The end of the school year and start of summer for most students is a time to relax and recharge...except for the ValleyÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s student-athletes, most of whom are taking the time without classes to hone their game.

And while Fall is definitely not in the air, the sound of footballs flying through the air means the Valley football teams are participating in the annual seven-on-seven passing league scrimmages.

Seven-on-seven football is a fast-paced, passing-focused variation of tackle football played without pads and traditional helmets, with the focus on skill development and team play.

The seven players on offense consist of a center, a quarterback, and five eligible receivers, with two of those receivers to be on the line of scrimmage.

As the name implies, one of the key differences is that there are no offensive linemen outside of the center, with the defense prohibited from rushing the quarterback.

The focus is obviously on forward passing and contact, while unavoidable, is discouraged.

Games typically involve two 15-yard zones and a final 10-yard zone to score a touchdown, with 3 downs in the first two zones and 4 downs in the last zone.

Also, as the name passing league implies, rushing the ball is generally not allowed, and quarterbacks cannot run with the ball at any time.

Earlier in June, most Valley high school teams attended the San Diego State passing league tournament, which provides college coaching exposure for local talent and a chance for teams to compete at a high level.

Over the past few weeks, Imperial and Central High Schools have hosted passing league scrimmages, which also include linemen competitions, so that football teams can bond ahead of the upcoming season.

This week, the local passing league scene shifts to Yuma Catholic High School, where they will host a two-day tournament starting today, June 24th, at 5:30 p.m. and continuing at the same time tomorrow.

Over the two days, Brawley, Calexico, Central, and Southwest will test their skills against teams they donÐÔÊӽ紫ý™t normally see during the regular season, including the host Shamrocks, newly opened Somerton High, Yuma, and Cibola.

Meanwhile, the Imperial High Tigers will be involved in a passing league tournament in San DiegoÐÔÊӽ紫ý™s North County at Ramona High.

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