Inaugural Pikes Peak Kickoff Classic brings high school football, flag football to Weidner Field

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)--High school athletes from across the region will make history Friday night as the inaugural Pikes Peak Kickoff Classic brings football and flag football to Weidner Field for the first time.

The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Pikes Peak Athletic Foundation, will feature a pair of showcase matchups at the home of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

On Tuesday, athletes from Colorado Springs Christian, Fountain-Fort Carson, Palmer Ridge, and La Cueva (N.M.) were introduced at Weidner Field.

For many of the players, the opportunity to compete in a professional soccer venue is a unique experience. That is especially true for the athletes participating in the flag football game, who are accustomed to playing on much smaller fields.

Fountain-Fort Carson senior Amarriah Sims admitted the size of the venue was initially a little intimidating, but she's excited for the opportunity.

"I'm not scared. I was just a little bit intimidated," Sims said. "That's a very big venue. We've always played on smaller fields, so now it's just about doing your job."

The event highlights the continued growth of girls flag football in Colorado while also giving local football programs an opportunity to showcase their teams on a big stage to begin the season.

The flag football game between Fountain-Fort Carson and Colorado Springs Christian will kick off the festivities on Friday, Aug. 28 at 4:30 p.m. before Palmer Ridge takes on La Cueva in the football nightcap at 7 p.m.