Wetumpka Earns Third Consecutive 7-on-7 Elmore County Championship

WETUMPKA, Ala. - The Wetumpka Indians won their third consecutive 7v7 Elmore County Championship on Thursday night, defeating Stanhope Elmore in the championship game.

The Indians' defense earned praise from head coach Bear Woods after allowing a total of 6 points during the bracket play portion of the tournament, including two shut-outs. Woods said, "Defense wins championships," which proved to be true throughout the county tournament. 

Heading into the bracket play portion of the tournament, the Indians were the 4th seed after going 1-2-1 during the pool play stage. En route to the championship, the Indians defeated Holtville, Elmore County, and Stanhope-Elmore. 

Senior John Hudson Wingard helped lead the way offensively for the Indians, the tight end managed to create separation on multiple occasions to account for touchdowns in each of the last two tournament games.

"Well, he's impressed all summer, our tight end." head coach Bear Woods said. "He's a senior, multi-sport athlete—tremendous kid."

Coach Woods also sang the praises of Charlie Skipper, the sophomore quarterback who helped lead the team to its third 7v7 county championship in as many seasons.

"He's stepped up as a sophomore and has continued to develop." Woods said. "He has a 'put me in coach' mentality and we're proud of him."

"It's going to take heart to win the region this year. Coach Woods said. "We define heart with humility, effort, attitude, reliability, and toughness. And that's what we saw tonight. That's how we're growing. We're going to continue to grow in what it means to be reliable as a young man, not just to the program but to the school as a student athlete. The best is yet to come for the Indians."

Wetumpka kicks off its 2025 season on the road against Beauregard on Aug. 22. The first home game will be the following week on Aug. 29 against Chelsea at 7 p.m.