Yuma Catholic hosts summer 7-on-7 football event for local teams

Yuma Catholic High School put local football programs through live 7-on-7 work on June 24, opening a two-day passing event that drew teams from Yuma County and the Imperial Valley. The round-robin format let quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs and coaches compete without full contact while still forcing fast decisions under pressure.

Marty Schaetzle said facing unfamiliar opponents adds another dimension because it pushes players to compete at a different level and check whether they are doing things the right way. The first day of the session gave coaches another chance to evaluate progress, test schemes and see how players responded against teams they do not normally see during the season.

The Shamrocks have used offseason competition in other settings as well. In 2025, Yuma Catholic hosted eight local schools at Ricky Gwynn Stadium for a 7-on-7 jamboree. In June 2026, the program traveled to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for another 7-on-7 tournament after a planned trip to San Diego State fell through, and players also visited the Las Vegas Raiders’ headquarters. Schaetzle said it was "a little bit different, maybe a little bit special."

On June 13, San Pasqual High School hosted a summer 7-on-7 tournament and lineman challenge that included Gila Ridge, Kofa, Somerton and Desert Star Academy of Fort Mohave. Four days later, Gila Ridge hosted 7-on-7 matchups with San Pasqual, Cibola and Kofa.