News Summary

The ESPN High School Football Kickoff returns to Atlanta from August 14 to August 23 for its 16th year, featuring six thrilling games that highlight 45 top players. Fans can catch the action live across ESPN networks, showcasing future college football stars. The event includes notable matchups and a chance to witness young talent aiming for college football stardom. Don’t miss this electrifying week of high school football!

Excitement Builds for ESPN High School Football Kickoff in Atlanta!

Atlanta, get ready for an electrifying week of high school football! The ESPN High School Football Kickoff is back for its 16th year, running from August 14 to August 23. This year’s event promises to showcase six thrilling games that will spotlight 45 top players from the ESPN 300 and ESPN Junior 300 rankings. If you’re a fan of football, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic lineup!

Broadcasting the Action

The excitement doesn’t stop with the games themselves! You can catch all the action live on ESPN, ESPN2, and the ESPN App. With so many skilled athletes on the field, it’ll be like watching a future Pro Bowl in action. Remember to mark your calendars because these matchups are set to feature some amazing talent!

A Peek at the Lineup

Here’s a quick look at the schedule:

  • Thursday, August 14: No. 11 Milton (Ga.) vs. No. 12 Buford (Ga.) at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from Buford High School Phillip Beard Stadium.
  • Friday, August 22: No. 17 St. Joseph’s Prep (Pa.) faces off against No. 9 American Heritage (Fla.) at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from Brian Piccolo Stadium.
  • Friday, August 22: No. 4 IMG Academy (Fla.) goes up against Hoover (Ala.) at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from the Hoover Metropolitan Complex.
  • Saturday, August 23: No. 1 Mater Dei (Calif.) meets No. 6 St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN from Brian Piccolo Stadium.
  • Saturday, August 23: No. 5 St. Frances Academy (Md.) vs. No. 8 Chaminade-Madonna (Fla.) kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
  • Saturday, August 23: No. 20 Folsom (Calif.) takes on Grant Union (Calif.) at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN from Grant Union High School in Sacramento, Calif.

A Showcase of Top Recruits

The ESPN High School Football Kickoff isn’t just any ordinary sports event; it’s a significant platform for youngsters aiming for college football stardom. Among the talented athletes are 22 players who have already committed to prestigious Division I programs, including Alabama, Ohio State, and USC. Communities will come together to support these rising stars and cheer on their teams!

Star Players to Watch

As you get hyped up for these matchups, let’s highlight a few players worth keeping an eye on:

  • Grayson DE Andre Fuller is a Georgia Tech commit boasting eight sacks and leading his squad in tackles last season.
  • Thompson DE Jared Smith, an Auburn commit, stands out at No. 28 in the ESPN 300 with impressive physical attributes.
  • Milton WR C.J. Wiley is a Florida State commit known for racking up over 1,400 receiving yards last season.
  • American Heritage RB Byron Louis has a knack for running 1,000 yards and being an effective receiver, making him a dual threat.
  • St. John Bosco DE Epi Sitanilei, a UCLA commit, has recently been recognized for outstanding performances at camps.

Notable Matchups

The showdown between Folsom and Grant Union is particularly exciting, as it features numerous renowned recruits. Plus, Grayson and Thompson will face off in a heated Alabama state championship rematch. This season is shaping up to be one for the ages!

Dig Deeper into the Action

For those eager to dive deeper into the game-day experience, check out exclusive highlights, insights, and content on social media platforms. Simply follow @sportscenternext on Instagram and Twitter for in-depth coverage.

This year’s ESPN High School Football Kickoff not only highlights the excitement of high school football but also serves as a launching pad for young athletes aspiring to take their talents to the next level. Don’t forget to tune in and catch all the action unfold!

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