midamerica

Jr Stockmen

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:32:48 GMT

Based in Omaha, Nebraska, the Jr Stockmen girls flag football team are looking to make a name for themselves nationally and grow the sport of girls flag while they’re at it. Founded in 2023 by Andrew Mather and Coach Jason, the team began as a high school league before evolving into a travel team. What was once a team of just nine players now has up to 50!

And among those 50 players are some real stars. Adelaide is the team’s “most dominant player” according to Mather, able to keep track of the ball anywhere on defense and catch from anywhere in her radius on offense. Ava, a center and corner, is one of the best corners in the area’s tournaments, a “lockdown corner”, and Ella is a wide receiver and safety who Mathers also says is one of the best safeties he’s seen.

Jr Stockmen pulls students from the entire Omaha metro area, and since their founding, two high schools in that area have announced the formation of their own girls flag teams, as well as the College of Saint Mary, where the team holds practices. Mather says this has always been a goal of the team, for them to inspire and encourage more schools to start their own teams, supporting the growth of the sport in the region. At many schools, students from Jr Stockmen are the ones initiating these new teams, showing great leadership skills as well as dedication to the sport.

Having recently transitioned to a travel team, Mather says that many of the students on Jr Stockmen have committed more fully to flag football than other sports, and the hard work is paying off. While they struggled at first against the tougher travel competition, this year the Jr Stockmen high school 7v7 team won a MoKan Sports 7v7 tournament, beating a team they’ve never won against before for the championship. Their 14 year old team also saw great success this year, winning the Kansas City NFL Regionals to go on to represent the Chiefs at the NFL Flag Nationals.

Wanting to branch out more into 7v7 football, Jr Stockmen has and will continue to participate in many of our MidAmerica 7v7 tournaments! The team will continue to work for the growth of girls flag football, and hopes to get many of their players recruited for college teams, furthering their careers and the sport. With an already impressive track record and fantastic goals, Jr Stockmen will be an exciting team to watch!

Instagram: jrstockmen

Facebook: jrstockmen girls flag foot ball

Lady Warriors

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:24:47 GMT

Founded just this February by Kanisha Hartman, the Ladii Warriors are a new girls flag team already growing and making a name for themselves. Starting as a training camp in February 2026, this is the team’s first year competing, recruiting students from across the Cedar Rapids area as the first girls flag team in the city!

And for such a young team, they already have players showing great promise, such as Kylee Parks at running back and safety, as well as Emani Phelps, also a running back and safety. Other standouts include Kaylanee Williams, a quarterback with good discipline, and Sijourney, who Coach K has described as “the glue of the team”. With all of their students being so young, the oldest right now being 11, it’s important that the Ladii Warriors have built a sisterhood as a team, relying on and supporting one another even against older, more experienced opponents.

According to Coach K, playing against older teams was something they struggled with at first, but she found that the team built each other up, often with the younger students encouraging the others and keeping the team focused. With a team that is so new to the sport, it’s been great for them to see the students stepping up to lead, correcting each other’s mistakes and learning from them.

Looking to grow, the Ladii Warriors want to provide more opportunities for girls to be involved with the sport. To that end, Coach K hopes to get the parents of students more involved as well, to show the team their support and help the students where they can. Already some of the parents have stepped up in this regard, with Kenneth helping coach. With more time and experience, the Ladii Warriors will surely continue to become an even stronger team, and grow the sport of girls flag football.

For more information on the Ladii Warriors or to get into contact with them, you can find them at Roosevelt Middle School Tuesdays/Fridays from 5-6:30, Sundays from 2-3:30, or on their socials below:

Facebook: Cedar Rapids Ladii Warriors

RedZone RaZors and RoyalZ

Thu, 28 May 2026 14:35:08 GMT

A team we at MidAmerica have shared an office with for three years, the RedZone RaZors were founded in 2021 by Tyler Blum and are based out of Iowa City. Veterans of 7v7 Football, they’ve recently added a girls flag football team: the RedZone RoyalZ. RedZone doesn’t recruit from a specific town or school, instead welcoming students from across the state of Iowa, including as far from Iowa City as the Quad Cities. Coach Blum aims to bring a level of professionality to his club, using his own experience to provide more structure for his students. The team wants to attract players who are serious about football, providing a high level place to compete and play football.

With open registration, RedZone wants to put up as few barriers to entry as possible, giving more students the chance to play. The format of 7v7 football helps make that possible, as it “Fast-tracks the exciting parts of football” according to Coach Blum. With 7v7 football, students learn the basics of football with structure, but more freedom than allowed in tackle football. Coach Blum views 7v7 as a separate sport, carving out a niche and more opportunities for flag football as well.

With a long history in 7v7 football, the RedZone RaZors have their share of accomplishments, including winning 2 division 2 state championships at the 10U/12U level in 2023. Coach Blum appreciates all the students who’ve come through the team and taken the pledge to play for the RaZors.

The organization wants to help it’s students develop the intangible skills of focus, effort, and desire, the three things Coach Blum believes can help athletes achieve their full potential. Without the drive to reach 100%, many students may never realize what they’re fully capable of, and Coach Blum wants to get as many of them to meet that potential as possible. With their recent expansion, RedZone hopes to provide more opportunities for girls with RedZone RoyalZ as well.

According to Coach Blum, there’s been a push for more girls flag football, but the challenge is still getting people involved and laying the groundwork for the future of the sport. For the RoyalZ, their goal is to get in as many games as they can against the best competition RedZone can find. Despite the work required, just like with 7v7 football, it will be worth it to RedZone if they can provide more chances for students to fall in love with the sport of football.

Instagram: RedZoneIA

Facebook: RedZoneIA

Iowa Zealots

Thu, 21 May 2026 14:37:53 GMT

The Iowa Zealots were founded out of Empigo Academy in Des Moines, Iowa, by Fig Newton in 2025. Working as a club sport founded through the private school, the Zealots have recruited students from Empigo Academy and throughout the state of Iowa. Purposefully recruiting no 18 year old students in their first season, allowing more time for developing the team, the Zealots also offer scholarships for many of their students to allow them to play football.

With developing younger players as a goal, the Zealots have a number of rising stars. These include Sophomore QB and receiver Jaka Newton from Des Moines Christian, as well as running back Eli Cosby, who’s signed with Simpson College. Chase Harden is a freshman who starts on the 18U team, going against older athletes and excelling, and Torrion Cotton, a student from Aimes who Coach Newton believes is an overlooked athlete.

Besides improving their football skills, the Iowa Zealots aim to use 7v7 as a platform for character development, learning business skills, and team bonding. Off the field the team works on learning marketing skills, setting up professional social media accounts, and watching film to learn from their past games. While traveling for tournaments, the team also makes educational field trips to places near tournament locations, helping to expose the players to things besides football to better their understanding of the world around them.

According to Coach Newton, the players are drawn to the communal aspect of the team, and enjoy being given opportunities outside of football while still getting to play the game they love. With such a young team, the Zealots had expected to experience “some bumps and bruises”, but a holistic approach allows them to “always win.”

After a rough start to the season, the Zealot’s got their first win in Topeka, and with it a boost to their confidence. Pushing themselves to shoot for the stars, the Zealots want to be the best 18U team in Iowa by record and performance. Analyzing their games and learning from mistakes, the team has rapidly improved. As Coach Newton put it, “We don’t compete against others, we compete against our own potential.”

