Summer is coming to a close and we’re just weeks away from prep football action here in the tri-state area, much of that beginning with what we’ve known as the annual “Jamboree” for many years, now titled the “BlueCross Bowl…Prelude to a Championship,” with 24 area teams set to take to the field at Finley Stadium.
The Prelude event will take place over the course of two weekends starting on Aug. 9 and again from Aug. 15-17, marking the first time the event will played over a two-weekend stretch and on four nights.
This is the second year BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is the presenting sponsor of the annual event. BlueCross, of course, has been a longtime sponsor of the State Championship “BlueCross Bowl” games held in December each season.
On Friday, August 9th, there are two rare border battles. Signal Mountain faces Ridgeland and Ringgold plays Walker Valley.
“These scrimmages offer fans a chance to see some different match-ups”, says Event Director Todd Agne. “We are always excited to welcome teams from North Georgia and give them the experience of playing in Finley Stadium.”
The Prelude to a Championship games on Thursday, August 15th include Sale Creek, East Ridge and Signal Mountain. Ooltewah and Tyner will square off in a scrimmage at the end of the night.
On Friday, August 16th, fans get treated to a showdown of perennial state powers when the Marion County Warriors and Red Bank Lions face off. Division II Class 3-A powerhouse McCallie closes the night against White County and Central. A revitalized Hixson program along with newcomer White County are also a part of the night.
On Saturday night, August 17th, state title contenders the South Pittsburg Pirates and consistent playoff level programs including the Whitwell Tigers along with Silverdale, East Hamilton, Sequoyah, Soddy Daisy and upstart Chattanooga Prep round out the night’s participants.
Admission is $10 for each day. All seats are general admission.
Tickets will be available from participating high schools and will also be sold at the gate at Finley Stadium.
The schedule is as follows — all times are Eastern Daylight Time:
Friday, August 9 (Away-Team is listed first):
6:00 PM: Signal Mtn vs. Ridgeland (Scrimmage)
8:15 PM: Walker Valley vs. Ringgold (Scrimmage)
Thursday, August 15 (Away-Team is listed first):
6:00 PM: East Ridge vs. Sale Creek
6:30 PM: Signal Mountain vs. Sale Creek
7:00 PM: East Ridge vs. Sale Creek
7:30 PM: Ooltewah vs. Tyner (Scrimmage)
Friday, August 16 (Away-Team is listed first):
6:30 PM: Marion County vs. Red Bank
7:00 PM: Marion County vs. Hixson
7:30 PM: White County vs. Red Bank
8:00 PM: Central vs. Hixson
8:30 PM: White County vs. McCallie
9:00 PM: Central vs. McCallie
Saturday, August 17 (Away-Team is listed first):
6:00 PM: Sequoyah vs. Chatt Prep
6:30 PM: Sequoyah vs. Whitwell
7:00 PM: Chatt Prep vs. Whitwell
7:30 PM: Silverdale vs. South Pittsburg
8:00 PM: Silverdale vs. East Hamilton
8:30 PM: Soddy Daisy vs. South Pittsburg
9:00 PM: Soddy Daisy vs. East Hamilton
