BY WENDI REARDON
Clarkston News Sports Writer
The season opener for the gridiron heroes is set as they travel to the University of Michigan for Battle of the Big House, Aug. 25-27.
Co-hosts Clarkston and Lapeer take on each other on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. as one of the seven games during the event.
“They were geeked when they found out,” said Kurt Richardson, longtime head coach for Clarkston Varsity Football. “They have to approach it too as this is great we are playing in the Big House, but we have a football game to win, too.”
He added it will be a fun game for the fans and the community at Michigan’s stadium because Lapeer has gone 9-0 in the last few years.
“We usually have a good following,” he said. “I hope we get a good turn out.”
The coaches are also excited for the event.
“It will be fun for everybody,” Richardson said. “I coached there in the All-Star game a few years back and it was pretty exhilarating coming through that tunnel.”
Richardson was approached by Saline to participate in the event as they tried to get it together.
“They had some issues and they thought they were going to drop it,” he said. “I kind of took it over and talked to some people.” Then, Lapeer said they would cohost with us.”
Richardson decided to take over the event because it was an opportunity for athletes to play in the Big House.
“It’s something they will talk about their whole lives,” he added. “It is a great experience for them and that’s what high school and high school football should be – great experiences.”
The other team participating in the event include Ann Arbor Pioneer, Brighton, Detroit East English, East Kentwood, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Kalamazoo Central, Muskegon, Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Sterling Heights Stevenson, St. Joseph and Walled Lake Western.
“They are going to be very good games,” Richardson added. “It showcases high school football and high school football has an awful lot to offer. It’s great for our game.”
Currently tickets are not available for purchase for Battle of the Big House. They will be available online for the price is $10 per ticket. No passes or family passes will be honored for this event.

  Big House, clarkston, Football, Season opener