Website: https://empigo.academy/

Instagram: Zealot_Athletics

Instagram: EmpigoAcademy

4 Vert Boyz

Fri, 15 May 2026 14:39:52 GMT

Formed underneath the umbrella of 4 Verticals Academy, the 4 Vert Boyz from Peoria, Illinois are entering their 2nd year of 7v7 football. Pulling students from Peoria area schools, the 4 Vert Boyz bring in students from Washington Community High School, Normal Community High School, University High School, Farmington High School, and Dunlap High School.

With students from so many different schools, it’s no surprise that the team has a number of star players. These include freshman quarterback from Farmington High Carson Noy, who threw over 30 touchdowns last fall, as well as sophomore quarterback Noah Garcia and Charlie Anthony the 4th, who plays on offense and defense, both from Washington Community.

According to coach Rob Garcia, many of the students on their 7v7 team train with the 4 Verticals Academy for the whole offseason, developing important skills for the regular fall season. Despite that, he feels that at times high school coaches don’t appreciate how 7v7 helps students improve. But Coach Garcia finds that 7v7 football’s unique, fast-paced playstyle has helped students learn to make quicker plays with tighter windows. The format emphasizes good reaction speeds, forcing players to adapt to high level competition.

And adapt the 4 Vert Boyz have, with their 18u team taking 2nd place at our Pearl City Classic tournament as well as 1st place at a tournament in Indianapolis! Still being so new to 7v7 tournaments, the 4 Vert Boyz have made great strides throughout this season and still have plenty of room to grow. Competing in many of our upcoming tournaments, the 4 Vert Boyz are aiming to bring home a championship title at a MidAmerica 7v7 event, and we look forward to seeing them continue to compete for years to come!

Website: www.4verticalsacademy.com

Instagram: 4vertboyz7v7

Spirit Football

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:44:32 GMT

For decades, Spirit Football has been a staple of youth football in the Omaha, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa areas. Founded in 1977 by Dan Bellino as a youth tackle football league, Spirit football added NFL flag in 2020 followed by 7v7 in 2023.

With ten teams competing in 7v7 football this year, Spirit Football has no shortage of talented players. According to Spirit Football Director Greg Wittmeier, here are just a few of their best high school players: Quarterbacks Bradin Van Winkle (Plattsmouth), RJ Vitera (Papillion/LaVista), Garrett Schinning (Fremont), Scott Miner II (Westview), Aiden Stacken (Elkhorn), Wide Receivers / Defensive Backs Tavion Johnson (Raymond Central), Hudson Jennings (Fremont), Traceson Skalberg (Plattsmouth), DD Chambers (Papillion South), Kingston Moore (Westview), Grant Harpster (Creighton), and Running backs / Linebackers Sage “Crash” Giddings (Westview), Jagger Cox (Papillion South).

With so many players across their teams, Spirit Football has found 7v7 football to be a great way to get in more reps quickly and at a highly competitive level. The speed of the format forces players of every position to adjust their playstyle, learning to think and react quicker. Spirit’s players also enjoy the “constant action, with more chances to touch the ball and make plays.” While this is all working to improve for the fall, it’s also a fun format for the players to enjoy with their teammates, bringing the team closer together.

In the past year, Spirit has seen great growth in their organization and coaching staff. With a group of coaches “committed to developing athletes and creating a competitive environment”, Spirit achieved a total of 16 championship and runner-up finishes at tournaments last year. As such an impressive record implies, the team has always strived to compete at the highest level, and will continue doing so into this season. With plans for improving the quality of their coaching and offering players even more chances to compete at a high level, Spirit Football means business. According to Director Greg Wittmeier, “our goal is to continue building a strong culture where players enjoy competing, improving, and representing the program and 7v7 as a whole the right way.”

Web: spirit-football.com

Instagram: spiritfootball_ne

Facebook: SpiritFootball

X: @spiritFB_NE

Origins of MidAmerica 7v7 Football

Fri, 08 May 2026 14:42:39 GMT

The story of MidAmerica 7v7 Football, from a realization to a regional movement, is the story of Trevor and Jennifer Bollers' journey with 7v7 football. In 2016, traveling the country with their son TJ to find more opportunities for him to improve as a defensive lineman, Trevor noticed a huge disparity in the number of Midwestern students receiving football scholarships compared to other regions. Confused as to why so many highly skilled players were being passed by, he talked to coaches, and was told that players from the Midwest just didn’t have “the touches, the game knowledge, or the experience that kids from other places had.” What was the Midwest missing?

The answer was 7v7 football. While the Midwest was in its offseason, teams in other regions continued to play and practice through the spring with 7v7 football. Trevor knew teams in Iowa played 7v7 all the time for practices, but hadn’t heard of any leagues for it in the state. Looking further into it, he found there were players traveling as far as Florida to play 7v7 in the spring.

So, aiming to make a home for 7v7 football in the state of Iowa, Trevor called 50 schools. Three answered: Iowa City West, Clear Creek Amana High School, and Thomas Jefferson High School. The three schools met at Tiffin City Park for the state’s first independent 7v7 event, which Trevor called “a shot heard around the Midwest”. Out of this first event came the Iowa Elite Playmaker Circuit, a series of three events.

When the Covid-19 pandemic began, Trevor and Jennifer worried it might be the end of their new 7v7 events. But partnering with Adam Bolander and Cedar Falls Tourism, they were able to host the Back 2 Ballin tournament at the UNI Dome, a tournament which “has become the jewel of the Midwest when it comes to 7v7 touch football events”, breaking records for 6 years.

Over the years, MidAmerica 7v7 Football has grown to include teams and organizations across the Midwest. "Our goal is creating an ecosystem for athletes to fall in love with the game of football, giving them the chance to learn and grow as players," Bollers explains "Since 2018, hundreds of athletes have come through our doors and played in our tournaments. Many of those athletes have gone on to attend and play for division three, division two, and even division one schools."

From humble beginnings in Tiffin City Park with the Bollers family running events, to today with over 4,000 athletes and 400 organizations participating in events, and as recently as this year, adding girls' flag to our circuit. The MidAmerica 7v7 journey is still only just beginning. Building amazing relationships with a variety of organizations and seeing other programs grow alongside us, has been fantastic. Thanks to the Bollers’ hard work and determination to bring 7v7 football to the Midwest. We look forward to the next 5 years of MidAmerica 7v7 Football and thank you for joining us on this journey.

Papillion Lavista Youth Athletic Association

Fri, 01 May 2026 14:46:42 GMT

The Papillion Lavista Youth Athletic Association (PLYAA) pulls students from elementary and middle schools in the Papillion La Vista district, as well as schools in Omaha, Nebraska. Currently, the PLYAA runs two 7v7 teams for every grade from 3rd to 8th grade, and their numbers are growing as more students and families get involved. As this is only the organization’s second year competing in 7v7 football, they have plenty of room for growth.

Throughout the 7v7 season, the PLYAA teams compete weekly on Monday nights against other teams from their conference, giving them a regular set of opponents for games. Besides these weekly games, the team has participated in travel tournaments, and is planning to join more. According to coaches, traveling and playing in tournaments is an aspect of 7v7 the students seem to really enjoy. Besides being able to express themselves on the field as they practice and improve their skills, they’re given the chance to experience new places and meet new people. Getting to play (and win!) inside Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, is one moment in particular that the students are sure to never forget.

