MANCHESTER — The Mount Anthony Union High School and Burr and Burton Academy football teams both took part in a 7v7 football tournament Saturday afternoon in Manchester.
Chris Redding hosted his 6th annual football tournament at BBA, utilizing their two turf fields to host MAU, BBA, Brattleboro, Rutland Red and Grey, and a handful of more teams.
Redding, a former student athlete at both Mount Anthony and BBA , is now assisting in coaching and recruitment coordination at Dean College, located in Franklin, Massachusetts.
“The 7v7 is a great opportunity for coaches and players to play football in June,” Redding said. “I feel that this tournament is a great advantage for the teams that come with an opportunity to both evaluate and build chemistry for their upcoming season.”
Mount Anthony ended up with the number one seed after pool play, with a record of 4-0, and BBA finished ranked number three going 2-2.
MAU defeated Hanover (NH) and Fairhaven in their route to the championship, and BBA defeated Brattleboro, before falling to BFA St. Albans in the semi-finals.
“In our six years of doing this tournament, this was by far one of the most competitive fields and was one of the most fun days of football that we have seen in our years of doing this,” Redding added.
During the championship, MAU had a 17-7 lead in the second half when the game was called off for lightning, an unconventional yet undeniable victory for the Patriots.
“It was good to get out and compete against other schools and work on getting better. A good way to start the summer as we prepare for the season’s first practice on August 10,” said MAU football head coach Chad Gordon.
This was also a win for Vermont high school football as a whole. Redding wrapped things up by saying, “It is great to have local talent on display but also have the addition of teams from Northern Vermont and New Hampshire.”
Rowan Behan was named tournament MVP for his performance, recording seven interceptions and multiple offensive scores throughout the seven-game span. Gordon also praised Jonathan Crossman for his quarterback play.
