Nike 7ON: QB Bridgewater Leads Vapor Trail to Second Straight Championship

The dust has finally settled from the Nike 7ON tournament in Beaverton, Oregon--the nation's premiere 7-on-7 passing tournament that assembles some of the nation's top high school football talent. A year might have passed, but not much has changed, as Miami Northwestern(aka Vapor Trail) claimed their second straight 7ON title in as many years, thanks to the exploits of their gifted signal caller, Teddy Bridgewater(pictured above). Vapor Trail defeated Hyper Fuse(Denton, Texas) 44-42 in triple overtime in a thrilling final that showcased impressive players from both teams.

Here are some of the players that impressed from the Nike 7ON Championship Game between Vapor Trail(Miami, Florida) and Hyper Fuse(Denton, Texas) on Friday, July 9th:

"The King of 7-on-7"--Miami Northwestern QB Teddy Bridgewater is one of the top quarterbacks in the 2011 class.

QB Teddy Bridgewater Vapor Trail--The team that wins a 7-on-7 tournament usually has the best quarterback and that was definitely the case in this tournament, as Teddy Bridgewater continued to make a name for himself as one of the best quarterback prospects in the 2011 class. He very rarely misfired in the championship game--disecting the Hyper Fuse defense with uncanny accuracy. His ball placement was superb--he makes it look easy how he always seems to put the football where it needs to be.

He also made two very impressive grabs at receiver at the end of the first half--showcasing his tremendous athleticism and willingness to line up at other spots on the field. His size(6'2) and impressive leaping ability make him a mismatch at WR as well--he really knows how to go up and get the rock at its highest point. That said, he's even better as a quarterback.

As a quarterback, his ball placement is so good it's hard not to see him playing that position at the collegiate level. It will be tough to find a QB who can place the ball as well as Bridgewater.

He led his team to back-to-back Nike 7ON championships with his beautifully lofted ball with a touch of air under it to WR Jerald Jenkins for the game-winning 2 point conversion to lift Vapor Trail to their 44-42 thrilling victory in 3OT.

Fittingly labeled as the "King of 7-on-7" by ESPNU's Craig Huber, Teddy Bridgewater displayed his uncanny accuracy time and time again and has established himself as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2011 recruiting class.

He's made it clear his intentions to play QB at the next level, but still recognizes his potential as an athlete. "When the season comes, I'm just going to be the quarterback. I want to just focus on that for college, but I have it set in my mind I'm a quarterback, but I'm also an athlete so I see myself as an athlete. It's alot of fun right now."

Class of 2011-committed to Miami Hurricanes

WR Eli Rogers(pictured above)--Vapor Trail--easily the most unstoppable player on the field--Rogers was probably the best receiver in the entire tournament--with defensive backs draped all over him all day--Rogers made plays time and time again. In terms of his ability to dominate, you simply won't find too many receivers out there that can take over a game like this guy. It helps that he has a gifted QB delivering the football, but make no mistake about it, Rogers is a special talent and will be a player to look out for in the future. The 'Canes landed a special tandem in Bridgewater and Rogers. They will be fun to watch.

Class of 2011--committed to Miami Hurricanes

WR Amari Cooper--Vapor Trail--a receiver that really began to make some plays in the second half for Vapor Trail--he looked impressive. Excellent focus on the football when he caught a 2-point conversion in OT to put Vapor Trail up 36-28. He was able to make the grab despite being dragged down by a defender from behind while hauling it in. The guy definitely has the potential to be one of the better receiver prospects in his class.

Class of 2012--Uncommitted


WR Elgin Hilliard--Vapor Trail--at 6'3, 165 pounds, this guy made some impressive grabs at times, but was even more impressive as a quarterback the end of the first half, when he completed two beautiful deep balls to QB Teddy Bridgewater. He has an excellent arm and can perform under pressure. Made an excellent TD catch on his knees in 2OT to tie it up 42-42. He will definitely be an excellent prospect to lookout for in the 2012 recruiting class.

Class of 2012--Uncommitted



QB J.W. Walsh(pictured above)--Hyper Fuse--this guy looked very impressive, not quite as accurate as Bridgewater, but Walsh put excellent rotation on his ball, he was very good about stepping into his throws and had excellent mechanics. I was impressed with him and it's clear that Oklahoma State got an excellent dynamic dual threat QB. Good arm strength and excellent ball placement can be a devastating combination--especially when mixed in with his lethal ability to run the football. This guy could be the next Zac Robinson for the Cowboys. His stats from his junior year at John H. Guyer high school are just plain filthy--he threw for over 2,500 yards and rushed for over 1,500 yards in the same season! He also lit it up in the end zone--27 touchdowns through the air and 22 on the ground--an incredible blend of balance and productivity. Staggering numbers to say the least--Walsh is easily one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the 2011 class--if not THE best.

Class of 2011--commited to Oklahoma State Cowboys

WR Josh Stewart--Hyper Fuse--made some very impressive grabs late in this one in the second half. His best grab came on an out route which he dove toward the sideline--and fully extended his arms to go out and snatch the football from the air. Made an incredible leaping grab in overtime--full extension to go out and get the football once again--to put Hyper Fuse down 36-34 in OT.

Class of 2011--Commited to Texas A and M Aggies


WR Quint Gardener--Hyper Fuse--this guy was the go-to guy for Hyper Fuse, he was absolutely unstoppable and caught nearly every ball thrown his way by QB J.W. Walsh--caught the TD to put Hyper Fuse up 26-22 with less than 2 minutes left in the game. He was the most impressive WR in this contest along with Eli Rogers. As usual, Gardener stepped up in the biggest of moments, making a leaping grab in the back of the end zone to tie it up in OT, 36-36.

Class of 2011--Uncommited

WR Dominique Rhymes--Vapor Trail--impressive grab across the middle at the end of the game from QB Teddy Bridgewater in which he dove into the nd end zone with :21 left in the game. Big time touchdown catch. Tied the game at 28-28. This guy will definitely be on alot of people's radars and it will be interesting to see where he ends up.

Class of 2011--Uncommited

WR Cameron Hunter--Hyper Fuse--Hunter made some very big plays on defense--including his interception at the end of regulation on the 2-pt conversion to send the game into OT. Made an excellent catch at WR in 2OT to put Hyper Fuse up 42-36.

Class of 2011--Uncommited

That's it for now--look for more from me in the future!