SALT LAKE CITY — Corner Canyon High School football team is set to make history as they participate in the inaugural “Overtime Nationals” national championship game. This matchup will see them face St. Frances Academy, currently ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps. The highly anticipated game is scheduled to take place at Under Armour Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 10, 2023.
After achieving their second three-peat as 6A champions over the last eight years, Corner Canyon is not slowing down. The winner of this championship game will be awarded $250,000 for their school’s athletic department, adding extra incentive for both teams.
Significance of the Matchup
Corner Canyon’s head coach, Eric Kjar, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity this game presents. “Overtime is giving high school football a national stage like we’ve never seen before,” he stated. “It’s a huge opportunity for our athletes to compete in front of a nationwide audience and show what our program is all about.” Kjar emphasized the importance of this platform, stating it raises the bar for high school football.
The national championship game is designed to elevate high school athletes to a level comparable to major events like the NFL’s Super Bowl and the College Football Playoff, according to Hunter Mandel, general manager of Overtime Football. This initiative aims to provide young athletes with a moment that showcases their talent on a grand scale.
The Teams and Their Strengths
Entering the championship, Corner Canyon boasts the No. 3-rated offense in the United States, as reported by Massey Ratings. Their opponent, St. Frances Academy, counters with the top-ranked defense in the country. A standout player for the Panthers is five-star defensive end Zion Elee, who is the ninth-highest ranked player in the 2026 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. Joining him is safety Jireh Edwards, ranked 35th in the same class.
This matchup not only highlights the exceptional skill of the players involved but also serves as a crucial moment for high school football. As both teams prepare for this unprecedented event, the excitement surrounding the game continues to build, promising a competitive atmosphere.
As Corner Canyon and St. Frances Academy gear up for the big day, fans and players alike are ready to embrace this significant milestone in high school sports. With the potential for a national audience, the stakes have never been higher, and the spotlight is on these young athletes to deliver a memorable performance.
