Eagles, Falcons prepare for Ford Field Showdown on Aug. 31

Henry Ford II and Eisenhower high schools are preparing to take their crosstown
football rivalry across town...way across town.

The two varsity football squads are preparing to play in the Detroit area's
first Gridiron Classic at Ford Field on August 31.

"It's going to be an incredible experience," said Ford II quarterback Tyler
Thomas. "We get to play where the professional teams play."

His counterpart at Eisenhower, quarterback Joey Zerafa, agreed.

"We are very fortunate to be playing there. It's going to really get us ready
for the big games we are are going to have this year."

The Inaugural Gridiron Classic at the home of the Detroit Lions features two
pairings of high school teams to kick off a new season of Friday Night Lights -
Lake Orion vs. Troy Athens at 5:45 p.m. and the Eisenhower-Henry Ford II pairing at 8:15 p.m.

"I think the opportuntiy says a lot about our program and the tradition we
have here," said Eisenhower Running Back Shane King.

Advance tickets are $10 and are available at the high schools. Youth football
programs in the communities may purchase tickets for $8.

While players on both teams said the big game has not change their practices,
they are anxious to begin another season of high school football.

"We have a great team," said Henry Ford II senior Jack Goss. "We need to stay
focused and keep coming together as a team."