Of course, playing 7v7 isn’t just about traveling: it’s about the sport. For the PLYAA, 7v7 football in the spring has made a real difference for their students come the fall. With more time to practice and develop closer bonds as a team, students come back to football in the fall excited to play and better than ever. By offering a fun, fast-paced way to play football in the spring, 7v7 has given the members of the PLYAA a way to stay engaged with the sport year-round.

As the team continues to grow, both in skill and number of players, the PLYAA will continue providing great opportunities for students to fall in love with and learn the game of football. Understanding the importance of being competitive while also making the game fun for young players, the PLYAA is sure to be a staple of 7v7 football in the state of Nebraska.

Website: https://www.plyaa.org/

X: @PlyaaF

Back 2 Ballin High Coming Soon!

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:44:06 GMT

If you’re looking for the top-tier 7v7 tournament for competitive play, look no further. The Back 2 Ballin High tournament is a stay-to-play tournament hosted at the UNI Dome from 4/18-4/19, featuring over 50 teams from the 15U and 18U divisions! Including college visits and scouts, it is THE event for players to show what they’re made of at a state-of-the-art indoor stadium. Bookings are required through our hotel links. We look forward to what is sure to be a thrilling weekend of high level play, and encourage you to join us!

The UNI Dome is the indoor football stadium of the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. With a turf field, a maximum capacity for football of 12,500, and indoor temperature control allowing for comfortable weather year-round, the UNI Dome is a premier stadium for 7v7 football.

Find out more about the Back 2 Ballin High, including how to register your team, on our website’s event page (https://midamerica7v7.org/blog/post-16/).

Thank you to our sponsors Urban Pie, Subway, Cedar Falls Tourism, Cedar Valley Sports Commission, and Body Armor! For more information about our sponsors, check out their websites below!

Urban Pie

Subway

Cedar Falls Tourism

Cedar Valley Sports Commission

Body Armor

BSP Activate

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:49:27 GMT

Bud’s Sport Performance Activate (BSP Activate) began competing in 7v7 football during the Spring 2025 season, and are already showing promise as a strong contender. Founded by coach Avian Thomas, BSP Activate is based in Columbia, Missouri. While most of their players come from Columbia, they do pull students from other parts of the state, and have support from the schools their students attend.

Team founder and coach Avian Thomas played college football at South Dakota State University before moving back to his hometown of Columbia, Missouri, where he founded Bud’s Sport Performance as a personal training company. Their mission is “To empower and inspire the next generation”, giving them the tools they need to succeed in life as well as football. Besides training, Coach Thomas offers his students sports psychology, lessons on financial literacy, and places an emphasis on developing their character alongside their skills. He understands that the kids on his team come from diverse and varied backgrounds, and looks for coaches that different kids can relate to, offering role models for the whole team.

Star players for the team include Tyler Stockard and Quincy Hobbs. Stockard, going into his senior year, plays receiver and tight end. With offers from Lindenwood University and Missouri State, Coach Thomas is confident that Stockard is a player who can make a real difference on Saturdays and Sundays. Hobbs, a freshman, is already making an impact on the field, being chosen for the Central-Missouri All District football team.

Overall, BSP Activate is a young team, and that’s on purpose. Having been founded just last year, Coach Thomas planned for the team to start with players who still had time left in high school, so that they could grow and improve together. With such a new team, traveling and competing against teams from other states has been an exciting experience. And although they have yet to win a tournament, they’ve already made it all the way to the championships for three of them, showing that the team has what it takes to compete at a high level. With plans to participate in many more tournaments this year, it’s only a matter of time before BSP Activate comes out on top.

Being such a new team, BSP Activate has plenty of room to grow. Working to serve their community and provide a way for student athletes to improve their football skills while learning important life skills, they will continue to empower and inspire student athletes for years to come.

Instagram: bsp.activate

Facebook: Bud’s Sport Performance

Back2Ballin High 2026 Roundup

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:53:02 GMT

MidAmerican 7v7 Football CEDAR FALLS - When they play “Getting Jiggy with It” on the PA, you know it’s on. The Back 2 Ballin High 7-on-7 tournament proves that notion true on an annual basis. The event’s 2026 edition took place this past weekend here in the warmth of the UNI-Dome as crisp spring temperatures prevailed in Cedar Falls. Champions were crowned in four divisions. Competition was fierce.

Rip City Legends took home the 18U Gold Bracket title with a 20-7 victory against Linn-Mar Lions 18U in the championship game. Iowa Insanity 18U claimed the Silver Bracket with a 39-35 triumph against All We Got Black.

Sanford Sports 15U Black won the Gold Bracket championship. It took down its brother team, Sanford Sports Red, 28-21, for the crown.

The first-ever Girls High School Flag Football champion was contested. Minnesota Grind Girls prevailed with a 23-14 win against Jr. Stockmen Elite Red in the final. It was an unbeaten run to the title.

The weekend was filled with close games and thrilling finishes in a sport where you have a chance to win even if you’re down a score as long as there’s time on the clock.

We saw that at the end of the 18U Gold Bracket quarterfinal game between Rip City Legends and Level Up Intergalactic. A touchdown pass from Cannon Davis to Braden Bickford as time expired gave the eventual champs the 42-37 victory.

As usually happens at these events, we witnessed our fair share of good storylines beyond the final scores. That’s run it back:

FITTING TRIBUTE

Rip City Legends 18U was playing for more than the championship this weekend. That’s why winning it seemed like destiny.

On the back of their jerseys, players paid tribute to former team member, Parker Sutherland, who tragically passed on Feb. 14. He’d just competed with the squad at this event last year before playing on this field as a Northern Iowa freshman tight end this past season.

Other signs of Sutherland could be seen around the Dome during the weekend. Athletes had his No. 88 written on their cleats. Others wore the memorial T-Shirt while playing.

HAWKEYE IN THE HOUSE

Connections to the in-state college programs are inevitable with football being played within the borders. Much of the exposure comes in the form of the coaches’ kids competing. Other times, former players are coaching the 7-on-7 game.

The latter example popped up this weekend with former Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley calling plays for Minnesota Air Raid. The Wisconsin native, who played with the Minnesota Vikings, served as the Hawkeyes’ starting signal caller from 2017-19.

Stanley’s 8,302 passing yards and 68 touchdown throws both ranked second all-time at the school behind Heisman Trophy runner-up Chuck Long. Stanley is deciding to give back to the game that gave him a lot.

SCHOOL BALL

Organizations fielding 7-on-7 teams come in different forms. Club teams are the most common among them.

While those programs benefit from uniting kids from different communities, groups from the same high school are rewarded in the fall when they come together in the spring. Chemistry and camaraderie are developed.

We watched that unfold this weekend with Linn-Mar advancing to the 18U Gold Championship game. The Lions bested clubs that had been in the game a lot longer than them.

Other club sports seasons have experienced an increase in school teams joining the competition during their off-seasons. It makes a lot of sense in 7-on-7 circles, too.

BACKFLIPS

Stodgy Traditionalists have been known to frown upon 7-on-7, with its touchdown celebrations and smack talk. That’s done nothing to stop those practices and, likely, never will.

The backflip has become a popular and more common form of celebration. Spinning the pigskin is always in vogue.

The preference should be team-oriented routines. Here’s a call for creative choreography, y’all. Make the cellies memorable.

