The Bulldogs also went 2-2 at the Ottawa Tournament in June.

The team racked up a few wins in the process, but MHS coach Harry Hester was more excited about learning from mistakes.

“I thought our kids learned a lot about themselves,” Hester said. “They faced a little adversity in the 7-on-7 and learned some lessons.”

Lesson No. 1 — don’t take teams for granted.

“The fact you can’t just show up and beat people,” Hester said. “And thank goodness it was in 7-on 7 and we don’t have to learn that during the season.”

Although practice for the actual fall season starts Monday, the Bulldogs were busy in the off-season.

Hester said the team averaged 36 players in the weight room daily. In addition, five McLouth players participated in speed training in Lawrence.

For some players, though, summer doesn’t provide much football action. Linemen, for instance, are not included in 7-on-7 drills.

Hester tried to organize a “Hogmolly Challenge” for lineman, but only Ottawa High replied with interest in the event. Hester said the challenge would have included a tug-of-war, obstacle course and bench press.

With only one school responding, Hester abandoned the idea.

Until more teams show interest in the event, the linemen will have to settle for lifting and conditioning in the off-season.

And it doesn’t appear as though MHS linemen will compete in 7-on-7 football anytime soon.

“They’re dying to do that,” Hester said. “They’d play 7-on-7 if I’d let them.”

The team also had its weeklong summer camp, which ended July 30 with a lift-a-thon.

Hester, in what has become a tradition, took about 25 players to the Shrine Bowl later that day in Manhattan.

The Shrine Bowl showcases the top Kansas seniors from the previous football season in an all-star game.

Hester, while at Cherryvale, coached two players who were on this year’s Shrine Bowl rosters.
“I think it’s a good way to end the summer,” Hester said. “Go watch the football game and watch the best Kansas has to offer.”
Hester held a parents’ meeting Monday and will have a players’ meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday in the MHS auditorium. On Monday, the fall season officially begins with the first practice.
McLouth opens the season Sept. 2 at home against Horton.

7-on-7 scores
June 18
Ottawa Tournament
McLouth I 35, Ottawa 7
McLouth I 28, Olathe South II 7
Olathe South I 42, McLouth I 21
Olathe South I 49, McLouth I 42

June 22
Pleasant Ridge I 32, McLouth I 27
McLouth I 13, Perry I 6
McLouth I 24, Atchison 19
McLouth II 2, Perry II 0 (forfeit)

June 29
Oskaloosa 29, McLouth I 22
McLouth II def. Atchison (score unavailable)
McLouth I 14, McLouth II 0
Perry I 22, McLouth II 6
McLouth I 20, Pleasant Ridge II 6
McLouth I def. Perry II (score unavailable)

July 13
McLouth I 27, Perry I 21
McLouth I 12, Pleasant Ridge I 6 (2 OT)
McLouth I def. Atchison (score unavailable)
McLouth II def. Perry II (score unavailable)
McLouth II 14, Pleasant Ridge II 6

July 20
League tournament
McLouth I 27, McLouth II 0
McLouth I 21, Perry I 18 (first place)
McLouth II 19, Pleasant Ridge I 18 (third place)

Team members
McLouth No. I
Kevin Stewart, sr.; Jimmy Steffey, sr.; Joel Gill, sr.; Tyler Wise, sr.; Andrew Booth, jr.; Cody Cook, sr.; Kyle Sparks, sr.; Ryan Perry, sr.; Danny Crouse, jr.; Trevor Keeling, sr.; Boone Sorrell, sr.

McLouth No. II team members
Damien Grammer, sr.; Chris Driscoll, jr.; Levi Masqua, jr.; Trevor Spurlock, jr.; Jesse Snyder, so.; Mark Stewart, so.; Ryan Smith, so.; Kent Sparks, so.; Skeet Kingsolver, so.; Derrick Crouse, fr.; Skyler Terry, fr.