Alan Hernandez (left) reaches out for a pass that flew beyond his reach during a seven on seven exhibition game hosted by Riviera-Kaufer High School a few weekends ago. The Seahawks have been busy this summer running around in seven on seven football contests. Riviera- Kaufer High School hosted a Saturday morning exhibition, a few weekends ago, which was attended by Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco, La Villa, Ingleside and Freer.

Seahawk Head Football Coach Perry Graves said seven on seven games are a good training tool for players.

“As far as receivers and quarterbacks, what you try to do is run your passing game against your opponents,” he said. “It gives the kids time to sharpen their skills in regards to the game, they get together and have some fun.

A lot of people really get in to it as far getting ready for the following season but us coaches can’t coach the kids.”

Adrian Caballero (right) leaps over two defenders for a pass he would haul in for a touchdown during a seven on seven exhibition game hosted by Riviera-Kaufer High School a couple of weekends ago. The summer games also help players stay in shape.

“It is always good as far as conditioning goes and what I like about it is the competition,” Graves said. “It helps kids keep their competitive drive during the summer which is a plus for you going into the season.”

The Seahawks have also been competing in a league in Alice which meets every Tuesday afternoon.

“Our boys are doing well in the Alice league, they play three games every Tuesday night,” Graves said. “Of course, you’re in there playing against Alice and other bigger schools too. So our kids are getting their competitive edge early.”

Seven on seven exhibitions are a very popular activity with several Texas high schools participating every summer.

Using only half of the standard football field, teams are given possession at the 45- yard line. They have three attempts to reach a first down marker 15 yards away. Once a squad has moved inside the 15-yard line, they are given four downs to score. Should they score, teams have the option of going for a one point conversion from the three-yard line or for two points from the eight-yard line.

There is no blocking on offense or defense and a ball carrier is down when tagged by an opposing player. Offensive players are obligated to retrieve the ball. Coaches, who are not allowed to instruct, instead officiate the game. Like regular football, an offensive center is only there to deliver the ball to the quarterback and is not an eligible receiver. If a center makes a reception, possession of the ball is turned over to the other team.

Quarterbacks have four seconds to throw the ball - or else the play is blown dead - and are not allowed to advance the ball as this is strictly a passing game.

If a defensive player intercepts a pass and is downed, his team takes possession at the 45-yard line. If an interceptor goes untouched he scores a touchdown.