New QBs, new coach and good vibes: 4 observations from Washington’s 7-on-7 football camp

WASHINGTON — Washington hosting its annual high school football fest has been a summer staple for the last 17 years.

But for the first time in the event’s history, Darrell Crouch isn’t the Panthers head coach. Crouch retired at the end of last season, following a decorated 19-year career at Washington that saw 156 victories and 16 playoff appearances. Former associate head coach Todd Stevens has taken the reigns of the program.

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On Saturday, teams from Manual, Richwoods, Illinois Valley Central, Dunlap, Limestone, Pekin, Eureka, Morton, Normal West, Bloomington Central Catholic, Clifton Central, Bloomington and Monticello spread across three fields for the 18th edition of the 7-on-7 and fourth year of the lineman camp.

“I had a pretty good teacher in Darrell,” said Stevens, who is in his 29th season on the Washington coaching staff.

The longtime defensive coordinator handled many duties of the 7-on-7 last year with the help of Washington booster club president Joe Bullard. Stevens had also taken over parts of the program during the last three years, knowing the possibility he could become the next head coach.

His shift to the top job at one of the area’s premier teams has been pretty painless, knowing the community, the players and because he keeps most of the staff intact.

“I think it’s smooth for me,” Stevens said, “just because I’ve been here for so long.”

New Washington Panthers head football coach Todd Stevens watches his team take on Pekin during the annual 7-on-7 football camp Saturday, July 20, 2024 hosted by Washington Community High School.

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/qbs-coach-good-vibes-4-083136460.html

Author : Journal Star

Publish date : 2024-07-21 08:31:36

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