MaxPreps Staff Report
The ESPN network, in conjunction with the Chicago-based Paragon Marketing Group, Old Spice, and Nike, announced Friday its 13-game high school football lineup set to air this fall.
Byrnes, S.C., and Glades Central, Fla., open the action Saturday with a noon (Eastern) kickoff slated for ESPN. Easton, Pa., and Phillipsburg, N.J., meeting for the 100th time, will play in the finale Nov. 23 on ESPN2.
"This year's schedule, supplemented by ESPNU Recruiting Insider and the soon-to-be-launched ESPNU.com, will give fans a broader look at the incoming talent who will soon compete at many of the top college football programs in the country," said Burke Magnus, vice president and general manager, ESPNU. "In addition, our coverage will provide many athletes the unique opportunity to showcase their skills at the national level for the first time in their career."
Teams from 11 different states will be featured in the coverage, including defending state champions from five states. At least 16 members of the ESPN 150 Class of 2007 will be on display, including Oaks Christian, Calif., quarterback Jimmy Clausen, Byrnes, S.C., quarterback Willy Korn, and electric North Fort Myers, Fla., running back Noel Devine.
Old Spice and Nike return as title and presenting sponsors, respectively.
"Old Spice is excited to be the title sponsor of the High School Showcase, as ESPN speaks directly to our consumer," said Carl Stealey, Old Spice brand manager. "This is the third year Old Spice has been involved and the talent level escalates each time. We look forward to another competitive season."
ESPN, as well as its primary sponsors, hope to expand on last season's success, which saw Nease, Fla., and Hoover, Ala., compete in the highest-rated high school football game in the network's history, reaching nearly one million households.
2006 ESPNU, ESPN, and ESPN2/Old Spice High School Showcase Lineup
Aug. 26 - Glades Central, Fla. vs. Byrnes, S.C. (noon, ESPN)
Sept. 7 - Mt. Carmel, Ill. vs. Providence Catholic, Ill. (8 p.m., ESPNU)
Sept. 8 - St. Joseph Prep, Pa. vs. Don Bosco Prep, N.J. (8 p.m., ESPNU)
Sept. 15 - Jefferson, Fla. vs. Armwood, Fla. (8 p.m., ESPNU)
Sept. 22 - Corcoran, N.Y. vs. Christian Brothers, N.Y. (8 p.m., ESPNU)
Sept. 28 - Oaks Christian, Calif. vs. Venice, Calif. (10 p.m., ESPN2)
Oct. 7 - Mission Viejo, Calif. vs. De La Salle, Calif. (10:30 p.m., ESPNU)
Oct. 20 - Coolidge, D.C. vs. Dunbar, D.C. (8 p.m., ESPNU)
Oct. 26 - Lufkin, Texas vs. The Woodlands, Texas (7 p.m., ESPN2)
Oct. 27 - Fort Myers, Fla. vs. North Fort Myers, Fla. (8 p.m., ESPNU)
Nov. 3 - Independence, N.C. vs. Butler, N.C. (8 p.m., ESPNU)
Nov. 23 - Easton, Pa. vs. Phillipsburg, N.J. (9 a.m., ESPN2)
Photo By Rick Rowell: Oaks Christian and quarterback Jimmy Clausen will face Venice Sept. 28 on ESPN2.