The long-awaited documentary detailing one of the biggest high school football scandals of all time premieres on Max (formerly HBO Max) August 23. "BS" High" chronicles the sordid tale of
Bishop Sycamore (Columbus), an illegitimate Ohio school that duped its way into a nationally-televised football game with powerhouse
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) in 2021.
Max dropped a trailer for the documentary Thursday and it certainly grabbed our attention. Check it out:
"BS High" is directed by Academy Award winner Martin Desmond Roe and former "The Daily Show" writer Travon Free. It follows the scandal from the 58-0 blowout to the fallout surrounding the school's questionable methods and unsanctioned practices.
It features interviews from players, families and coaches, including controversial Centurions head coach Roy Johnson in an effort to answer the question "Who is Bishop Sycamore?"
"The blowout [loss] caused fans and audiences to question the legitimacy of the Bishop Sycamore program and the activities of now-fired head coach Roy Johnson," HBO noted in a release.
On Aug. 29, Bishop Sycamore took the field against the No. 2 team in the MaxPreps Top 25. Not only were the Centurions blanked 58-0, but looked bad in the effort.
The aftermath was a litany of unanswered questions and puzzling circumstances:
• Bishop Sycamore had played a game two days prior to the IMG Academy blowout.
• Leaders reportedly told ESPN that it had numerous players with FBS offers, something later refuted.
• Announcers on the telecast voiced concerns about the health and safety of the Centurion players.
• Facts emerged about the school using fifth- and sixth-year players who were ineligible to play in a high school contest.
• The school's website listed no address or staff and complete rosters were not provided to television broadcasters.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association quickly opened an investigation into the school's practices. The remaining games on the Bishop Sycamore schedule, including some against high-profile programs, were canceled and Johnson was fired.
Bishop Sycamore is the subject of the Max documentary "BS High," which looks at how the Ohio school duped its way into a 2021 ESPN game with IMG Academy. (Photo: Jeff Harwell)
