By Don Ketchum

The Arizona State University football practice fields were beehives of activity last week for the annual 7 on 7 competition.

Many of the Phoenix area’s top teams were represented, as well as some teams from beyond the metropolitan concentrations that were here to improve themselves by playing against the best.

One of the latter groups was from Snowflake, a Division IV program in the White Mountains area. Year-in, year-out, the area features some of the state’s toughest competition.

Leading the way was Ron Tenney, entering his third year as head coach after posting a combined 19-5 record in his first two seasons. Before that, he led an extremely successful eight-man program at Heber Mogollon.

Tenney said the Lobos have about 50 players in their program (sophomores through seniors) and about 32 were on hand for the 7x7.

“Coming down here makes us better. It is a good experience,’’ Tenney said. “It is certainly hotter than what we are used to, but the heat can be a good thing. We’re running routes and there’s no helmets, so everybody can stay relatively cool.’’

There was some big-man (linemen) weight-lifting competition at ASU to coincide with the 7x7.

Tenney was encouraged by the play of his team, and said it also would be involved in similar play this week at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and at Show Low High. Show Low also was in the 7x7.

Later on in the summer, some teams from the Valley will hold preseason camps in the White Mountain area’s cooler climates, staying in the area for three or four days and scrimmaging each other (no pads) as well as local teams such as Snowflake. Tenney said that his team also would participate in that activity.

As for individuals to watch, Tenney said to keep an eye on Chase Walden, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound quarterback-safety who has a good, solid arm.

And the Lobos have a promising big man in Reggie Peterson, a 6-6, 240-pound tackle who has drawn the attention of schools such as NAU, Utah and BYU.