Twenty-four high school football teams will take to the field at Finley Stadium this August in the annual BlueCross Bowl…Prelude to a Championship formerly known as the Jamboree.
The Prelude event will take place over the course of two weekends starting on August 9 and again from August 15-17. This is 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.
“High school sports build community and character for our young people and their families,” said Robin Young, senior vice president of commercial operations and chief marketing officer. “The Prelude is such a great tie-in with the BlueCross Bowl. All these teams hope to be back in Finley Stadium this December for a shot at a state championship in the BlueCross Bowl, and we wish them luck.”
“We are thrilled to once again have BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as our presenting sponsor," said Todd Agne, Director of Top-Flight Sports, the event’s coordinating partner. “It really solidifies their connection with high school football and allows us to continue to kick off the high school football season with a fun, family event.”
Friday August 9th it's two rare border battles. Signal Mountain faces Ridgeland and Ringgold plays Walker Valley. "These scrimmages offer fans a chance to see some different matchups", 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 resumes on Thursday August 15th. The night includes Sale Creek, East Ridge and Signal Mountain. Ooltewah and Tyner will square off in a scrimmage at the end of the night.
Friday August 16th fans get treated to a showdown of perennial state powers when Marion County and Red Bank 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.
Saturday night it's a couple of small school powers. State title contender South Pittsburg and consistent playoff level programs Whitwell, Silverdale and East Hamilton. Sequoyah, Soddy Daisy and upstart Chattanooga Prep round out the night’s participants.
The complete schedule is included below. Admission is $10 each day.
Tickets are available from participating high schools and they will also be sold at the gate at Finley Stadium. All seats are general admission and cost $10.
BlueCross Bowl: Prelude To A Championship Schedule
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