American Football clash to be aired live in the US

TWO of America’s top High School teams will go head-to-head in UCD this week as part of American Football Tournament GIFT 2014.

The Southside venue will host the match on Friday, August 29, when Penn Manor and Cedar Cliffs high schools from Pennsylvania travel overseas to renew a fierce rivalry on Irish soil.

The match is part of the Croke Park Classic weekend that will culminate on Saturday, August 30 when University of Central Florida host Penn State in their 2014 Season Opener at the GAA HQ.

The Penn Manor Comets and Cedar Cliff Colts will clash at the UCD Bowl at 7pm under Friday Night Lights having last met in the first round of the 2013 Pennsylvania State High School playoffs.

Then, Penn Manor rallied from 21 points down to narrowly win 35-34 with only a missed extra point separating the teams. The two teams won a combined 19 games in 2013.

“We could not wish for a more exciting matchup than two teams from a true hotbed of high school American football,

? said Global Football President Patrick Steenberge.

“Fans from Dublin and beyond will be treated to a hard-fought and competitive clash between two in-state rivals. I played my high school football in Pennsylvania where there is a wonderful tradition around these matches that we are excited to bring over to Ireland.

?

Both matches will be streamed live to the US by Aertv.

“We are pleased to be able to make the game available to viewers around the world, and particularly to fans in Pennsylvania and the United States eager to see this repeat of last season’s fantastic PIAA playoff match up,

? said Mr Steenberge.

“We anticipate many Irish American football fans and those traveling from the US for Saturday’s Croke Park Classic to come to the UCD Bowl to see the game in person.

“But for those who were unable to cross the Atlantic, Aertv will allow them to catch all the action online.

?

Philippe Brodeur, director of Aertv, added:

“We are delighted to be a part of GIFT 2014, an exceptional and unique event in Ireland. Aertv gives real accessibility on every platform and device, which will be really important for the families and friends of players who can’t make it over. It’s the next best thing to being at the game.

?