BENSALEM, Pa. — The high school football season is upon us and ESPN will treat fans nationwide to a dream weekend of games, running Aug. 26-29.
Future college stars and NFL players will be on display. So will teams from the Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings.
All told, it’s seven games, including four on Saturday Aug. 28, from five states. Additionally, the 12th GEICO ESPN High School Football Kickoff will feature 37 players from a national rating service.
All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks (All times are EDT).
The Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason rankings will be released on Aug. 3.
The roster and breakdown of games.
Thursday, Aug. 26
Southlake (Texas) Carroll vs. Highland Park (Dallas)
8 p.m. on ESPNU to be played in AT&T Stadium; Arlington, Texas
- Carroll has eight previous state titles and will look to get over the hump again after a runner-up finish in the 6A Division I finals last season. Ohio State commit Quinn Ewers is the No. 1 ranked QB in the country. The game will be played at home of the Dallas Cowboys.
- Highland Park has the most all-time wins in the state of Texas. The Scots have won six state titles, including three straight from 2016-2018. Last season their only loss was to eventual 5A state champ Denton Ryan
Friday, Aug. 27
Milton (Alpharetta, Ga.) vs. North Cobb (Kennesaw, Ga.)
7 p.m. on ESPN2
- Milton is led on defense by No. 1 ranked junior Lebbeus Overton. The Eagles were 11-1 in 2020 and look to push past their third round 7A playoff appearance last season.
- North Cobb is also coming off a strong 2020 season, going 10-2 in the second round of the 7A playoffs. The Warrior’s offense will look to the connection between No. 292 senior De’Nylon Morrissette – WR (Georgia commit) and No. 275 junior Malachi Singleton – QB to lead the way on offense.
Saturday, Aug. 28
St. Frances Academy (Baltimore) at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
12 p.m. on ESPN
- Defending state champion St. Thomas Aquinas is a national contender every year. No. 176 senior Julian Armella – OT will set the tone on offense up front, while No. 201 junior King Mack – S will sure up the defensive backfield for the Raiders
- St. Frances’ defense is deep on talent with four ESPN 300 ranked seniors: No. 22 Derrick Moore – DE (OU commit), No. 71 Jaishawn Barham – OLB, No. 150 Cam Johnson – CB and No. 262 Nasir Pearce -DT.
Oakland (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) at Madison-Ridgeland (Madison, Miss.)
3 p.m. on ESPN2
- Oakland is coming off a 15-0 state championship season with no signs of slowing down. Their offensive firepower comes from No. 203 senior Jordan James – RB (Georgia commit) and No. 273 senior Isaiah Horton – WR, while No. 227 junior Robby Washington – ATH adds depth.
- Madison Ridgeland was also undefeated last season, claiming its second straight Mississippi 6A title. No. 219 senior Stone Blanton – LB anchors the defense.
Pace Academy (Atlanta) at Rabun County (Tiger, Ga.)
6 p.m. on ESPN2
- Rabun County was 12-2 last season and will look to improve on a 2A semifinal appearance behind the play of No. 100 senior Gunner Stockton – QB (Georgia commit).
- Pace Academy’s season ended last year in the first round of the 2A playoffs. Xavier Agostino (Harvard commit), will try to put the pressure on Stockton up front.
Bridgeland (Texas) at Klein Cain (Spring, Texas)
9 p.m. on ESPNU has a matchup in the Lone Star State near Houston
Sunday, Aug. 29
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) vs. Bishop Sycamore (Columbus, Ohio)
1:30 p.m. on ESPN to be played in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium; Canton, Ohio. Great venue, great city for a schoolboy football game.
— Christopher Lawlor
