The Hartselle High School football team played seven-on-seven practices against Bob Jones in Madison July 10 and P.D Jackson-Olin, Pinson Valley, Homewood and North Ridge at Samford University in Homewood July 12.

The seven-on-seven practices are a series of drills that help players hone different sets of skills in a more direct way than is possible in other types of practices. The players wear shorts and helmets, and there are several types of drill formations throughout the day. Players practice one-on-one pass coverage drills, one-on-one pass rush drills, two-on-two drills and three-on-three drills. They also run some full 11-on-11 plays.

Hartselle head football coach Bob Godsey said seven-on-sevens are fast-paced and full of non-stop action. “We’re trying to face as much good competition as we can before the season,” Godsey said.

Godsey said the Hartselle Tigers held their own against some strong teams. “I thought it went really well,” Godsey said. “I thought we played extremely well defensively, and I’m proud of how we played offensively too. They got better as the day went on.”

“I think our kids came away with a lot of confidence, but at the same time, they’re really willing to improve,” Godsey added.

Hartselle will compete against Sparkman July 24 and Florence July 25 at 5 p.m.