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The AZ Grind football team that participated in the Pylon Elite Camps 7-on-7 National Championship last weekend (Shannon Nash/Special to AllSportsTucson.com)
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HENDERSON, Nev. — Young football talent in Tucson is on the rise if this last weekend is any indication.
The city sent two teams — AZ Grind and Tucson Turf Elite — to the Pylon Elite Camps 7-on-7 National Championships at Heritage Park.
Both took part in the 23-team bracket that included seventh and eighth grade players. They did not advance deep into the tournament, but they showed good teamwork and individual talent.
AZ Grind is coached by former Arizona and NAU defensive back Charles Nash Jr.. Tucson Turf, which won the title last year, is coached by Toby Bourguet. The following are some pictures and observations of some of the top players from AZ Grind and Tucson Turf:
AZ GRIND
WR/DB Josh Hart
Most consistent player throughout the tournament for his team. Plays beyond his years with his intelligence on the field. Good hands. Rarely drops the ball.
RB/S Bijan Robinson
Great leader. Led his youth football team to the national championship. Good athleticism and physical style of play.
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Site founder and award-winning sports journalist Javier Morales has published his first e-book, “The Highest Form of Living”, a fiction piece about a young man who overcomes a troubled upbringing without his lost father and wayward mother through basketball and hope. His hope is realized through the sport he loves. Basketball enables him to get past his fears. His experience on the court indirectly brings him closer to his parents in a unique, heartfelt way. Please order it at Amazon (for only $4.99) by clicking on the photo:
AZ GRIND
Coaches:
Charles Nash
Drew Sneed
Lamont SaulsPlayers:
Joshua Hart
Bijan Robinson
Cameron Nash
Varnie Larsen
Lathan Ransom
Kobe Marshall
Tony Brown
Devin Medina
Octavius Peraquarius
Dajon Sneed
TUCSON TURF ELITE
Coach:
Toby BourguetTop players:
Mario Padillo
Trenton Bourguet
Kieson Simmons
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The Tucson Turf team lines up for defense (Javier Morales/AllSportsTucson.com)
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QB Dajon Sneed
Very coachable player. A fast learner who is raw in his development . Coaches believe he can develop into a “big-time” prospect with his arm and athletic ability.
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QB Trenton Bourguet
Throws a tight, accurate spiral and shows good instincts. Exhibits good leadership directing his players similar to a coach on the field. Makes up for small size (5’5” and 130 pounds) with his quickness, gutty play and strong arm.
WR Mario Padilla
Tough to track down after the catch. Nifty moves with exceptional footwork. Used as a running back during the fall, he has good field vision and awareness of what the defense gives him.
WR/CB Kieson Simmons
Strong cover guy as a cornerback even against bigger and taller receiving prospect. Great leaping ability and instinct for the ball to tip passes away. Good route runner and able to catch passes in traffic with confidence. Very good hands, rarely drops a ball passed his way.
MORE PICTURES OF AZ GRIND
(Offered by Shannon Nash, wife of head coach Charles Nash Jr.)
Josh Hart
Kobe Marshall
Octavius Peraquarius
ALLSPORTSTUCSON.com publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He has also written articles for Bleacher Report and Lindy’s College Sports.
