Times Free Press Kickoff Classic schedule set, features 20 prep teams

Soddy-Daisy takes the field for their prep football game against Cleveland at Cleveland High School on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, in Cleveland, Tenn.
Soddy-Daisy takes the field for their prep football game against Cleveland at Cleveland High School on Friday, Sept. 4, 2015, in Cleveland, Tenn.

Times Free Press Kickoff Classic

Friday, Aug. 12Chattanooga Christian vs. Howard, 6:30 p.m.Brainerd vs. Sale Creek, 7:15 p.m.Grace Academy vs. Boyd-Buchanan, 8 p.m.McCallie vs. Rhea County, 8:45 p.m.Hixson vs. Red Bank, 9:30 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 13Walker Valley vs. Tyner, 6:30 p.m.East Ridge vs. Soddy-Daisy, 7:15 p.m.Central vs. Ooltewah, 8 p.m.East Hamilton vs. McMinn County, 8:45 p.m.Notre Dame vs. Baylor, 9:30 p.m.

The dates and matchups have been set, and now the countdown to the start of the prep football season begins.

The Times Free Press has agreed to become the title sponsor of the Kickoff Classic jamboree at Finley Stadium, a two-day event featuring 20 area teams. The Times Free Press Kickoff Classic, presented by Zaxby's, is Friday, Aug. 12 and Saturday, Aug. 13.

"We are very excited to sponsor the Kickoff Classic jamboree," said Bruce Hartmann, president of the Times Free Press. "We understand the popularity and importance high school football plays in our area, and this is just another opportunity for us to show how committed we are to our community of readers and to prep sports coverage."

This year an on-the-field change will increase the amount of game time for all jamboree teams. Each matchup will be a 30-minute quarter with a running clock, an increase in action that will benefit players, coaches and fans. There will be 15 minutes between quarters to allow the next two teams to warm up.

Play begins at 6:30 p.m. each day.

The first day's schedule starts with Chattanooga Christian facing Howard, followed by Brainerd vs. Sale Creek, Grace Academy vs. Boyd-Buchanan, McCallie vs. Rhea County and Hixson vs. Red Bank. The second day starts with Walker Valley playing Tyner, followed by East Ridge vs. Soddy-Daisy, Central vs. Ooltewah, East Hamilton vs. McMinn County and Notre Dame vs. Baylor.

Five of the competing teams - Boyd-Buchanan, Central, Chattanooga Christian, East Ridge and Howard - have new head coaches.

"This is the 18th year we've been involved in kicking off the prep football season at Finley Stadium," event director Todd Agne said. "The past several seasons we've focused on being involved with the jamboree, and it's really grown into a special event for the teams and fans from the area.

"It gives the players an opportunity to play in a college stadium and the fans a chance to see 20 of our area teams all in one place. It's always an exciting way to kick off a new season."

The event is also sponsored by Coca-Cola and The Benson Law Firm.

Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.

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