United Independent School District (UISD) is celebrating a historic achievement as Alexander High School (AHS), United High School (UHS), and Lyndon B. Johnson High School (LBJ) have all qualified for the prestigious Texas 7‑on‑7 State Tournament. This is the first time in district and city history that three teams from the same district and city will compete at this level.
The tournament held annually in College Station, will feature 64 elite teams over the weekend. This year, three of those teams hail from UISD, demonstrating the district’s rise in competitive summer football.
“We are incredibly proud of our teams that have officially qualified for the State 7‑on‑7 Tournament! This is a great accomplishment and a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and teamwork throughout the off‑season. Let’s keep the momentum going—congrats again! UISD PROUD!” said UISD Athletic Director Coach Roberto “Bobby” Cruz.
Alexander High School’s Campus Coordinator and Head Football Coach Edwin Garcia spearheaded Laredo’s first state‑qualifying 7‑on‑7 tournament in 23 years. “I want to thank Coach Bobby Cruz for allowing us to host our 1st Annual State Qualifying Tournament where 2 of the 3 schools qualified. Before this year, getting into tournaments was by invitation, and only several Laredo schools were invited to participate,” said Coach Garcia. “Qualifying 3 teams proves what we can do if we are given an opportunity. I am extremely proud of our Bulldogs for getting us back to College Station! Go Dawgs!!” The closest tournaments to qualify for state were typically only held in Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley & San Antonio.
“The significance of having three UISD teams advance to the State 7‑on‑7 Tournament is immense,” said LBJ Head Football Coach Leo Mirelez as he echoed the district-wide success. “Every snap is an opportunity to improve. We're going to compete hard, learn from every moment, and showcase the heart of UISD football.”
This landmark success follows months of rigorous training and the creation of new pathways for competition, highlighted by Laredo hosting the inaugural Border Bash tournament that expanded local participation and earned AHS and LBJ a spot in the state bracket. "It truly puts Laredo on the map as a hub for competitive football talent," added Coach Mirelez. "This kind of widespread success fosters healthy competition and pushes all of our programs to be their best." All Laredo High Schools and ten other High Schools from San Antonio, Eagle Pass & Rio Grande Valley that don't normally get invited had a chance to play in this tournament.
UHS paved their way to the state 7-on-7 tournament through the Corpus Christi State Qualifier tournament. “The significance of three teams from Laredo advancing is showing the progress and growth that our teams in UISD have made to be able to qualify for the state 7-on-7 tournament,” said UHS Head Football Coach David G. Sanchez.
“This tournament is a springboard for our football season this fall. Our district is tough, any team can win any given night. Exposing our kids to more live reps versus competition like we will see this weekend, can only help us improve when the pads come on in August,” said Coach Garcia.
Coaches Garcia, Sanchez and Mirelez all shared the same sentiment when it came to the goals for their football team this upcoming season: elevating every aspect of their program through discipline, teamwork, communication, and consistent improvement each day.
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