Hey Devils

[one man]

After reading the post about College going to friday games. It got me thinking about the televised HS games that ESPN has been doing in recent years. When you guys hosted Smith a few years ago, how was the money split if you don't mind me asking. I'm guessing the VHSL got some but how much did the schools get? I don't need exact numbers but maybe explain the percent breakdowns for ESPN, VHSL and the two high schools? Also, any word on if ESPN will feature any VA schools this year?

 

[DinwiddieProud]

After reading the post about College going to friday games. It got me thinking about the televised HS games that ESPN has been doing in recent years. When you guys hosted Smith a few years ago, how was the money split if you don't mind me asking. I'm guessing the VHSL got some but how much did the schools get? I don't need exact numbers but maybe explain the percent breakdowns for ESPN, VHSL and the two high schools? Also, any word on if ESPN will feature any VA schools this year?

And, was it a positive, or a negative, in hind sight?

 

[DEVILSLB99]

After reading the post about College going to friday games. It got me thinking about the televised HS games that ESPN has been doing in recent years. When you guys hosted Smith a few years ago, how was the money split if you don't mind me asking. I'm guessing the VHSL got some but how much did the schools get? I don't need exact numbers but maybe explain the percent breakdowns for ESPN, VHSL and the two high schools? Also, any word on if ESPN will feature any VA schools this year?

Ok so ESPN games have nothing to do with the teams. I think that is something that people lose sight of from the beginning. The game wasn't about Lake Taylor vs Oscar Smith rather Andrew Brown (#1 DT 2014) vs. Jalyn Holmes (OSU commit top 50 player in nation). The game was a great experience for the kids as they were able to play on national tv even though the game didn't go as planned. Didn't plan on losing our all state qb on the 3rd offensive play of the game, but the kids have something they can always remember. As far as the buildup to the game it's a lot of work as you have a ton of production things to do with the team as far as getting them to fill questionnaires, take head shots, etc etc. Hell they had to add an entrance to our stadium fence to get the truck in the stadium. As far as money goes THE SCHOOLS DON'T MAKE A THING!!!!!! Let me say this again THE SCHOOLS DON'T MAKE A THING!!!! For the great experience you make pennies on the dollar. i think tickets were $10 apiece and we got $2 per ticket and we did a gate split with Smith so basically $1 per ticket. Game was sold out so while we could have made a lot of money for the excitement for the game we basically took a loss having it on ESPN vs. having it ourselves. Now with all that being said again it's ESPN why turn it down?? I have a relationship with the people that select the games and put them on from my work with doing the Dicks Nationals (basketball) for ESPN and the were going to do a Smith vs. Ocean Lakes or Ocean Lakes vs. LT game this year if it could have been made, but the Beach District scheduling stuff and waiting ended those talks. I did hear a rumor a week ago that Woodside who is playing Northwestern (SC) a powerhouse on ESPN, but that was a bad rumor I checked it out with ESPN. ESPN is about recruiting when they show these HS games and showcasing kids ranked in the ESPN300 not the teams. If we had the opportunity to do it again we would do it again for the kids.