Oakton Reaches Quarterfinals In National Football Tournament

Oakton High School turned in an impressive performance in last week’s Mel Kiper Jr’s 7on7U National Football Championship. The Cougars were one of more than 20 teams that competed in the highly publicized tournament, hosted at Poplar Tree Park in Chantilly.

Oakton struggled in the tournament’s opening round Thursday, losing two of their first three games. After falling to Red Lion Christian Academy (Del.) 46-19 and Calvert Hall (Md.) 38-27, the team was able to pull it together and finish the day with a 27-19 win over Grafton (Va.).

"Anytime in the offseason that we get a chance to compete against top talent, it only makes us better," said Oakton head coach Joe Thompson.

Thompson watched from afar, in accordance to Virginia High School League rules, as his team excelled in Friday’s divisional playoff round, winning three of four games.

In their first game of the day, the Cougars squeaked out a 27-26 victory over Mt. Saint Joseph (Md.). They then defeated D.C.’s Calvin Coolidge 34-32 before losing 50-21 to tournament champion Pulaski (Ark.). The Cougars rebounded from their 29-point loss to Pulaski to finish the day with a 36-34 victory over Linganore (Md.).

With their three Friday victories, Oakton secured a spot in the championship bracket. The Cougar offense was unstoppable in their Saturday morning game against Warwick (N.Y.) and cruised to a 45-21 victory.

With only two teams standing in the way of a spot in the tournament finals, Oakton lined up against Calvert Hall, a team they lost to just two days before. Unfortunately, the Cougars failed to dispatch Calvert Hall, and dropped the contest 44-28.

Despite the loss, Oakton’s outlook this upcoming season looks very bright. The Cougars faced and defeated some of the nation’s top teams, which boasted rosters littered with numerous Division 1 recruits.

When asked about the talent of the Northern Virginia teams in the tournament, Kiper, an ESPN analyst, who is renowned for recognizing athletic talent, remarked:

"I’m impressed with the athletic ability and the attitudes. The coaching is phenomenal, and the kids are disciplined," he said. "They know where they have to be and what they have to do. They had their game faces on from the time they got on the field. They’re focused."

For Thompson, the tournament is something he believes will help his team immensely heading into the upcoming season.

"The close games and contests really help us with intangibles in terms of competitiveness," Thompson said.

The Cougars open the 2011 football season Sept. 2 at home again Madison. 

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