Dearborn Pioneers Open Prep Kickoff Classic Today at Wayne State

Dearborn High School will open its 2013 season for the second time against Chippewa Valley High School today at the Detroit Sports Commission Prep Kickoff Classic.

Formerly known as the Big Day Prep Showdown, the Prep Kickoff Classic will be held at Tom Adams Field on the campus of Wayne State University Aug. 29-31.

This year's program will feature the most comprehensive grouping of teams in the event's nine-year history, including back-to-back state champions Detroit Cass Tech and top Catholic League teams from Southeast Michigan, Cleveland and Toledo.

“The Detroit Sports Commission is extremely pleased to announce the most diverse schedule of games in the nine-year history of the Prep Kickoff Classic,” said Dave Beachnau, DSC executive director, in a prepared statement. “Our annual goal for this event is to be inclusive and provide a must-see line-up of games featuring top teams and top players in a one-stop-shop setting for high school football.”

The Big Reds and Pioneers will play the first game of the three-day event, taking the field at 4 p.m. Aug. 29. Chippewa Valley defeated Dearborn last year 17-14.

Dearborn Coach Johnathon Powell said the Pioneers are eager to redeem themselves from last year's 17-14 loss.

"We have revenge on our minds," he said. "The team has been working toward this game for the past nine months. We've been working our tails off, and I'm excited about our chances."

Powell said the Pioneers are returning 12 starters from last season and 17 players overall from 2012.

Game-day tickets at the gate are $10. For more information on the event, visit detroitsports.org.

Additional matchups include:

Thursday, Aug. 29:

• 7 p.m. - Dearborn Fordson vs. Macomb Dakota

Friday, Aug. 30:

• 4 p.m. - Orchard Lake St. Mary’s vs. Oak Park
• 7 p.m. - Detroit Cass Tech vs. Southfield

Saturday, Aug. 31:

• 1:30 p.m. - Birmingham Brother Rice vs. Cleveland St. Ignatius
• 5 p.m. - Warren De La Salle vs. Toledo Central Catholic