(Jack Eberhard/JacksActionShots.com)
Defending Class 5A football champion Valor Christian will open its 2016 campaign in a spotlight.
The Eagles play host to Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro on Aug. 27, a Saturday, and the game will be shown on ESPN, the network announced last month. The game, set for a 1:30 p.m. start, is part of ESPN’s High School Football Kickoff.
Saguaro is a three-time defending champion in Arizona’s Division 2, the second-highest classification in the state.
Valor Christian has won six championships in seven seasons, ranging from 3A to 5A, and that includes a 29-26 win over Pomona in last year’s 5A title game.
The Eagles feature Michigan commit Dylan McCaffrey at quarterback. The senior-to-be is rated as the No. 19 prospect nationally by ESPN’s recruiting service.
Valor also had games on the ESPN networks in 2012 and 2013.
With football season approaching, broadcast schedules for local games on other networks should be available in the next few weeks.