Instagram: bsp.activate

Facebook: Bud’s Sport Performance

Prime Time Athletics

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:42:21 GMT

With teams based in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, Prime Time Athletics is a true travel team, looking for the best competition with the best players across the country. Coached and organized by Coach Tommy, Prime Time Athletics was originally a flag football team, and this will be their 4th season in 7v7 football. The team is based out of the south Milwaukee area, but also has teams based in northern Illinois and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Recruiting from across the midwest, Prime Time Athletics looks to compete at the highest level, earning their players recognition while they get to test themselves against the best of the best. Coach Tommy places an emphasis on getting his students noticed by colleges and recruiters, believing that the midwest is an under recruited area and wanting to prove to colleges that these students deserve more attention. This of course includes not only playing at a high level, but setting up visits with colleges, such as an upcoming one to the University of Orlando.

The benefits of this college focus have been clear to the team. Quarterbacks Joel Perez and JJ Chapman, both star players, have received many offers. For Perez, offers have come from Indiana, Northwestern, and Duke, while Chapman has received offers from Virginia Tech, Miami, and Purdue.

Of course, with or without college visits, good offers require good football, and 7v7 has been instrumental to improving their play. While at times it’s been a challenge to compete for commitment from students who also play baseball or run track, Coach Tommy is an avid supporter of continuing to play football in the spring as the best way to stay in shape for the sport come the fall. According to him, those students who have played since the youth levels and who have stuck with the sport in the offseason as well are the ones who end up winning awards and getting themselves recognized.

In this upcoming season, Prime Time Athletics is looking forward to competitions such as the Shock Doctor Nationals as well as our very own MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin’ High. As a travel team, moving across the country for games, they will go up against a variety of playstyles and top players. While this presents a challenge for the team as they have to adjust their own playstyle depending on the location and the opponent, overall coach Tommy believes that the team and game are getting faster, with new coaches and new players breathing fresh energy into midwestern football. Prime Time Athletics welcomes the competition, and will travel far to find it.

For more information about Prime Time Athletics or to get into contact with them, check out their socials below:

Instagram: prime.time.7v7

Facebook: @PrimeTime7v7

X: @PrimeTime7v7

Mother’s Day Madness Coming Soon!

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 15:40:25 GMT

Show mom some love (and some great football) this Mother’s Day weekend at Mother’s Day Madness! Hosted on 5/9, this event features divisions for 10U, 12U, 14U, 15U, and 18U teams, and will be our second event of the year held at the Musco Sports Center! This Mother’s Day weekend, join us at one of the top indoor sports facilities in all of Iowa for a fun-filled day of competitive, fast-paced 7v7 action!

The Musco Sports Center is the largest sports dome in Iowa at 122,000 square feet, featuring fully synthetic turf, on-site restrooms and concessions, and powered entirely by renewable energy thanks to Muscatine’s power and water program.

Find out more about Mother’s Day Madness, including how to register your team, on our website’s event page.

Sponsored by The Merrill Hotel, Visit Muscatine, and Jimmy Johns. Thank you to our sponsors!

For more info about our sponsors, check out the links below:

The Merrill Hotel

Visit Muscatine

Jimmy John's

Iowa Xtreme

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:45:47 GMT

New to the world of 7v7 football, the Iowa Xtreme are looking to make a strong 7v7 debut. Founded by Coach John Bolden in Des Moines last year, the Iowa Xtreme started out as a recreational flag football team in the offseason. The team pulls students from wherever they can in the Des Moines area, with many of their players being friends who know each other and Coach John’s son, Johnathan Bolden, from school.

A group of 8 of these students have been playing together since before Iowa Xtreme was founded, and have gotten very used to playing with one another, learning each other's strengths and weaknesses and growing as a team. A couple of key players to watch out for include Johnathan Bolden, who recently helped lead his tackle team to an impressive winning season, as well as wide receiver and defensive back Cameron Danderrand.

Looking forward to the new season, Coach Bolden says that the team needs to have a willingness to try something new with 7v7. The different ruleset might present a learning curve the team will have to adapt to, but they’re looking forward to competing, as well as getting more playtime in the spring offseason. Already members of the Iowa Xtreme have started to see the benefits of playing 7v7 in the offseason, with Coach Bolden noting the conditioning has helped agility across the board going into the tackle football season. It’s his belief that increased speed and quickness can help any player at any position, even his linemen.

Participating in MidAmerica 7v7 tournaments, as well as flag tournaments and the Junior Olympic Games, the Iowa Xtreme are looking to make an impact this season, and are absolutely a team to keep an eye on.

For more information about the Iowa Xtreme or to get in contact with them, check out their socials below:

Facebook: Iowa Xtreme Youth Football

4 City Wolves

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:49:35 GMT

Founded in early 2024 by Rhmondo Rodriquez with Eric Hester, the 4 City Wolves are a non-profit organization bringing 7v7 football to Davenport, Iowa. Coach Rodriquez started the team to give his son, Rhmondo Rodriquez Jr., a chance to play football in the offseason. The 4 City Wolves started with 9 players and have grown much larger since then, recruiting students from Sudlow Middle School (where Coach Rodriquez coaches 8th grade football), Williams Middle School, Bettendorf Middle and High School, Davenport Central, Smart Middle School, Davenport West High School, and even Cedar Rapids.

With such a low player count in their opening season, the 4 City Wolves initially struggled to compete, playing in the 14U division with many of their players below the age limit. Despite that, they continued to play, practice, and grow as a team, recruiting more players and working together to improve their game both in 7v7 and regular season football in the fall. In the previous 2025 season, the 4 City Wolves saw their hard work pay off, with their 12U team going on a win streak, and their 14U team able to secure the win for the Midwest Championship silver bracket.

That win was a turning point for the team. Not only did it prove to their players that they had what it takes to win big, but it brought much more attention to the 4 City Wolves, always looking to recruit more players. According to Coach Rodriquez, the sentiment from many new parents coming to the team was “we always liked y’all energy, but now y’all playing ball.” And the 4 City Wolves are still only just getting started.

For Coach Rodriquez, the mission of the 4 City Wolves is not just about football, but providing their students with year round activities and new opportunities. The team is looking forward to traveling to different states for tournaments and events, and participating in MidAmerica 7v7 tournaments, including the Back 2 Ballin High tournament from April 18-19. Coach Rodriquez hopes that these out of state events will show his students what their competition in other states is like, letting them meet new people who they will be able to stay connected with and compete with for many years to come.

For more information about the 4 City Wolves or to get into contact with them, check out their socials below:

Facebook: 4 City Wolves

Instagram: 4 City Wolves

Girls Flag Teams Wanted!

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:48:13 GMT

Looking to expand opportunities for young athletes to participate in spring football, we will be adding Girls 7v7 Flag Football to many of our events this year! With age divisions for 10U, 12U, 14U, and high school, teams of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate!

Our goals for Girls Flag Football are to provide a safe, competitive, and fun environment for all of our players, as well as to help the sport itself grow. We expect that this year will be the first for most of the Girls Flag teams competing, and welcome all newcomers! Together, we will build a community that can provide young female athletes with more chances to compete than ever before. The more the merrier!

So please, don’t hesitate to join us in what is sure to be the first of many exciting years of Girls 7v7 Flag Football. We look forward to seeing you at our tournaments and partner events throughout the year!

Head Protection in 7v7

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:47:06 GMT

While traditional football helmets are not necessary for 7v7 Flag Football, we do highly recommend the use of soft shell helmets for protective headgear. With such a fast-paced, action packed game as 7v7 football, injuries are still possible despite not being full tackle. Falls, accidental collisions, getting hit by the ball- all of these can still cause serious injury.

