Warren, Sheffield and Eisenhower competed in a round robin style competition against each other, as well as foes Kane, Corry and Brookville.

“We’ll play again next Thursday, take a week off for the holiday and have two more in July,” said Warren coach Mark Morelli. “Then we go to Corry for a tournament.”

Each team played against every other team for one, 20-minute quarter. Offenses started on the 40 with a running clock, but no straight run plays.

“(These competitions) help with timing and footwork and give you an idea of what you have and what you have to work on,” said Sheffield coach Dave Fitch. “We get a chance to see mechanics and break them down.”

Times Observer photo by Brian Hagberg Sheffield’s Matt Dunham runs by a Brookville defender during a 7-on-7 game at War Memorial Field, Thursday, June 22, 2017.

Fitch said the early summer workouts also gives the players time to mesh as a team. Building that chemistry early, especially as part of a co-op with Abraxas will help give the coaches a better idea about where players will fit come fall practice.

“It’s tough sometimes because you don’t know who’s going to come back and who’s going to leave,” Fitch said. “With the earlier practices, we get a chance to introduce the kids to each other earlier.”

Morelli, introducing a new system to Warren, said the summer program gives coaches a chance to implement the coverage and passing offense schemes during the summer instead of waiting for fall practice.

“When fall comes, we’re just going to be polishing,” he said.

While the players were competing hard, Fitch said it was a relaxed environment among the coaches, with plenty of time allowed for instruction and putting players in the correct position.

Times Observer photo by Brian Hagberg Warren’s Mitchell Bryant leaps for a catch during a 7-on-7 game against Corry at War Memorial Field, Thursday, June 22, 2017.

“The coaches are great,” Fitch said. “We’re not pushing each other and we’re really helping each other.”

The next 7-on-7 competition will be held June 29 at War Memorial Field. Brookville, Corry, Eisenhower, Ridgway, Sheffield and Warren are scheduled to compete.

Times Observer photo by Brian Hagberg Warren quarterback Jake Kupchella scans the field during a 7-on-7 game at War Memorial Field, Thursday, June 22, 2017.