DETROIT – The Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) announced today the matchups for the 16th Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic (XPKC) to take place Aug. 26-28, 2021, at Tom Adams Field on the campus of Wayne State University in Detroit.
 
Following an event pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic returns as the premier season-opening high school football showcase in Michigan, highlighted by six games over three days that include teams from multiple divisions and powerhouse conferences. The teams will represent four Southeastern Michigan counties in a diverse showcase lineup that will feature three new participants.
 
"The Detroit Sports Commission is proud to once again kick off the high school football season in Michigan with an exciting lineup of games at a great setting in the heart of Midtown Detroit," said Dave Beachnau, Senior Vice President, Detroit Sports Commission. "The 2021 event will feature a tremendous collection of schools and also highlight the colorful pageantry of bands and cheerleaders for fans to experience at this signature event."
 
The Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic will kick off at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, with a clash between Canton and Dearborn Fordson. In the Thursday nightcap, Chippewa Valley will face 2020 Division 1 District champion Detroit Catholic Central at 7 p.m. On Friday, Aug. 27, Birmingham Groves will play Dexter at 4 p.m., followed by 2020 MHSAA Division 2 finalist Warren De La Salle vs. Chicago St. Patrick at 7 p.m. On the final day, Eastpointe will open against 2020 Division 3 finalist River Rouge at 1 p.m., followed by Detroit Cass Tech vs. Southfield High School for the Arts & Technology at 4 p.m.
 
Detroit-based Xenith returns as the XPKC event title sponsor helping infuse resources and support to continue advancing the event to secure prestige and recognition.  Xenith's continued support of the Prep Kickoff Classic affirms their conviction in fostering competitive play at every level.
 
"For the 5th consecutive year, we are proud to be the title sponsor for the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic," said Ryan Sullivan, Xenith CEO. "We are dedicated and passionate about supporting the Detroit community and youth athletics. As an established helmet company based in Detroit, Xenith is thrilled to continue our support during this weekend celebration of high school football."
 
Despite the health-mandated 2020 event pause, the Detroit Sports Commission and Xenith maintained a focus of supporting the prep football community through the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic Community Summit – Racial Inequality and Sport held Sept. 30 at the Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan.  Following the substantive discussions of the Summit event, an XPKC Community Summit Toolkit (xenith.com/xpkcsummit) was made available to schools.
 
In addition, in follow-up to the XPKC Community Summit, Xenith, and the Detroit Sports Commission partnered to award a scholarship (xenith.com/xpkcscholarship) in April 2021 to a local student who created the most impactful video essay supporting the goals and objectives of the Summit.
 
Tickets will be available at a later date online at detroitsports.org, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting each school. One ticket will grant admission to all games on that particular day.