win over Krum. Stephenville, who came out of Pool C, were defeated by the Steers 35-34.
“Cooper Corley had a great day at quarterback. Our defense continues to improve. The team played tough and worked together all day.” Coach ZT Burkett III said.
This year’s 7on7 football team consists of Jouah Thomas, Cooper Corley, Kolin Carter, Bryce Martin, Brodie Martin, Kyson Bates, Jot Thorne, Thomason Burkett, Macrae Isbell, Austin Kilpatrick, Kaesan Stogner, Colt Taylor, Roan Pratt, Dylan Cox, Eric Martinez, Legend Bowen, Brody Busch, Walker Bennett and Seth Jilek.
Rosters typically see slight changes from tournament to tournament.
Since Texas 7on7 football is not a UIL-regulated sport, the high school coaches are not allowed to coach the team. Teams are typically coached by parents and led by the athletes participating on the team.
This helps to build team leadership skills and chemistry between defensive backs along with chemistry between the quarterback and receivers.
The 2026 Texas State 7on7 Tournament will take place June 25-27 at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station.
Texas 7on7 is governed by a select group of coaches across the state which meets in January and July.
These coaches select SQT sites for qualifying tournaments across the state that take place beginning in April and run through the weekend before the state tournament.
SQTs range from eight to 32 teams with one team advancing to the state tournament for every eight teams in the qualifying tournament.
