Schedule released for annual Gateway Scholars Football Classic in East St. Louis

The annual Gateway Scholars Football Classic will return to the metro-east Saturday with some of the best high school football teams in the region and nation matched up on the gridiron.

The all-day football event will take place at the Clyde C. Jordan Stadium in East St. Louis from 1 to 7 p.m.

This year’s lineup will include at least 16 players who are top recruits within their state for major college scholarships, according to a news release from East St. Louis School District 189. The following teams will play:

• 1 p.m. Lift for Life Academy Hawks (MO) vs. St. Francis Spartans (IL)
• 4 p.m. Jackson Indians (MO) vs. Cahokia Comanches (IL)
• 7 p.m. Newton Rams (GA) vs. East St. Louis Flyers (IL)

At last year’s classic, the East St. Louis flyers beat the top nationally-ranked St. Frances Academy from Baltimore 13-7 and the De Smet Spartans shut out the Glenbard West Hilltoppers .

Admission is $10 per person for access to all three games. General parking is $10 a vehicle, and tailgate parking is $20 a vehicle.

Tickets will be available at the gate or can be purchased in advance at East St. Louis Senior High School from Tuesday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Everything is cash only. No weapons, tobacco products or outside food or drink will be allowed. Bags are permitted but can be searched.