Alonso Ravens Battle It Out at USF's Sling and Shoot Competition

They won their first pool game against , then lost three in a row to: East Lake, Naples and Armwood.

But Alonso High School would come back and beat 33-14 in this weekend's 7-on-7 Sling and Shoot competition held at University of South Florida.

The team was eliminated on Saturday.

The tournament is one of several competitive high school football camps held at the university during the summer. More than 50 teams competed this year, including players from across the Southeast region.

Alonso defeated Jesuit 13-0 in the first round, but fell to Mainland in the next round.

The Ravens played the whole contest without speedster Brandon Holloway. As it was Brandon Hawkins threw pretty well, despite coming to odds wit the coaches in the elimination game against Mainland.

“The competition has been great," said head coach Brian Emanuel. "At a tournament like this you expect it."

Sophomore Ish Witter had some good gains as well as senior Alonte Rhoden. Senior Jordan Davis was called in to play offense as well as safety on defense.

Defense got some valuable experience too.

“We played good teams. I feel like we all got better,” said Alonso senior linebacker Marcus Neuman.

It helped hone technique for most every player.

“It helped a lot with bumping, getting your hands on guys and quickness,” said Neuman.

It was also a bonding experience for the team.

“This was a team-building experience; the time between games," Coach Emanuel said. “It helps the team grow together.