A Weekend of 7‑on‑7 Action
Lyman Hall High School in Connecticut is set to host its first ever 7‑on‑7 football tournament this weekend, bringing together 19 squads from 17 high schools across the state.
The brainchild of the school’s athletic department, the event features a mix of CIAC members and a non‑CIAC program, Kingswood‑Oxford, and includes a defending CIAC champion as well as several teams that reached the postseason last fall.
Friday’s schedule kicks off with pool play, with matches slated for 1:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m., while Saturday will see a double‑elimination bracket begin at 9:30 a.m., determining the ultimate champion.
All games will be played on the Lyman Hall campus and admission is free, allowing families, alumni and local fans to watch the fast‑paced, small‑sided contests without charge.
Teams and Competitive Edge
The participating CIAC schools include Bridgeport Central, East Haven, Glastonbury (fielding Blue and Silver squads), Haddam‑Killingworth, Harding, Lewis Mills, Lyman Hall (fielding Orange and Navy teams), Maloney, Plainville, Platt, Rockville, Rocky Hill, West Haven, Wilton, Windsor and Woodland.
Coaches say the tournament offers a unique chance to experiment with offensive schemes and defensive alignments in a setting that emphasizes skill and speed over traditional full‑field play.
Beyond the on‑field action, the event underscores the growing popularity of 7‑on‑7 formats as a developmental tool for high school athletes aspiring to play at the next level.