After more than four hours of competition among 11 football teams from area high schools, the second annual 7-on-7 passing scrimmage at Signal Mountain came down to the final play of the day Saturday.
Soddy-Daisy senior receiver A.J. DeMatteo grabbed a deflected pass in the end zone for the winning score for the championship against the host Eagles.
DeMatteo, who had come up about 2 yards short of a late score against Ridgeland in last year’s 7-on-7 title game, said he believes the momentum in Saturday’s contests in shorts and helmets can create confidence for the rapidly approaching season. New Trojans quarterback Trevor Card was impressive throughout the day, and Soddy-Daisy unveiled a secret weapon when 6-foot-5, 297-pound Chris Smith, a college prospect at defensive end, lined up at receiver and made a diving catch in the corner of the end zone.
“He’s got great speed for a kid his size,” Trojans coach Kevin Orr said. “We’re excited about him, and I really like the attitude these kids have shown so far.”
The loss was the first of the day for Signal Mountain, which looked every bit the part of the state title contender it is expected to be. Eagles quarterback Hogan Whitmire was consistent and Gervell Morgan showed flashes of why he is a college prospect on both sides of the ball. Signal Mountain beat Bradley Central, South Pittsburg, McCallie, Cleveland and Red Bank.