Southeast runner-up in 7 on 7 Tourney

Southeast made it to the championship game of the 7 on 7 Tournament Saturday at the IMG Academies field while Manatee High’s promising sophomore quarterback Cord Sandberg had to pack it in early and the Hurricanes chances faded with him.

The ‘Noles fought their way out of the loser’s bracket and put themselves in a position where they had to beat Texas LaVilla twice. They did it the first time, but fell short in the title finale.

Manatee’s hopes took a hit early when Sandberg had to retire in the ‘Canes second game because he had worn out his arm the previous night throwing what was estimated to be about 500 passes at the University of Florida’s Friday Night Lights camp.

Mike Blakely, the ‘Canes highly touted running back, took over the signal calling duties and Manatee couldn’t make it to the final, finishing in third place.

Blakely was also at the Friday Night Lights camp along with teammate Quenton Bundrage, a senior receiver. Also at the camp were Southeast junior defensive back Brian Poole Jr. and defensive lineman Giovani Francois.

It was a day of upsets. South Carolina Wren, which finished undefeated in pool play and was the first seed in the elimination round, lost twice Saturday including a 42-25 defeat to LaVilla and never made it to the finals.

“This was good because we had a situation where we scored three touchdowns quickly and something like this helps your kids understand you are not necessarily out of it until that final whistle blows,” Southeast head coach Paul Maecthle said. “During the regular season you have to wait a week after you lose a game, but here we had a chance to play again right away. I think it helps you handle adversity.”

“My son is fine and feels good. He was just a little tired and we decided it was better that he didn’t play on Saturday. He feels really good today (Sunday),” his dad and Manatee receivers coach Chuck Sandberg said.