The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Chelsea opens season in showdown
Bulldogs face Novi to kick-off year at EMU's Rynearson Stadium
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: August 3, 2006
Chelsea fans and high school gridiron aficionados throughout the state will be able to watch exciting football action throughout the day Aug. 26 when the Detroit Metro Sports Commission hosts the Big Day Prep Showdown II at Eastern Michigan University's Rynearson Stadium.
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The prep football feast will be presented by Comcast Local.
A one-day showcase of season-opening high school football for eight local and outstate teams, the Big Day Prep Showdown was developed by the DMSC to present local high school football with a college bowl-game atmosphere.
Big Day Prep Showdown II game week activities during the week of Aug. 21 will include a private Big Day Prep Showdown II V.I.P. event at Colonial Lanes in Ann Arbor Aug. 21 for players, coaches, school officials and boosters. The event will be taped by Comcast Local and will air 7 p.m. Aug. 24 and 9:30 p.m. Aug. 25.
Comcast Local will broadcast a Big Day Prep Showdown II preview segment as part of the Comcast Local Varsity Preview, a one-hour special on the 2006 Michigan prep football season 5 p.m. Aug. 19.
All four games of the Big Day Prep Showdown II will be broadcast on Comcast Local beginning Aug. 27.
Players and coaches from several Big Day Prep Showdown II teams will make a visit to the pediatric unit of Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak Aug. 22 in conjunction with the hospital's Sports Medicine Program.
On game day, the DMSC will host the Big Day Prep Showdown II Fan Zone, an interactive area with football-themed action for fans of all ages.
"The Detroit Metro Sports Commission is excited to host and operate the Big Day Prep Showdown II for the second consecutive year," Dave Beachnau, DMSC executive director, said in a written statement. "The feedback in the local prep athletic community from the inaugural Big Day Prep Showdown in 2005 was tremendous.
"For 2006, we have added teams from outstate Michigan and our four games will feature seven 2005 state playoff teams and one state finalist.
"We look forward to partnering with the schools, the local communities and our sponsors for the Big Day Prep Showdown II game week events and most importantly, for a big day of exciting football for the players and the fans."
The team match-ups for the Big Day Prep Showdown II should be interesting and enjoyable for high school football fans.
In the opener, Allen Park takes on Trenton at 11:45 a.m. in a Downriver clash of the titans. Allen Park features two of the state's top players in seniors defensive tackle Jay Gillespie (6-foot-4, 255) and defensive back/running back Anthony Savone (6-2, 195).
In the event's second game, Hudsonville squares off against Plymouth at 2:30 p.m. Hudsonville reached the Division II state championship game last season, falling to Birmingham Brother Rice 14-7. The Grand Rapids area Eagles are led by seniors tight end Devin Boglitsch (6-6, 245) and offensive guard/defensive tackle Trevor Ikerd (6-1, 260) and junior defensive back Jon Tanis (6-1, 175).
In the day's third contest, Saline lines up against Flint Carman-Ainsworth at 5:15 p.m. The game will feature three blue-chip-type players. For the Hornets, senior defensive tackle/fullback Vince Helmuth (6-2, 260) will be a load for opponents this season. Helmuth has verbally committed to the University of Michigan.
For the Cavaliers, seniors offensive tackle/defensive tackle Ryan Wheat (6-4, 285) and linebacker George White (6-2, 250) will be standouts. Wheat is being highly sought after by Big Ten schools, while White has committed to Michigan State University.
In the showdown's final game, Chelsea plays Novi at 8 p.m. The Bulldogs are looking to avenge last year's season opening final minute 14-7 loss to the Wildcats. Chelsea will be led by seniors receiver Nate Schwarze (5-10, 165), receiver Adam Connell (5-11, 170) and tight end Dan Augustine (6-2, 215). Novi boasts one of the state's most explosive and slippery players in senior receiver/defensive back Brandon Carnegie (6-0, 175). Carnegie is a major Division I recruit.
Tickets to the Big Day Prep Showdown II are available at all participating schools, including the Chelsea Athletic Department.
Advance ticket prices are $9 for adults and $7 for students. Children age five and younger get in for free. All game-day tickets are $10 at the gate. A portion of all advance ticket sales will benefit high school athletics.
For more information on the Big Day Prep Showdown II, call 1-313-202-1982 or visit the Web site www.bigdayprepshowdown.com.
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