Pearl‑Cohn’s LJ Funk Tests GoPro at Titans 7‑on‑7

Funk Leads Pearl‑Cohn to Tournament Runner‑Up

On July 7, 2026, Pearl‑Cohn quarterback LJ Funk delivered a standout performance at the Tennessee Titans 7‑on‑7 tournament held at Lebanon High School Athletic Complex. His collection of touchdown passes propelled the Firebirds to a close second place, falling just short of Oakland in a competitive championship matchup. Funk’s ability to make accurate throws under the fast‑paced, three‑wide‑out format proved crucial for Pearl‑Cohn’s deep run.

The senior signal‑caller carried the playbook’s progressions with confidence, using his feet when necessary and trusting his receiving corps to create separation. While the Firebirds ultimately fell to the top‑seeded squad, Funk’s aerial assault set the tone for a memorable tournament run and showcased his growth as a leader on the field.

Beyond the stats, Funk’s performance highlighted Pearl‑Cohn’s commitment to modernizing its offensive approach, using every practice session to sharpen timing and chemistry.

Funk’s Helmet‑Mounted Camera Experiment

As the offseason came to a close, Pearl‑Cohn coach Tony Brunetti unveiled an unconventional training aid for LJ Funk: a GoPro camera strapped to the quarterback’s helmet. The device, originally gathering dust in the school’s audiovisual department, was resurrected after Brunetti secured new batteries and film cartridges. Funk’s role was to wear the camera during practice drills and the 7‑on‑7 tournament, providing a first‑person view of his decision‑making.

funK described the experience as surprisingly light, noting he sometimes forgot to press the record button between series. He acknowledged a few missed moments when the button wasn’t engaged, but the overall feel was comfortable enough to keep the experiment going into the next season. The goal was simple: to see the game from angles the coaching staff had never used before.

Beyond the novelty, the footage is being studied with offensive coordinator Jimmy Ferrell, who says Funk logs roughly 20 hours of film each week during the season. This self‑analysis routine is aimed at sharpening reads, adjusting progressions, and measuring consistency on the field.

From iPad Huddle to Big‑Screen Review

Just a few seasons ago, Pearl‑Cohn coaches relied on a single iPad to break down game footage during practice. The device was a temporary solution, often forcing players to crowd around a small screen under a tent. Over the past year, the program upgraded to a full television setup, installing rows of chairs and a large display for more comfortable study sessions.

The shift has already shown results, as players now spend more quality time dissecting defensive trends and offensive patterns. Senior receiver Steven Jenkins praised the change, saying the clear view of formation shifts lets him see nuances he missed on a phone screen. The bigger screen also helps the coaching staff communicate adjustments more effectively.

Looking ahead, Pearl‑Cohn plans to add an aerial perspective for the upcoming season, using an end‑zone camera operated from the press box. The system, essentially a drone with limited flight time to preserve battery life, will give coaches a bird’s‑eye view of defensive coverages and potential over‑pursuit errors.

Tournament Photos

Looking Forward: Technology as a Competitive Edge

The experiment with a helmet‑mounted GoPro is more than a novelty; it represents a cultural shift within Pearl‑Cohn’s football program. By embracing new technology, the coaching staff signals to recruits that the school values innovation and is willing to invest in player development beyond traditional drills. The same mindset is driving the addition of a drone‑based aerial camera for next season.

Other high school programs may watch closely to see if the data collected from Funk’s perspective improves timing, route accuracy, or decision‑making under pressure. If the analytics reveal measurable gains, the trend could spread beyond Nashville, influencing how smaller schools allocate limited resources for tech upgrades.

In a sport where split‑second adjustments often separate winners from runners‑up, Pearl‑Cohn’s willingness to experiment could prove decisive in future tournaments. The combination of on‑field talent and cutting‑edge review tools gives the Firebirds a multifaceted advantage as they prepare for the next stretch of competition.