Seminoles, Hurricanes to play at IMG event

BRADENTON — When it comes to measuring the merits of competing in a 7-on-7 national championship tournament, Joe Kinnan is taking a wait-and-see approach.

“We’ve never been in one,” said Manatee’s football coach. “We’re about to find out.”

They’ll do so next week when the Hurricanes and Southeast Seminoles play in the National High School Coaches Association 7-on-7 National Championship at IMG Acadamies.

The tournament begins with Thursday’s pool play and concludes 2 p.m. Saturday with a national championship game.

Manatee, which will field two teams and about 35 players, was originally headed to a similar tournament at the Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando before Kinnan decided to take advantage of playing closer to home.

Southeast coach Paul Maechtle also found playing at home enticing.

“We didn’t have to spend any money, other than an entry fee,” said Maechtle, adding Southeast is looking to field two teams as well. “It’s a good experience for the kids as sort of a wrap-up for the summer.”

It was convenient, too, for the Hurricanes, three of whom — receiver Quenton Bundrage, quarterback Cord Sandberg and running back Mike Blakely — have been invited to the University of Florida’s Friday Night Lights camp next week.

“It was a no-brainer for me,” Kinnan said.

Ryan Holmes, the public relations director for Waterhouse Media, which is handling public relations for the NHSCA, is pleased two traditon-rich locals have joined the fray.

“It was nice to see that not only Florida, but the Bradenton area came out,” said Holmes, adding Tampa Jesuit and Lake Wales also are slated to play. “It really helped us to get these other teams.

“Manatee and Southeast are looking to do some big things.”

The rules of the tournament differ greatly from regular football. Possessions start on the opponent’s 40-yard line, games are 22 minutes long and teams are awarded six points for a touchdown, three for an interception and two for a turnover on downs.

Running plays and tackling are not allowed. This is one-hand touch football.

“We want to compete,” Maechtle said. “You want to try and implement what you’ve worked on in the spring and the summer, and in the passing game. You get to show the kids what you are trying to teach them.”

Manatee has played some 7-on-7 this summer against the likes of Bloomindale and Seffner Armwood, teams the Hurricanes won’t see during the regular season.

Now, the Hurricanes and Seminoles are about to see more of those squads — unless, of course, the rivals happen to collide on the fields of IMG.

“We’re going to give it a shot,” Kinnan said, “and see what happens.”