Saint Frances Academy football coach challenges top programs to games

Saint Frances Academy head football coach Messay Hailemariam issued an open challenge to nationally ranked high school football programs on August 17. The Panthers, currently ranked No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Super 25 preseason rankings, invited teams from eight states, including No. 2 St. John Bosco and No. 3 Bishop Gorman, to schedule matchups. The Panthers open their season on August 28 against DeLand (FL), who finished last season 12-1. Saint Frances Academy's schedule also features high-profile games against Vero Beach (FL) and IMG Academy (FL) later in the season, with the match against IMG Academy set for November 13 after a previous game was canceled.

• 11:16 PMYahoo Sports — Any takers? Saint Frances Academy football coach issues open challenge to nation's best