Cleveland hosts 7-on-7s; Rams in attendance

RIO RANCHO — It’s not Friday Night Lights just yet. However, fans got a little treat June 25 when Rio Rancho, La Cueva and Eldorado visited Cleveland High School for some 7-on-7 matches.

“It’s always an exciting time. These guys have been working hard since January,” Cleveland head coach Robert Garza said. “Seven-on-sevens doesn’t tell you a lot, but it’s an opportunity to see guys get after it.”

In the field portion, the skill positions (receivers and running backs) hit the field to face off against the linebackers and defensive backs.

Near the Storm fieldhouse, the lineman, tight ends and edge players competed in various strength challenges, which included such events as one-on-ones and tug-of-wars.

Having a great day on the turf was Storm linebacker Troy Logan, who looked smooth working in and out of his breaks. The senior player created several turnovers, pass deflections and showed off some great instincts.

“We all know the goal that we are working towards. We got to get ready to gear up for the season. We’re all excited to get some pads on,” Logan said.

Last season, Logan had five sacks and 53 total tackles; both marks are the most by a returning Storm player.

The Storm linemen shined in the strength challenges, displaying athleticism and strength.

Senior Moses Sparks, the top recruit in the state of New Mexico, was vocal, violent and technically sound in all drills. Junior Wyatt Lohr, who is a versatile offensive lineman, showed some nice balance, anchor and was coaching up some Storm players on the sideline.

Cleveland tight end and edge Elijah Richards showed some elite explosiveness and strength when he blasted a La Cueva lineman to the ground. Richards displays rare athletic traits and has already committed to play at the University of New Mexico next season.

Rams quarterback Micah Takahashi also had a nice day, displaying an accurate fast ball. Takahashi also hit a couple of nice touch passes outside the numbers.

“I think we’re doing a great job throwing the ball this summer,” Rio Rancho head coach Nate Pino said.

Takahashi is the projected starter for the Rams and is considered one of the most athletic players in the state.

The Rams lineman also showed some grit in the trenches, and the squad was led by senior Brayden Davidson, who is making the switch from right tackle to left tackle this season.

“It’s kind of like switching from drawing from your right to your left; it’s not that easy,” Davidson said. “We’re going to get after it this season ... we got a lot of new seniors coming up who are ready to take on some leadership.”

Another Ram player making waves was senior receiver Parker Miller, who was slippery with press defenders, effortlessly gaining separation with man coverage looks. Miller also showed some wheels on go routes and looks primed for a huge season.

On the defensive side, the Rams defense was lockdown against La Cueva and forced a plethora of turnovers. On one possession, Rams defensive back Marcus Briggs made a nice read and jumped a route to make an impressive interception.

“Obviously, we want to have a physical brand of football. We want to create some turnovers on defense and be explosive on offense,” Pino said.

When the time came for the Rams to face off against the Storm in the 7-on-7s, it was a close match, but Cleveland’s receiver depth was just too much. Storm receivers Evan Nanez and Jacob Maldonado caught fire and feasted on touchdown after touchdown.

In fact, several Storm players and coaches have raved about sophomore Nanez who joins what seems like an endless group of weapons for Cleveland quarterback Jordan Hatch.

“He’s fast, he can catch the ball, he’s great, man; he’s going to be a big weapon,” Cleveland running back Samuel Bustillos said.