Herbstreit Challenge features nation#8217;s top prep programs

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 3, 2006

It’s us against them.

That’s the theme behind the second annual Kirk Herbstreit Challenge that matches some of the top football teams in Ohio against teams from across the United States.

Herbstreit, an ESPN analyst and former Ohio State quarterback, has put together a star-studded lineup that features nine games in two days. Games will be played Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati and Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon.

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“Our mission was to see how well Ohio’s best would fare against the marquee programs from around the country,” Herbstreit said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled with the list of high-powered matchups we’ve established.”

On Sept. 15 in Cincinnati, the Texas Tigers face the Findlay Trojans at 6:30 p.m. and at 8:30 Cardinal O’Hara of Pennsylvania plays Cincinnati Colerain.

There are two sessions on Saturday.

At Nipper Stadium, Byrnes, South Carolina, plays Cincinnati Moeller at 11:30 a.m. followed by Lakeland, Fla., and Cincinnati St. Xavier, the 2005 Division I state champions.

In the second session, Don Bosco Prep of New Jersey plays Centerville, Herbstreit’s alma mater, at 6 p.m. The 8:30 p.m. game has De La Salle (California) going against Cincinnati Elder.

De La Salle owns a 151-game winning streak from 1992 to 2003.

Three games will be played Saturday at Massillon.

St. Joseph’s Prep of Pennsylvania plays Hilliard Davidson at 2 p.m.

The 5 p.m. game has Springdale, Ark., tangling with Lakewood St. Edward. The nightcap at 8 p.m. matches Hamilton, Ariz., and Massillon.

Tickets are $13 for the two-game session Saturday. Children ages 5 and under are $5.

Tickets can be purchased at www.OhiovsUSA.com or by calling (513) 424-7506.

Portions of all ticket sales are for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Cincinnati.