The eighth PeyBack Classic in the RCA Dome will feature four Central Indiana football programs making their first appearance in the event sponsored by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
Hoosier Conference rivals Sheridan and Tipton will meet in the Sept. 28 opener followed by Avon and Lafayette Jeff in a Hoosier Crossroads Conference game. Starting times will be determined later, and advance tickets -- priced at $10 -- will go on sale at the start of the school year.
Manning said his foundation made a conscious effort to include football programs outside the immediate Indianapolis area that "represent communities that are huge supporters of their athletic programs."
"That means the foundation is reaching even deeper into Indiana," Manning said.
The second game is a rematch of a high-scoring clash from last season when Lafayette Jeff outlasted Avon 58-52 in double overtime.
"Hopefully it turns out the same way it turned out last year, us on the winning edge,' first-year Bronchos coach Blaine Bennett said.
The opener features one of the state's most successful programs. Sheridan is coming off a 15-0 season that included the Blackhawks' second straight state Class A title and eighth overall. Lafayette Jeff was 10-2 and a sectional runner-up to eventual Class 5A state runner-up Carmel; Avon was 6-5, and Tipton was 5-5.
PeyBack Classic VIII will be the final one in the RCA Dome. The Colts are scheduled to move into Lucas Oil Stadium for the start of the 2008 season. Manning's event will follow.
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