<span>On Saturday, June 20th, the New Orleans Saints hosted their fourth annual Regional 7-on-7 tournament presented by the United States Marine Corps. The event took place at their at their practice facility on Airline Drive in Metairie, where ten area high school football teams played in the double-elimination competition.   

Top-seeded McDonogh 35 coasted through the tournament and, in the end beat Bel Air High School, 33-13, in the championship game. As the champions, McDonogh 35 will represent the Saints at the NFL HSPD 7-on-7 Championship tournament, held July 9-11 at the Vikings team facility in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This marks the third time in the last four years that McDonogh 35 will represent the Saints in the national championship.

Master Sergeant Terry Hall, from the United States Marine Corps, gave a life skills presentation to start off the tournament. Stressing the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, he explained the viability of a career in the Marine Corps to the high school football players. Additionally, the Marines brought along their Chin-Up Challenge, in-which contestants attempted to do as many chin-ups as possible in order to win prizes.

Also in attendance was Ochsner's Mobile Fitness Unit. Participants had the opportunity to take part in fitness instruction and workout on state-of-the-art fitness equipment designed specially for children. The Saints are proud to be represented by McDonogh 35 and wish them all of the best in Minneapolis!