Day One Delivers Thrills, Standouts, and Surprises at Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 7-on-7 Statewide Showcase Tournament
The summer heat settled heavily over College Station as Day 1 of the Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 7-on-7 Tournament officially kicked off. A long-standing tradition in Texas high school football, this non-padded, high-speed format draws not only fans and coaches but also college recruiters and analysts from across the region. With programs representing every corner of the Lone Star State, Day 1 provided more than just competition—it showcased rising stars, surprise teams, and a raw look at the talent pipeline coming out of Texas high schools.
The atmosphere was electric from the moment the first passes were thrown. Dozens of teams took to the fields with clear goals: compete, win, and make a statement. While championships aren’t won on Day 1, reputations are certainly formed—and a few were reshaped entirely by the end of the day.
One of the first major stories to develop came out of Pool A, where perennial powerhouse Lake Travis started their campaign with dominant performances. Quarterback Colton Hardeman, a rising junior with serious Division I attention, looked polished and in control. His ability to read coverages and place the ball in tight windows stood out immediately, and he quickly developed a rhythm with wideouts Tyler Graham and DJ Young. Lake Travis rolled through its opening matchups, displaying chemistry and composure rarely seen this early in the tournament.
In contrast, Southlake Carroll—another big name—started their morning a bit sluggish. Their usually crisp offensive tempo was off just enough to matter in a tight early loss to a scrappy El Paso Eastwood squad. Quarterback Ryder Thomas threw two uncharacteristic interceptions, though he settled in as the day wore on. Southlake still managed to finish the day strong, but the early stumble raised some eyebrows and reminded everyone just how competitive this field truly is.
If any team earned “surprise of the day” honors, it would be Waxahachie. Entering the tournament as a talented but under-the-radar program, Waxahachie stunned several higher-seeded opponents with both their poise and execution. Quarterback Mason Brewer delivered an eye-opening performance, repeatedly making smart decisions under pressure. His go-to receiver, Malachi Riggins, created constant separation and made acrobatic catches that turned heads on nearly every drive. Their defense also tightened in key moments, leading to a perfect record through Day 1—a result few predicted but many admired.
The tournament format places a premium on precision and pace. Without pads or linemen, quarterbacks are exposed if they don’t get the ball out fast, and defenses must be disciplined in their coverage and angles. Some teams, like Duncanville, used that to their advantage. Known traditionally for their power and physicality in the fall, Duncanville displayed surprising finesse in this setting. Their quarterback, Keegan Bradley, showed off a big arm and sharp anticipation, hitting receivers in stride with little wasted motion. Wideout Cedric Parks emerged as one of the top performers of the day, catching four touchdowns and consistently torching defenders.
Another program that impressed was Katy. Often defined by a ground-and-pound philosophy in the fall, Katy showcased a surprisingly aggressive aerial approach. Sophomore quarterback Owen Martinez played beyond his years, leading multiple come-from-behind drives that thrilled the crowd and energized his sideline. The Tigers went 2-1 on the day, with their only loss coming in a final-second thriller against DeSoto.
Speaking of DeSoto, they brought swagger and skill in equal measure. Wide receiver Brandon “B.J.” Lockett put on a clinic with his route running and footwork, while senior quarterback Jacoby Sanders made a strong case for an uptick in his recruiting interest. DeSoto finished the day undefeated, but more importantly, they did so against a brutal slate of opponents, including Cedar Hill and Denton Ryan. Their defense, anchored by lockdown corner Jaylen Burris, proved just as dominant—forcing four turnovers and returning one interception for a score.
While team results matter in the grand scheme of the tournament, Day 1 also offered an open audition for individual athletes. College coaches and recruiting analysts lined the sidelines with notepads and camera phones, watching every rep from notable underclassmen. One of the breakout stars in this regard was Spring Westfield sophomore quarterback Elijah Rowe. Despite being one of the youngest starters at the tournament, Rowe displayed maturity and decision-making well beyond his age. He commanded his offense with poise, hitting deep fades and tight slants with equal precision. Expect his recruitment to heat up dramatically after this weekend.
Elsewhere, one of the most buzzed-about individual plays came from Cibolo Steele’s wideout Isaiah James, who made a one-handed, diving touchdown catch in double coverage that drew gasps from players and fans alike. That kind of moment can define a player’s summer—and possibly his future. James already holds a few mid-major offers, but after his performance on Day 1, he’s likely to draw Power Five attention.
Weather-wise, the heat was intense, as expected, with temperatures climbing well into the 90s by midday. Yet the players seemed well-prepared, with trainers and staff ensuring hydration and rest intervals were prioritized. Still, a few minor injuries occurred—mostly cramps and ankle tweaks—but nothing that appeared to be long-term. Tournament officials kept things moving efficiently, and referees called games tightly, particularly focusing on holding and illegal contact, which sometimes irked defensive coaches but kept gameplay fair and fast-paced.
One subplot to watch over the weekend is the performance of Class 4A and 3A teams, many of whom came in with chips on their shoulders. Wimberley, a standout in 4A, delivered an inspired effort, including an upset win over 6A Midland Lee. Quarterback Brett McCoy threw six touchdowns on the day and proved that size isn’t always an indicator of talent or heart. His connection with slot receiver Eli Baird was among the tournament’s most consistent and dangerous combinations through Day 1.
In the lower divisions, teams like Franklin and Mount Vernon also drew attention for their discipline and creativity. Franklin ran a modified version of their usual Wing-T system, adapted brilliantly for 7-on-7 play, confusing defenses with pre-snap motion and unorthodox routes. Their success reminded everyone that football IQ and execution often trump size and athleticism.
Beyond the field, Day 1 provided valuable team-building experiences for programs across Texas. Coaches spoke about the value of seeing their players communicate under pressure, develop leadership, and compete without relying on brute force. Many players said they appreciated the relaxed—but still competitive—atmosphere and the chance to bond with teammates ahead of the grueling fall season.
Recruiters, too, took notice. Several college assistants from Big 12 and SEC programs were seen chatting with high school coaches and players throughout the day. With the NCAA’s new recruiting calendar allowing for increased summer evaluations, this 7-on-7 showcase has become a crucial stop for talent identification, especially for players not yet ranked or widely known.
As the sun began to set over Day 1, the picture became clearer—Texas high school football is alive and thriving, and the next generation of stars is already taking shape. From established programs flexing their depth to underdogs forcing everyone to take notice, the tournament lived up to its reputation and then some. What remains to be seen is how these storylines evolve over Days 2 and 3, when brackets solidify, elimination games commence, and tempers flare under the Texas sun.
For now, Day 1 is in the books, but its impact will be felt far beyond the scores and stats. Momentum was built. Reputations grew. And the countdown to fall football in Texas just got a little more exciting.
