High School Football JamboreesJamboree at Finley StadiumTONIGHTTyner vs. Silverdale, 7Boyd-Buchanan vs. Sale Creek, 7:30Howard vs. Bradley Central, 8McCallie vs. Signal Mountain, 8:30Baylor vs. Cleveland, 9McMinn County vs. Red Bank, 9:30SATURDAYGrace Academy vs. East Ridge, 7Notre Dame vs. Brainerd, 7:30Hixson vs. Walker Valley, 8East Hamilton vs. Central, 8:30Rhea County vs. Ooltewah, 9Soddy-Daisy vs. Franklin County, 9:30Sequatchie Valley Jamboree at WhitwellTONIGHTBledsoe County vs. South Pittsburg, 7Grundy County vs. Lookout ValleyChattanooga Christian vs. Marion CountyWhitwell vs. Sequatchie CountyChattanooga Christian vs. Lookout ValleyBledsoe County vs. Sequatchie CountySouth Pittsburg vs. Marion CountyGrundy County vs. Whitwell
The two-night Best of Preps high school football jamboree gets under way tonight at Finley Stadium.
"It's a sign of getting started, and it gets everybody -- fans, players, coaches -- excited for the season, and it's good for the kids," said Tyner coach Wayne Turner, who has been part of more than 30 such jamborees over the years.
Tyner and Silverdale Baptist open the 12-quarter series at 7 p.m., followed by Boyd-Buchanan vs. Sale Creek, Howard vs. Bradley Central, McCallie vs. Signal Mountain and Baylor vs. Cleveland . The McMinn County-Red Bank segment covers the final 20 minutes.
Admission is $8 per person (children under 6 free).
On Saturday, also starting at 7, Grace Academy plays East Ridge, Notre Dame goes against Brainerd, Hixson takes on Walker Valley, East Hamilton meets Central, Rhea County plays Ooltewah and Soddy-Daisy meets Franklin County.
"I wouldn't say I get excited," Signal coach Bill Price said. "We've got a full-blown scrimmage Thursday night and then we'll be at Finley Friday. I think all the coaches want to make a little money and get through their quarter without anybody getting hurt.
"I'll go back Saturday, too. While nobody is going to show much scheme-wise, it's a good chance to see other teams' personnel and to visit with other coaches."
The Sequatchie Valley jamboree also will take place tonight and Saturday, this year at Whitwell and also beginning at 7 Eastern. Teams in the SVC event are Bledsoe County, Chattanooga Christian, Grundy County, Lookout Valley, Marion County, Sequatchie County and Whitwell.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.