Houston high school football teams begin 7-on-7 games to build team cohesion and strength before school starts

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Soon, Texas high school football will return under the Friday night lights.

In the meantime, we get our football fix with 7-on-7. It’s a chance for teams to work on their timing and chemistry, and everyone can see which teams and players to watch this season.

“Being the new quarterback, I can get the feel of the real games because I wasn’t the starter last year,” Cy-Falls’ Pharoah Kennedy said.

The format is key to the competition. It pits running backs and receivers against linebackers and defensive backs.

ABC13 ventured out and checked out the talent on the ground:

• Jermaine Bishop: 2026 Receiver, Willis High School 2026

• Jacorey Watson: Receiver, Shadow Creek Ranch High School

• Rahim Hutchins: Receiver, Shadow Creek High School

• Christopher Stewart: Receiver, Shadow Creek High School

• Kaleb Burns: Linebacker, 2025, Cy Falls High School

• Shane Walker: Receiver, 2025, The Woodlands High School

“Every time I step on the field, I try to do my best,” Walker said. “I have big dreams and big goals in mind, and I work hard every day to achieve those dreams. Things are going well; we’re all working together as a team, trying to get better as a team,” Burns said. “We’re spending every day together, trying to build chemistry, and I think we’re going to have a great season.”

Dickinson has managed to work its way into the consolation bracket. Like most other schools, the Gators use 7-on-7 to hone their chemistry and timing for the season.

“It really helps us find routes, build chemistry with our quarterback,” Mason Peterson said. “I think it’s beneficial for us because we’re a young team, so we have to improve on a lot of things, offensively and defensively.”

The Gators reached the Final Four in the consolation bracket. DeSoto won the championship division.

There are only two months left until the season begins in earnest!