With that in mind, we have partnered with Force Field to provide their Ultra Soft Shell Helmets at a discounted partner rate. These shell helmets are made up of polymers designed to absorb impacts, dissipating up to 80% of the force. Adjustable for size and comfort, shell helmets provide important protection against head injury so athletes can play without being distracted by their equipment or worrying about injury.

The safety and health of our players is a top priority for MidAmerica 7v7 Football. Helping youth athletes continue to learn and develop throughout the spring includes making sure they don’t get hurt along the way, so we ask that you seriously consider the use of shell helmets while competi

Top City Most Wanted

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:53:33 GMT

Based in Topeka, Kansas, the Top City Most Wanted are heading into their second year of competing in 7v7 tournaments. After a great start last year, they’re sure to be a team worth watching.

Founded and coached by Yansay Williams, the team pulls students from every school in Topeka, including Topeka West, where Williams is a coach. They also have recruited from Solena Central, Junction City, and even Missouri. Notable players include quarterback Logan Fulton, throwing for nearly 3000 yards while rushing for almost 900, Tremaine Savage, who was awarded defensive player of the year in the Meadowlark Conference, and safety Jones Erby, who coach Williams expects will become a vocal leader for the team.

Those leadership qualities, as well as the team’s bond, are both things coach Williams plans on emphasizing and strengthening over the course of this season. With more tournaments and traveling planned for the team than in their previous season, he hopes they will get the chance to work together on and off the field, developing communication skills along with improving their game. For Williams, 7v7 is not the end goal, but a way to help the team’s athletes grow faster, including for students relatively new to the game of football.

Top City is a competitive team, and the opportunities provided by 7v7 to travel to other states for tournaments and events has given them an exciting chance to face off against opponents they normally wouldn’t meet. Many of the team’s players look forward to seeing how they stack up against this new competition. With this competitive drive in mind, coach Williams says he feels the team is moving into this second season much faster than the first, with their athletes behind the team and their coach every step of the way.

Besides participating in many tournaments through the Spring, Top City Most Wanted will be hosting their very own “Topeka Takeover” in collaboration with MidAmerica 7v7 Football on May 30th!

For more information about the Top City Most Wanted or to get into contact with them, check out their socials below:

X: @785mostwanted

Facebook: Top City Most Wanted

Instagram: 785mostwanted

Tik Tok: most_wanted_7on7

High Profile Athletes

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:52:00 GMT

Competition, commitment, and character: these are the three pillars that coaches Kendrick Foster and Jeremy Tabuyo had in mind when they founded the High Profile Athletes. These founding principles guide the team today, with coaches at all of their locations dedicated to using their years of football experience to bring out the best in their students. Starting out in Houston, Texas, the High Profile Athletes now have teams in Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and Hawaii.

Coach Kendrick formerly played at the University of Illinois, where he received a full ride scholarship for football. While there he was able to take part in training camps and practices that helped him to improve his understanding of the game, and he hopes to pass that knowledge on to players. Coach Kendrick also understands how having coaches and role models who have played the game at a high level can inspire students, making it a priority to get someone who is former D1 or NFL at each location. By showing them what is possible, making it to teams of that level and earning scholarships to afford higher education, Coach Kendrick wants to give his students worthwhile goals to work towards.

Working towards playing football at the highest levels, the High Profile Athletes look at what each individual athlete needs in order to improve. This includes breaking down the basics, ensuring students have a deep understanding of the very core of the game. Offering personal training experiences and focusing on improving speed and agility, Coach Kendrick says that playing 7v7 football in the spring has made a noticeable difference in his athletes’ skill levels.

He leads the Illinois chapter of the team, mostly pulling athletes from school district 150, where he attended school. Coach Kendrick believes it’s helpful that he can relate to his students, as well as offering assistance with rides to events or hotels for overnight stays, and providing 8 full scholarships for the program. Besides training for football, the team is proud to give their athletes a way to network and connect with like-minded students from different areas. With support from parents, the High Profile Athletes build a sense of community for the whole team.

In the upcoming season, the team is looking forward to more opportunities for students to visit and see colleges, as well as participating in tournaments organized by MidAmerica 7v7 Football. They plan on reorganizing team rosters, in order to tell who needs more practice with what skills, and to offer friendly competition between team members. With their three founding pillars of competition, commitment, and character still the core of the team’s mission, the High Profile Athletes will continue to develop their players across all age groups and skill levels.

For more information about the High Profile Athletes or to get into contact with them, check out their website and socials below:

Website: https://highprofileathletes.com/

X: @hpa7v7

Facebook: High Profile Athletes

Instagram: highprofileathletes

Tik Tok: highprofileathletes

Easter Championship Coming Soon!

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:50:38 GMT

Join us for some holiday football fun at the Easter Championship on April 4th! Hosted at the FunCity Turf, this fast-paced tournament will have divisions for 10U, 12U, 14U, 15U, and 18U teams, and is sure to be the perfect way to get some practice in before the summer. Come celebrate the holiday with us here at MidAmerica 7v7 Football!

The FunCity Turf in Burlington, Iowa, is an indoor sports facility featuring a wall to wall 78,500 square feet turf field.

Find out more about the Easter Championship, including how to register your team, on our website’s event page (https://midamerica7v7.org/blog/post-16/).

Thank you to Greater Burlington for partnering with us!

Savages

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:01:59 GMT

One of the first teams to join MidAmerica 7v7 Football, the Savages were founded in 2019 by Tom Petrie and Richard Carter, looking for a way for their kids and their friends to keep playing in the offseason. That original group of about 10 has remained the core of the Savages, now moving into the 18u level, while the organization itself has grown impressively through the years. With a total of 17 teams made up of over 200 athletes primarily from the Cedar Valley area, including 3 teams for girls flag football, the Savages continue to act as a pillar of 7v7 football in Iowa.

Improving their players’ skills and game knowledge is the team’s main focus, with 7v7 football in the spring being “absolutely instrumental” to player development. That being said, according to co-founder and coach Tom Petrie, “7v7 is not the end goal for the savages.” It’s all about making sure their players have the chance to continue to learn and grow in the off season, running offensive and defensive plays designed for tackle football, so that they can take those lessons with them into the fall.

With this focus on preparing young athletes for the regular season in the fall, the Savages aim to give their players the skills and confidence they’ll need to compete as varsity athletes at the high school level and beyond. With so many 7v7 teams under the Savages umbrella, they offer a variety of playstyles and focuses, ensuring every student can improve their game, no matter the position or skill level. They understand that needs and goals vary from student-to-student and team-to-team, and are able to offer options for players to find the best fit for them to grow.

Looking past high school, the Savages plan to play in tournaments hosted by or near colleges, in the hopes of familiarizing their players with the schools as well as giving them chances to be scouted. Upcoming events include the Little Apple Shootout, hosted by Kansas State University of March 21st and 22nd, as well as hosting their very own tournament, the Battle in the Valley, on June 13th in partnership with MidAmerica 7v7 Football.

The Savages are a team that have been a key part of the 7v7 football community since the very beginning, and will continue to be. The coaches and players of that original team have become a tight-knit group thanks to their playing together over years of off-seasons, and are a testament to the benefits of playing 7v7 football in the spring.

For more information about the Savages or to get into contact with them, check out the links to their socials below:

X: savages7v7

Facebook: Savages Football

Instagram: Savages7on7

Tik Tok: iasavages

Youtube: Savages7v7

785 Top City Most Wanted Year Two: Two Times the Talent

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:03:29 GMT

785 Top City Most Wanted: Topeka's Best 7v7 Ready for Year 2

785 Most wanted Head Coach/CEO Yansay Williams (Coach01Williams) has been working tireessly to bring in a great second-year team to Topeka's very own 7v7 team. Last season, season 1 of Top City competing, Most Wnated showed a competitive edge and hard-nose spirit in every game at every tournament they competed in.

