Inaugural "Valley Gridiron Classic" Football Game Set For Tuesday

After November 24th, this trophy will belong to either the Simsbury High School Trojans or the Avon High School Falcons, reflecting the very first victory in what is hoped to become a long-standing Thanksgiving Week tradition.

Football teams from Simsbury and Avon high schools will square off in the inaugural “Route 44 Valley Gridiron Classic” on Tuesday.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Simsbury High School. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens.

Avon is the newest member of the Central Connecticut Conference, and their move into the CCC prompted the athletic departments and administration from both schools to seek the creation of a “Rivalry Game” that fits into the traditional Thanksgiving week setting for similar rivalries across the state.

American Nutrition Center, located on Route 44, is the primary sponsor for this year’s game.

Throughout the evening, “Valley Gridiron Classic” items will be sold to benefit the Danny Strong Fund, which supports Boston Children’s Hospital Heart Center. Simsbury player Danny Deitz received a lifesaving heart transplant there this past fall after being diagnosed with a rare form of cardiomyopathy.

For more information on the Danny Strong Fund, please visit www.childrenshospital.org/landing-pages/danny-strong.