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Territorial Dispatch

Talents Shine as River Valley Hosts Area-Wide 7v7

Jul 03, 2024 03:22PM ● By Steven Bryla
River Valley 2026 wide receiver Joshua Kellas catches a pass during the 7v7 session held on Tuesday, June 25, at River Valley. Photo by Chris Pedigo


YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The River Valley Falcons football team hosted five local teams on Tuesday, June 25, for a night of 7v7 and a night of having fun prior to the final week before the dead period for the CIF Northern and Sac-Joaquin Sections took effect this week.

The SJS was represented by Sutter Union and Yuba City, while the NS schools that were present were Live Oak, East Nicolaus and defending CIF Division VI-A Champions Colusa.

Sutter Union Max Bringgold

 Sutter Union 2026 defensive back/wide receiver Max Bringgold catches a pass on Wednesday, June 25, during the Sutter-Colusa 7v7 match. Photo by Steven Bryla


On top of the 7v7 festivities, there were linemen getting work on the side in “trench wars” which consumed the back of an end zone with loud roars as battles for the best linemen in the area squared off.

Yuba City head coach Jonah Lessard expressed to the Dispatch that he was grateful to have the opportunities to compete against other local programs as the passing game is a huge aspect for player development.

Sutter Union Sammy Sharma

 Sutter Union 2025 quarterback Sammy Sharma throws a pass on Tuesday, June 25, during the 7v7 at River Valley. Photo by Steven Bryla


Lessard took over the Honkers’ program a couple months ago and told the Dispatch he is proud of the progress his players have made up to this point and that they are locked in 100%.

River Valley head coach Alex Gomes-Coelho said to the Dispatch that it was great to see a different variety of looks from all of the programs that attended. He added that the multiple looks against defensive schemes was able to hammer a mindset they could focus on.

Although competitive spirits were high, plenty of smiles were seen between the squads competing with one another and ready to face off with each other during the season.

The “No Contact Dead Period” for the SJS was approved in January 2024, according to the CIF SJS website, and it clearly states that no member of any athletic department should have any type of contact with any athlete.

If any of the dead period rules are violated, schools could have sanctions brought against them.

The dead period began this past Monday, July 1, and is in effect until Sunday, July 14.

Jordan Martinez River Valley

 Yuba City 2025 quarterback Jordan Martinez throws a pass during the six-team 7v7 session at River Valley on Tuesday, June 25. Photo by Steven Bryla