Action from the 2017 Deerfoot 7-on-7 Invitational at Clay-Chalkville High School on July 25. 

The Gardendale football team closed out its 7-on-7 season at Clay-Chalkville High School on Tuesday. 

The Rockets enjoyed bracket-play wins over Jackson-Olin and Shades Valley before falling to Clay-Chalkville in the semifinals. After that, the Cougars went on to best Ramsay in the tournament championship game.

“We’re a competitive program, but that’s not what we want to be known as. We want to find a way to win those big games,” said Gardendale head coach Matt Plunkett. “We’ve got so much respect for Clay, but they’ve got a mental edge right now and if we want to overcome that edge, we have to take a different mentality and approach.”

With championship finishes in the Albertville and Samford 7-on-7 tournaments and a runner-up finish in the University of Alabama tournament, Gardendale ends its summer season with an overall record of 30-7-2. They are scheduled to visit Bob Jones for an OTA on Thursday before taking what Plunkett believes is a much-needed break.

“I think we are tired right now at the end of the summer. I’m really proud of our guys, but it’s just about developing that kick-the-door-in mentality,” said Plunkett. 

Along with quarterback Michael Crowder, Plunkett praised the efforts of receivers Conner Howell, Omari Hood, Owen Cupps and Bailey Parsons. 

Gardendale opens the season at home against Muscle Shoals on August 25. 

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.