HSFB 7-on-7 notes: Wootton football takes step in changing its culture

Action from the War at Wootton 7-on-7 passing tournament on Saturday, July 8, 2017. Photo by Brooks Warren/MSA.

ROCKVILLE — The Wootton football program isn’t exactly known for its winning tradition, finishing .500 or worse the past eight seasons. But on Saturday, the Patriots took a step forward in changing their culture in winning the inaugural War at Wootton 7-on-7 passing tournament, which featured 13 teams, including Avalon, Bullis, Calvert Hall and Quince Orchard

“A lot of times at Wootton, it’s not team-oriented, but now we’re changing [the culture] by making everything team-oriented and bringing everyone together,” Wootton quarterback Grant Saylor said.

Wootton raced out to quick leads on Saturday and essentially blew out teams quickly and easily. The 7-on-7 environment was the perfect solution to allowing Wootton’s skill players to showcase potential.

They faced adversity only once during the day — down by eight in the semifinals against Quince Orchard, with the Patriots needing one big play to get back into the game. Alec Yassin was able to provide that late game spark with a late interception off Quince Orchard quarterback Doc Bonner, quickly proceeded by a touchdown and a two-point conversion that forced overtime. The Patriots won in overtime thanks to another clutch drive led by Saylor to advance to the championship game against Avalon.

In the title game, Grant Saylor connected with Noelly Miller and his plethora of underrated receivers for deep strikes and long touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Wootton’s defense stifled Avalon’s dangerous offense, locking down the secondary.

Along with Saylor, there were several other athletes who stood out on Saturday

STARS OF THE DAY

Noelly Miller, Wootton receiver (Class of 2019)

The rising junior used his high football IQ and rapport with quarterback Grant Saylor to terrorize defenses all day. Miller tracked deep balls, showed strong hands and showed no fear going down the middle. Miller made several clutch grabs during a late game comeback in the semifinals versus Quince Orchard. Will be attending college camps at Wake Forest, Rutgers, Howard, Villanova and Georgetown.

Elijah Trent, Wootton receiver (Class of 2018)

Dominated throughout the event using his height, length and athleticism to snag balls at all levels. Made several highlight-reel catches and was Wootton’s top end zone threat. Played both ends and played well at the safety position, breaking up some passes. Has Division I  offers from Charlotte, Buffalo, Monmouth, Ball State, Maine and Old Dominion.

Tre’Von Stewart, Springbrook running back and safety (Class of 2018)

Stewart made his mark both defensively and offensively. He brought elusiveness and a physical running style to the offensive side and proved to be a valuable pass-catcher for quarterback Trevon Ruffin and Markell McDaniels. Was involved in seemingly every defensive play. Drawing interest from JUCO programs.

Doc Bonner, Quince Orchard quarterback (Class of 2018)

Bonner showcased his strong leadership skills throughout the day, on and off the field. On the field, Bonner threaded the needle and gashed defenses with his arm strength. Never let inconsistencies effect the next play, showing resilience. Off the field, Bonner hyped up his teammates on the sideline and brought positive vibes. Has a handful of Division I offers, including Towson.

Grant Saylor, Wootton quarterback (Class of 2018)

Saylor made his progressions and threw the football with poise and confidence. Threw several on-the-dime deep passes into the arms of Elijah Trent and Noelly Miller. Has Division I interest from several Ivy league and Patriot League programs.

Aaron Gibson, Avalon quarterback

The tall and lean quarterback flashed his impressive arm strength on Saturday. Avalon allowed him to let it fly frequently, allowing Gibson to embrace a gunslinger type of mentality.

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About Brooks Warren 20 Articles
Brooks Warren is a Class of 2014 graduate of Albert Einstein High School. He's always been an avid writer and started doing his own sports blog, The Hop. As he works with Maryland Sports Access, he hopes to evolve his brand and create relationships that will help him go far in this great business. As a sports fan and former athlete, he has experience in wrestling, track and field, and basketball. Although track and field was his first love he has mostly covered basketball. He looks forward to dipping his toe in high school football and basketball, as well as collegiate basketball. He hopes to get into coaching and mentoring youth one day, and enjoys spending time with friends, playing football and basketball. He also volunteers his time at Montgomery Hills Baptist Church, helping out with summer programs. Warren currently attends Montgomery College and intends on transferring to Towson University in the fall of 2017, and has career aspirations of being an ESPN columnist and even being on TV.

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