From Green Bay to Omaha to Kzoo: SW Michigan Start-Up, Friday Football Tailgate, Hits Road To HIGHLIGHT High School Rivalries
High school football isn’t just about the game — it’s about the people, the traditions, and the energy that fills the stands on Friday nights. This fall, Friday Football Tailgate is back with its one-hour live pregame show, celebrating the rivalries and communities that make local football so unique.
Broadcasting live before four marquee matchups across Michigan and Wisconsin, Friday Football Tailgate features player and coach interviews, alumni appearances, fans zones, bold predictions, giveaways, and fan-fueled tailgate energy — all in front of a live crowd and online audience.
The show kicks off its 2025 season with a trip to Green Bay (WI), to the home of Division 3 defending state champions, Notre Dame Academy.
The 2025 Schedule Includes:
August 29 — De Pere vs. Notre Dame Academy (Green Bay, WI)
September 5 – Millard South vs. Millard Wet (Omaha, NE)
September 12 — Schoolcraft vs. Constantine (Constantine, MI)
September 26 — Lakeshore vs. St. Joseph (St. Joseph, MI)
October 10 — Portage Northern vs. Portage Central (Kalamazoo, MI)
Each matchup is rooted in deep local rivalry, where the tailgate is as important as the final score. From the “War on the Shore” between the Lakeshore Lancers and St. Joseph Bears, to the clash between Kalamazoo’s storied programs, Portage Northern and Portage Central, Friday Football Tailgate celebrates the passion of small-town football and the pride that brings entire communities out on a Friday night.
"This is where football begins — in towns like Constantine and St. Joseph, and communities just like it across the country. “Friday nights mean so much to so many people,” said Ryan Cheevers, Co-Producer of Friday Football Tailgate. “It’s more than a pregame show. It’s a way to capture the heartbeat of a community. We saw that firsthand last fall, when entire towns came out to be part of the experience. We look forward to taking our show to the next level.”
The Show’s Broadcast Team Features:
Kacy Standohar is a sports anchor at NBC Chicago and a sideline reporter for FS1 and the BIG EAST. She’s covered Big Ten Football for the Fighting Illini, NCAA Men’s Basketball on ESPN+, and the BIG EAST Baseball and Softball Championships, with earlier experience covering Illinois high school sports and the IHSA State Finals.
Brent Lesniak, former Dowagiac standout and national champion at Grand Valley State, brings player perspective and sharp analysis.
Ken Dietz, longtime athletic director and coach with 38 years of high school sports experience, adds deep community knowledge.
The show is free to attend and will air from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on YouTube Live at each location.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Friday Football Tailgate offers a wide range of sponsorship packages for local and regional businesses — from title sponsorships to team-specific activations. Sponsors gain:
On-air and on-site recognition
Branding on promotional signage and digital assets
Commercial placements during the live broadcast (both on YouTube and jumbotron)
Social media promotion, community storytelling, and activation space on site