Fielding a team consisting mostly of Topeka West High School, Topeka High School and Highland Park High School players, 785 gained popularity in NE Kansas and NW Missouri through their team's performances, along with integrity and treating players right, along with making the 7v7 experience about the athlete, they have been able to assemble a team of high caliber, top character, college ready players in year two.

Able to pull athletes from Kansas City (Leavenworth), Atchinson, SE Topeka (Shawnee Heights), SW Topeka (Washburn Rural) and North Topeka, Meriden (Jefferson West) area, the skill position players are going to be a huge upgrade over year 1's roster. With the upgrade in skill position players on offense and defense, the team needed a great Quarterback room to lead.

As great of an upgrade as the skills positions are, the Quarterback room is not only a monumental upgrade over last season, but is a room of 3 of the best Quarterbacks in NE Kansas. The room consisting of Logan Fulton (@Logan_fult), Congrad Gomez (@GomezConrad15) and Dontrell Fox (@dontrailfox_2) will make this 2nd year of Top City the year the program makes a huge mark on the 7v7 landscape, along with getting their teammates much deserved exposure.

785 Top City Most Wanted will be competing in tournaments across the Midwest in DR7, MoKan, MidAmerica 7v7 and Elite 7Evens Tournaments this season as well as Co-Hosting their own Tournament along with MidAmerica 7v7 in Topeka on May 30th.

 Here are the 785 Top City Most wnated Players you need to see perfrom at 7v7 tournaments this Spring .

816 Elite: Kansas City’s New Big Time 7v7 Team

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:11:12 GMT

816 Elite: Kansas City’s New Big-Time 7v7 Team

By Wesley White

816 Elite Ushers in a New Era of Elite 7v7 Football

Liberty North High School wide receivers coach Drew Malone has officially opened the floodgates for elite talent in the Liberty, Missouri area and across greater Kansas City with the launch of 816 Elite, a new 7v7 program poised to make noise across the Midwest.

Liberty North Football has long been one of Missouri’s premier high school programs, consistently competing for state championships year after year. Coach Malone now brings that same championship mindset, structure, and standard of excellence to the 7v7 circuit as 816 Elite prepares for its inaugural spring season.

Following a highly successful tryout on December 20, Coach Malone invited DRSportz and The Platform to attend the second session on December 21, where the talent level on display made it clear that 816 Elite will be a force to watch.

Team Leadership

Leading the charge for 816 Elite this season is 2027 Liberty North quarterback Brennan Smith (@BrennanSmi2027).

The 5’11”, 175-pound signal caller was the starting quarterback for Liberty North High School last season and showcased a high-level understanding of the offense, strong decision-making, and excellent ball placement throughout the tryout sessions.

Talent Across the Board

816 Elite will feature an explosive group of playmakers on offense and lockdown defenders on the other side of the ball. Standout performers from the tryout included:

2027 Krishna Kashyap-Strozier (@KrishnaStrozier) – Liberty North HS

2028 Kohen Brown (@BrownKohen55067) – East Buchanan HS

2026 Brandon “BJ” Stanford (@BJStanford26) – Lincoln Prep

2028 Mikai Williams (@mikaiwilliams_3) – Liberty North HS

2027 Antheny Sherfe (@anthenysherfe) – Liberty North HS

2027 Boston Rahmaan Burns II (@burns_boston) – Oak Park HS(National Honors Society Academic All-Star)

2028 Makhi “Khi” Robinson-Akins (@Makhi2028) – Liberty North HS

15U Team Standouts

Also making a strong impression at the 15U level were:

Jayden Gordon

William Brown

2029 QB Landon Denison

With elite coaching, proven leadership, and a deep pool of young talent, 816 Elite is set to make an immediate impact on the Midwest 7v7 scene. This is a program built to compete—and built to win.

BECOME EPIC: EPIC7 MidWest Tryouts

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:06:11 GMT

A Great Day to Become Epic

One of the longest-running, most successful, and historically talented 7v7 programs in Kansas City, EPIC7 MidWest, hosted tryouts for its 2026 season roster on December 20–21 at Oak Park High School in Kansas City, Missouri.

Since its inaugural 2015–2016 season, EPIC7 has been a cornerstone of the Kansas City and Midwest 7v7 landscape—helping shape the culture, growth, and standard of excellence within the sport. Year after year, EPIC7 has remained highly competitive while serving as the benchmark that many regional programs aspire to reach.

That longevity and success have only been possible by doing things the right way—ethically, professionally, and always with the athletes’ best interests at the forefront.

After graduating several high-profile Power 4 Division I athletes from last season’s roster, EPIC7 appears primed for an even more athletic and dynamic 2026 campaign, featuring elite talent from across the Kansas City metro area.

On December 21, EPIC 7 head coach Justin McCay invited DRSportz and The Platform to attend tryouts. After witnessing the talent level on display, both outlets are extremely excited to watch the 2026 EPIC7 MidWest team compete this spring with what is projected to be a loaded roster.

Standout Performers

QB Jack Clemens (@Jack_Clemens8) – Oak Park HS
A 6’3”, 190-pound 2028 quarterback, Clemens showcased natural, God-given football ability throughout the tryout. With continued success on Friday nights and national exposure through EPIC7, Clemens is on track to become one of Missouri’s top quarterback recruits in his class.

Joining Clemens at quarterback will be 2027 Jacob Lieberknecht of Richmond High School. One of the most polished quarterbacks in the Midwest for the 2027 class, Lieberknecht is poised to become EPIC7's next standout at the position, drawing comparisons to former EPIC7 QB Rocco Marriott. College coaches and scouts are eager to watch his development this spring.

Additional standout athletes included:

2027 WR Traice Collier (@TraiceCollier) – Raytown HS
6’3”, 200 lbs; explosive playmaker training with Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Jamar Mozee
2027 WR/DB Elijah Endsley (@EEndsley3) – Pembroke Hill HS
2028 DB Benjamin Hayes (@thereal_ben22) – Rockhurst HS
2028 WR CJ Ihekona (@CjIhekona5) – Raytown HS
2027 WR/DB Damean Hadley (@DameanHadley) – Liberty North HS
2028 TE Max Trillo (@MaxTreeYo) – Lee’s Summit HS
2027 LB Carlos Baskerville (@CarlosBaskerv4) – Platte County HS
Widely regarded as the top pass-defending linebacker in the Midwest
2027 DB IsReal “Izzy” Nelson (@israelnelson_9) – Raytown HS
2027 WR Xavier Salinas – Lee’s Summit HS
2027 WR/CB Malikiah Tharp – Richmond HS
2027 WR Ashton Patton – Olathe South HS
2027 DB Andrew Parrish – Platte County HS
2027 WR Harrison Perkins – Lee’s Summit West HS

Expect a breakout 7v7 season

2027 WR Reggie Nelson – North Kansas City HS
Poised to make a strong case as one of the Midwest’s top wide receivers

With elite coaching, a proven track record, and one of the most talented rosters in the region, EPIC7 MidWest once again looks ready to set the standard for 7v7 excellence in 2026.

