2020 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic Matchups Announced

DETROIT (Feb. 26, 2020) -- The Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) announced today the matchups for the 16th annual Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic (XPKC) to take place Aug. 27-29 at Tom Adams Field on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit.

As the premier, season-opening high school football event in Michigan, the 2020 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic will be highlighted by six games over three days that include teams from multiple divisions and powerhouse conferences. The teams will represent five counties across the state of Michigan and defending Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state champions in a showcase lineup that will also feature two first-time matchups, and three new participants.

• Thursday, August 27th:

Fordson vs Canton - 4pm

Chippewa Valley vs Detroit Catholic Central - 7pm

• Friday, August 28th:

Groves vs Southfield A&T - 4pm

Dakota vs Lake Orion - 7pm

• Saturday, August 29th:

Cass Tech vs Grandville - 1pm

River Rouge vs Mona Shores - 4pm

In addition to the announcement of the 2020 XPKC match-ups, Xenith has renewed its title sponsorship role through 2022, continuing a partnership with the event that began in 2017.

“The Detroit Sports Commission is pleased to announce the exciting game match-ups for the 2020 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic and the extension of our extremely positive partnership with Xenith,” said Dave Beachnau, Detroit Sports Commission Senior Vice President. “The event will feature a must-see slate of games and as a result of Xenith’s support, we have a great collection of teams from schools throughout the state, and the colorful pageantry of bands and cheerleaders for fans to experience this signature event in the city of Detroit.”

The Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic will kick off at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, with a clash between Canton and Dearborn Fordson. In the Thursday nightcap, Chippewa Valley will face off with Detroit Catholic Central at 7 p.m.

On Friday, Aug. 28, Birmingham Groves will play Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology at 4 p.m., followed by Lake Orion vs. Macomb Dakota at 7 p.m.

On the final day of the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic, Detroit Cass Tech will open against Grandville at 1 p.m., followed by River Rouge vs. Muskegon Mona Shores at 4 p.m., in a cross-state battle of the 2019 MHSAA Division 3 and Division 2 state champions, respectively.

Detroit-based football brand Xenith returns as title sponsor of the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic helping infuse resources and support to advance this prestigious event, and to further demonstrate their belief in football as a force for good in the community. Xenith is the recognized leader in helmet technology and exclusively produces Five-Star helmets on the Virginia Tech rating system, and all Xenith helmets score in the Top-Performing Group of the NFL Laboratory Testing Performance Results.

“For the fourth consecutive year, we are proud to be the title sponsor for the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic,” said Ryan Sullivan, Xenith CEO. “Xenith is leading the charge in understanding the needs of young football athletes and we are proud to help continue this important hometown event for the incredible football programs and communities across metro-Detroit.”

Ticket information for the 2020 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic will be announced at a later date.