This year marked the inaugural year of the Great American Football Classic (GAFC) series sponsored by iHigh.com. The GAFC series gives high school teams from various regions of the US the opportunity to compete in professional stadiums.
In the St. Louis edition of the GAFC, six games were held between rivaling high schools from St. Louis and surrounding areas. On Saturday, Sept. 10, MHS (1-2) faced off against EHS (2-1) in the Edward Jones Dome, only to be shut out with a final score of 48-0.
Senior Kyle Ostrander, tight end and defensive end, said aside from the results, playing at the Edward Jones Dome was a lot of fun.
“I was pretty nervous at first, but once the game started, it was an awesome experience,” Ostrander said. “I’m really glad we played there.”
The nice turf and booming PA system gave the game a more exciting vibe, Ostrander said. The best part, Ostrander said, was having instant replay.
“It was pretty awesome because you could make a great play or something and then just be like, ‘Oh hey, I want to see that again’,” Ostrander said. “And then you could just look up and there it is.”
Sophomore Matt Scheibel, wide receiver and cornerback, said playing at the Edward Jones Dome brought the game to the next level in a way.
“It was pretty cool playing there and knowing the Rams would be playing on the exact same field the next day,” Scheibel said.
But Scheibel said there were aspects that proved to be a little challenging.
“Every now and then a ball would cross the lights and it was pretty hard to see,” Scheibel said.
Davis Miller, senior, said there was a downside for the fans: ticket prices ($11 in advance, $15 at the door).
“Ticket prices were a little high compared to a normal game,” Miller said. “But I get that it was at the Edward Jones Dome so it makes sense that it would cost more.”
Miller said it was special to see the Mustangs out on the Dome field.
“I just like that it was in the Dome and all of the plays were on the screen so in case you missed one you could just see it and catch up,” Miller said.
Miller said the GAFC program is a great idea.
“I like the idea of having a bunch of area teams play in the Edward Jones Dome,” Miller said. “It’s a good atmosphere and a great time.”