Girls Flag

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:12:30 GMT

MidAmerica 7v7 Football is excited to expand opportunities for female athletes through our official Girls 7v7 Flag division. Beginning in 2026, we will offer Girls Flag at multiple tournaments across the Midwest, with divisions available for 10U, 12U, 14U, and High School. Our goal is to provide a safe, competitive, and organized environment where athletes can develop their skills, compete with confidence, and grow within the sport.

All girls flag events follow the MidAmerica 7v7 Football Girls Flag Official Rules, which outline field dimensions, gameplay structure, scoring, equipment standards, age divisions, and all event procedures. These rules are consistent across our season to ensure fairness and a high-quality experience at every tournament.

Whether your club is already established or launching its first girls team, we welcome you to join us throughout the year. Several of our partner events will include girls flag divisions, and we will continue adding more opportunities as the sport grows.

For questions about Girls Flag, age verification, registering a team, or hosting a girls division at your event, please reach out anytime to us at staff@iowa7v7football.com — we’re here to help support your program.

MidAmerica 7v7 Partner Events

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:14:09 GMT

MidAmerica 7v7 Football partners

Click for MidAmerica Hosted Tournaments

THE GREEN BAY BOMBERS: BUILT THROUGH 7V7

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 16:18:50 GMT

THE GREEN BAY BOMBERS: BUILT THROUGH 7V7

When you look at the Green Bay Bombers, you’re looking at what 7v7 football is all about.

Coach Ken Ciak and his group of athletes have been playing together since 4th grade . What started as a few kids looking for more football in the offseason has grown into one of Wisconsin’s most connected and successful 7v7 programs.

Now, nearly a decade later, that same core group are high school seniors — and they’re dominating. Ciak’s son and a few Bombers are defending state champions , while the rest play for another school that’s undefeated in 2025 . There’s even a chance those two programs could meet in the Wisconsin state championship , with 17 Bombers players on the field at once.

That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of years of learning, competing, and leading together through 7v7.

“We’ve never even held tryouts,” Ciak said. “It’s always been word of mouth. Friends joining friends. We just wanted to play football and get better together.”

Through 7v7, these athletes have learned far more than schemes or playbooks. They’ve developed discipline , chemistry , and a deep understanding of the passing game — something that’s still catching up in parts of Wisconsin. Their confidence and consistency have carried over to their school seasons, where many now serve as team captains and leaders .

The Bombers’ reputation goes beyond their record. They’re known for their sportsmanship and team-first mentality — no taunting, no selfish play, just a group of kids who love football and each other.

“The job of a coach is to make kids love football more than they did when they started,” Ciak said. “If they walk away still loving the game, you did your job.”

For Ciak, 7v7 has never just been about winning tournaments — it’s about shaping the kind of athletes and people these players become.

The Bombers have learned how to compete hard and stay composed, how to lead with respect, and how to enjoy every rep together. They’ve played all over the Midwest, faced elite programs, and learned that every play matters — not just for the scoreboard, but for the lessons that last long after the season ends.

Now, with younger brothers stepping up to continue the Bombers legacy, that same culture is being passed down — built on friendship, accountability, and love for the game.

Because at the end of the day, this is what 7v7 does for kids : it builds confident leaders, creates lifelong bonds, and keeps the joy of football alive.

EP. 8 The Platform StandOut Performers

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 16:26:11 GMT

Standing Out on the Platform: Key Takeaways from “EP. 8 The Platform StandOut Performers”

In episode 8 of The Platform Podcast, the Coach Buckets explore what it means to become a “standout performer” — especially in contexts like high school athletics, personal branding, and leadership. They dissect stories and principles that show how individuals transcend the norm, make an impact, and leave a mark. Below is a breakdown of the major points from the discussion, along with commentary on how these can apply more broadly.

1. Defining a “StandOut Performer”

A standout performer isn’t just someone with talent — it’s someone who consistently delivers, shows up under pressure, and rises beyond expectations.

The episode stresses that performance is multidimensional: physical capabilities, mindset, consistency, and character all play a role.

The goal is to shift from “good” to “unforgettable” in one’s field.

Application: In any domain (sports, business, art), talent is a starting point — but to stand out, one must combine that with relentless consistency and integrity.

2. Preparation + Process Over Outcome

One recurring theme is the importance of emphasizing process over outcome — doing the daily work, sharpening fundamentals, and trusting that results will follow.

The hosts argue that many people chase validation (wins, stats, spotlight), rather than focusing on what they can control (training, habits, attitude).

True standout performers invest in preparation — in the quiet, unnoticed moments.

Application: Whether preparing for a big pitch, a performance, or a challenge, focusing on the small steps and daily discipline sets the foundation for exceptional output.

3. Responding in Adversity

A standout performer is tested not when everything is going right, but when adversity arises: injuries, failures, critiques, or unexpected change.

The episode includes anecdotes of individuals who responded to setbacks not with retreat, but with resilience and adaptive thinking.

The difference-maker is often mental toughness: the willingness to persist, adjust, and stay hungry.

Application: In work, life, or sport, setbacks are inevitable. How you respond — with resolve, openness to learn, flexibility — often defines your trajectory more than the setback itself.

4. Accountability and Ownership

The hosts emphasize personal ownership: that those who stand out don’t blame external circumstances, but instead look inward for what they can control and improve.

Accountability is not just for successes but failures: owning mistakes, making corrections, being transparent, and not making excuses.

They tie this to leadership: people follow those who own their mission, admit when they falter, and recommit to excellence.

Application: Whether leading a team or leading oneself, ownership builds trust. People gravitate toward those who don’t deflect but instead take responsibility and act.

5. Consistency as a Differentiator

Many can show up on a “good day,” but standout performers show up every day — under varying conditions.

The idea is that consistency compounds: small, daily actions yield momentum, resilience, and credibility.

They caution against peaks and valleys; rather, aim for reliably high performance.

Application: In content creation, job performance, training or relationships — doing the small, right things reliably over time beats intermittent bursts of brilliance.

6. Character and Influence Beyond Performance

The episode doesn’t treat performance as purely transactional. True standout performers move others. Their influence, integrity, humility, and how they treat others become part of their lasting legacy.

They share that an individual’s impact is magnified when they uplift teammates, act with empathy, and use their platform for positive ripple effects.

Application: Achieving results is critical, but how you do it — with respect, service, and purpose — often matters more in the long run.

Summary & Reflection

The “StandOut Performers” episode is a valuable reminder that excellence is rarely a single moment — it’s built over time, through intentionality, grit, and character. Talent opens the door, but what keeps one inside the room and distinguishes them is how they think, prepare, lead, and respond when things don’t go as planned.

The Bucket List 9/25

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:49:44 GMT

The Bucket List 9/25 by Coach Buckets

MidAmerica 7v7 Standouts

From 7v7 to Friday Night Lights, these athletes are turning offseason reps into Friday-night production.

2026 • QB • Brady Vodicka

Cherry Creek HS (Centennial, CO) • Team Full Gorilla 7v7 • @BradyVodicka

Quarterbacking Colorado’s No. 1 high school program, Vodicka led Cherry Creek to the 2024 5A state title and earned 1st-team all-conference honors after throwing for 2,785 yards and 24 touchdowns, plus eight rushing scores.

Through four games in 2025, he’s 52-for-85 for 625 yards and 10 TDs. A Louisiana Tech commit, Vodicka will play for former NCAA legend Sonny Cumbie and train under veteran QB coach Tony Franklin.

Team Full Gorilla is the Rockies’ premier 7v7 program, producing leaders like Bekkem Kritza (Penn State), Logan Madden (Washburn), Brayden Dorman (Arizona), and Austyn Modrzewski (South Dakota).

