stars & stripes

Historic Independence Stadium will take center stage in the high school football world on September 3-4 as the Stars & Stripes Border Classic brings together some of Louisiana’s premier football programs and two of the nation’s most highly regarded quarterbacks as part of Shreveport’s America 250 Celebration.

The two-day showcase opens Thursday night with a matchup between two Shreveport programs before culminating in an ESPN-livestreamed Friday doubleheader featuring Evangel Christian Academy quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston, an LSU commit, and Dunham School quarterback Elijah Haven, an Alabama commit.

“This is exactly the type of event we envisioned as part of Shreveport’s America 250 celebration,” said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. “The Stars & Stripes Border Classic not only brings outstanding student-athletes and exciting competition to Independence Stadium, but it also showcases our city to a national audience. We are proud to welcome these teams, their families and football fans while highlighting Shreveport as a premier destination for championship sporting events.”

The action begins Thursday, September 3, at 7 p.m., when Calvary Baptist Academy takes on Huntington High School.

National attention turns to Shreveport on Friday, September 4, when ESPN will livestream both games of a doubleheader beginning at 5 p.m.

Parkway High School will face Dunham School at 5 p.m., with Haven leading Dunham against a Parkway program that enters the matchup as the top-ranked team in District 1-5A.

“The Stars & Stripes Border Classic represents everything SPAR strives to create, first-class events that bring our community together while introducing visitors to everything Shreveport has to offer,” said SPAR Director Shelly Ragle. “Having ESPN livestream Friday’s games is an incredible opportunity to shine a national spotlight on our city, Independence Stadium and these outstanding student-athletes. Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or simply looking for a great family event, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss.”

For Evangel Head Coach Denny Duron, the opportunity to return to Independence Stadium and do it against West Monroe makes the event particularly meaningful. “It is an absolutely amazing opportunity for our Evangel Christian Eagles to play in Independence Stadium, especially squaring off against the powerhouse West Monroe Rebels,” Duron said. “The Stars & Stripes Border Classic not only features the opportunity to see great teams compete, but will also offer a glimpse of the top two ranked quarterbacks in Louisiana. From Baton Rouge, Alabama commit Elijah Haven will lead his Dunham School teammates against the Parkway Panthers, the top-ranked team in District 1-5A, at 5 p.m. Friday, September 4, while the nightcap at 8 p.m. will feature LSU commit Peyton ‘Pop’ Houston leading his Eagles against the Rebels. The last time the Eagles played the Rebels in Independence Stadium was in 2003. The crowd exceeded 30,000.”

Dunham Head Coach Neil Weiner said the history of Independence Stadium and the caliber of programs participating make the Friday doubleheader particularly special. “We are excited for our team and school to play in an event like this,” Weiner said. “It’s pretty special to think that some of the best QBs in the history of the game have played in that stadium. Elijah and Pop will certainly be big attractions and could be remembered the same way, but Parkway-Dunham and West Monroe-Evangel all have great programs and will feature great players. It’s a special night for Louisiana high school football!”

STARS & STRIPES BORDER CLASSIC SCHEDULE

• Thursday, September 3 – Independence Stadium

▪ 7:00 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Academy vs. Huntington High School

• Friday, September 4 – Independence Stadium

o Both games livestreamed by ESPN

▪ 5:00 p.m.

Parkway High School vs. Dunham School

Featuring Alabama commit Elijah Haven, quarterback, Dunham

▪ 8:00 p.m.

Evangel Christian Academy vs. West Monroe High School

Featuring LSU commit Peyton “Pop” Houston, quarterback, Evangel

Additional information regarding tickets, parking, stadium policies and game-day activities will be announced as the event approaches.

The Stars & Stripes Border Classic is part of Shreveport’s America 250 Celebration, a yearlong series of

events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States through history, culture, recreation, sports and community programming.