The 9th Annual GSF “The Big Open” 7v7 Tournament delivered one of the most memorable storylines of the 2026 offseason—and it belonged to a team that traveled hundreds of miles through snow, rain, and adversity just to get there.

M7, a squad out of Reno, Nevada, arrived in Hayward after battling harsh weather conditions on the road. What followed was a dominant, undefeated run through one of the toughest tournaments on the GSF calendar.

With only 12 players, in cold and rainy conditions, and against a loaded field of Bay Area talent, M7 proved its toughness, chemistry, and resilience—finishing the day as champions.

A Journey Defined by Adversity

Head Coach Tim Green described the trip as anything but easy, as the team navigated difficult travel conditions just to compete.

“I know it was a long trip. We figured we’d get there and figure out how to get home later because mother nature was not being very kind. We just piled in the cars, white-knuckled it for a good 60 miles, and we showed up.”

That mindset carried over into the tournament. No excuses—just execution.

Top Seeded From the Start

M7’s championship run included a statement semifinal win over host team Toa Strength, 24–11, before closing out Game-Time in the title game.

Despite the rain, the cold, and a wet football all day, M7 looked comfortable—almost like they were built for it.

That shouldn’t be a surprise. Many of these players come from McQueen High School, a program that captured the Nevada NIAA 4A State Championship with an 11–2 record, including a perfect 5–0 league mark.

Precision at Quarterback

At the center of M7’s offense was quarterback Ryder Tucker, who controlled the game with poise and accuracy throughout the tournament.

His ability to distribute the ball and keep the offense moving earned high praise—his precision was so sharp, you could say he has the hands of a surgeon.

“I grew up with most of these kids. It’s just something to do in the offseason to get better instead of being on the couch. Coming out here and playing 7v7 is good work for us. That’s why we won state.”

A Breakout Star: Otearle Birden

Wide receiver Otearle Birden, a sophomore and recent transfer from Florida, was named MVP of the tournament by his team after a standout performance.

Coach Green shared how quickly Birden became part of the group:

“We were out working out in the park, and I saw him putting in work. I told him, ‘You’re coming to practice with us, and you’re coming to this tournament.’ That was five days ago—now he’s MVP.”

For Birden, it was about more than football:

“I do this for my mom. I’m trying to make it and get out. This team is a great team.”

Chemistry Wins Championships

With only 12 players, M7 relied heavily on chemistry and communication—something the team takes pride in.

Isaiah Beck explained what makes the group special:

“Chemistry. We all love each other, we’re always around each other. We communicate well across the whole defense, and everything just meshes. That’s why we won.”

Running back Nico Panelli echoed that same sentiment, while also recognizing the support system behind the team:

“Our parents always come out and support us. That’s part of what gives us our chemistry. We know we have people behind us every time we play.”

What This Means for the Rankings

With the championship win at The Big Open, M7 immediately enters the GSF Varsity rankings as one of the most dangerous teams heading into the final tournament of the season.

While other programs have built their resume over multiple events, M7 proved that a complete team, playing at a high level at the right time, can change the landscape in a single weekend.

Looking Ahead

With one final tournament remaining, all eyes now turn to the 3rd Annual Champion of Champions at Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California.

If M7 carries this momentum into the final event, they could play a major role in deciding who finishes the 2026 GSF 7v7 season at the top.

From battling snow on the road to dominating in the rain, M7’s championship run at The Big Open was built on toughness, trust, and elite execution.

They didn’t just win a tournament—they made a statement.