2028 • DB/WR • Blue Zambo

Mill Valley HS (Shawnee, KS) • Strongside KC 7v7 • @BlueZambo3

At 5'9", 150 lbs, Zambo plays far bigger than his frame. His footwork, ball skills, and violent breaks on the ball let him out-jump and out-muscle taller receivers.

Against Missouri powerhouse Lee’s Summit North, Zambo posted 2 INTs, 3 tackles, and 60 KO-return yards. Last season he finished a tournament with 3 INTs, 2 PBUs, and 3 offensive TDs, earning a spot in my DRSportz “Platform” article as a Top-20 national 7v7 DB.

Strongside KC continues the winning tradition of Kansas City’s legendary STFFA program, capturing titles across multiple age groups.

2026 • QB • Cole Slepecki

Bentonville HS (Bentonville, AR) • GC7 7v7 • @Cole_Slepeki
Slepecki’s release is as pure as it gets—college coaches say the ball “sounds different” coming off his hand.

He led Bentonville to a statement win over Conway last week, going 18-for-35 for 321 yards and 3 TDs, with one throw earning “Play of the Week” honors.

 GC7 is Northwest Arkansas’ elite 7v7 program, competing for titles across the Midwest and South at every age level.

2028 • DB • Joshua Beasley

Christian Brothers College HS (St. Louis, MO) • ESA Flight 7v7 @RealJoshua2028
At 6'1", 195 lbs, Beasley already profiles as a national recruit. The cornerstone of CBC’s secondary, he thrives in press man with the length, balance, and quickness to disrupt top receivers.

This summer he impressed coaches at Missouri, Lindenwood, and Southern Illinois camps. ESA Flight, founded in 2016, has produced 115+ college athletes, 21 regional titles, and 16 national qualifiers.

2028 • WR • Braxton Canada

Greenwood HS (Greenwood, AR) • AState Steelers 7v7 • @BraxtonCanada13

Every elite QB needs a go-to target—Central Florida commit Kane Archer has Canada. A precise route-runner, he thrives on third-down conversions and zone-adjusting routes.

After three games, Canada ranks 12th in Arkansas receiving yards with 19 catches for 283 yards (94 YPG) and 5 TDs, plus 7 kick returns for 214 yards.

 Based near the Arkansas/Oklahoma border, the AState Steelers draw top athletes from both states and compete throughout the South and Midwest.

Class of 2026 Tramel Walker – Hutchinson High School (KS)

Twitter: @trameljw

Walker is pure versatility. Kick returns, punt returns, corner, safety, wide receiver, running back—he did it all. When Hutchinson’s QB went down, Walker stepped in under center and delivered two scoring drives capped by touchdown passes, keeping the Salthawks perfect at 2–0.

The Kansas Colts have a winning 7v7 history in Iowa and are eager to chase more hardware at MidAmerica 7v7.

Class of 2026 Crayton Holman – Jefferson West High School (KS)

Twitter: @HolmanCrayton

Holman stuffed the stat sheet in a 35–20 win over Royal Valley: 194 all-purpose yards, 2 TDs, 4 tackles, and an interception.

Top City, a rising 7v7 squad from Topeka, debuted last year and is ready to bring Northeast Kansas talent to the MidAmerica circuit.

Class of 2026 Ethan Prescott – Lawrence Free State (KS)

Twitter: @EthanPres7
At 6’2”, 200 pounds , Prescott is a prototype strong safety.

His Sharp Performance training sharpened his speed and football IQ, leading to 10 tackles (five solo), a pass breakup, and a fumble recovery on Friday night.

After a brief break from the 7v7 scene, Sharp Performance is back to showcase Central and Western Kansas’ best.

Class of 2026 Tres Baskerville – Platte County High School (MO)

Twitter: @TreBaskerville

One of Missouri’s premier deep threats, Baskerville hauled in nine receptions for 103 yards for the defending state champs. With James Madison commit Rocco Marriott slinging the rock, defenses are on notice.

EPIC 7 Midwest is a Kansas City powerhouse with alumni in the NFL and Power Four programs—expect fireworks at MidAmerica 7v7.

Class of 2029 Amari Price – Morton High School (IN)

Twitter: @AmariPrice12

The freshman QB everyone in Indiana and Illinois has been waiting for is already delivering. Through four games: 606 passing yards (39-of-61), 7 TDs, just 2 INTs, plus 57 rushing yards and a score.

Big Dawgs United bring Hammond’s trademark speed and toughness to every 7v7 battle, and MidAmerica will be no different.

Class of 2027 Joel Perez – Indian Trail High School & Academy (WI)

The No. 1 QB in Wisconsin’s 2027 class is as polished as they come. Perez owns a 54% completion rate for 725 yards (12 yards per completion) and 3 TDs this season.

Prime Time is a national touring squad that competes in Pylon, Battle, DR7, and RedZone Elite—and they’re bringing that national swagger to MidAmerica tournaments.

Coach Buckets’ Takeaway

These athletes have earned their spot on the Bucket List—a collection of Midwest talent ready to light up Mid America 7v7. From Kansas to Missouri, Indiana to Wisconsin, the next wave of stars is here, and Coach Buckets is keeping score.

GREAT PLAINS: From Under the Bucket Talent

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:00:29 GMT

GREAT PLAINS: From Under the Bucket Talent

by Coach Buckets (Wesley L. White)

In this latest episode, Wesley L. White—better known across the 7v7 community as Coach Buckets—dives deep into the heart of high school football recruiting in the Great Plains region. Covering states like Nebraska, Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Illinois, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Wisconsin, Coach Buckets underscores the irreplaceable value of on-site evaluations—seeing players in action rather than just watching highlight reels—to truly understand their skill, character, and potential.

Why On-Site Evaluation Matters

Coach Buckets makes a compelling case that real-time observation is mission-critical. He asserts that the essence of an athlete’s game cannot be fully captured through videos alone. Through live evaluation, you can accurately assess work ethic, decision-making, physical presence, and in-game adjustments—elements that are often invisible through digital media.

Spotlight on Standout Players

The episode shines a light on several rising stars across the Great Plains. Buckets doesn’t just name names; he paints vivid portraits focused on character, competitiveness, grit, and potential—qualities that elevate players from good to unforgettable in the eyes of college coaches.

Recruiting with Purpose and Precision

Beyond pure athleticism, Buckets speaks to the heart of his mission: finding real people with real stories. He emphasizes the importance of uncovering players who bring leadership, dedication, and an infectious work ethic—those whose impact on and off the field resonates with teams and schools alike.

Why This Matters to You

For college athletes and families: This episode reinforces how valuable your real-time presence is in standing out. Your efforts, discipline, and leadership on the field are equally as important as your on-field stats.

For coaches and recruiters: Wesley’s insights validate the case for investing time in personal evaluations. Your scouting becomes more authentic, storytelling more powerful, and recruiting decisions more informed.

For fans and followers of 7v7 football: Gain a new lens for how talent is scouted beyond the spotlight—you’ll appreciate the deeper journey behind each rising star from the Great Plains.

Tune In & Stay Connected

Coach Buckets‘ authentic, boots-on-the-ground perspective is invaluable to anyone watching the pipeline of Great Plains football talent.

Want to follow more of his work? Head over to “The Bucket List” on our site, where he will share stories, observations, and behind-the-scenes insights from tournaments and recruiting events across the country.