Entering its sixth year, the annual (Barry) Sollenberger Classic will kick off the 2011 season with two games for the first time at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

The first game, at 3 p.m., will feature Show Low, Arizona’s Class 3A champion in 2010, and Moapa Valley, Nev. Moapa Valley was its state’s 3A runner-up.

The second contest, at approximately 7 p.m. will have Scottsdale Chaparral and Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas, Nev. Chaparral won the last two Class 5A Division II titles before the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s realignment in Arizona, and Bishop Gorman won the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association’s 4A crown in 2010.

The AIA and NIAA are staging this event along with the Arizona Cardinals, who play their NFL season in University of Phoenix Stadium.

“The Arizona Cardinals are pleased to be hosting the Sollenberger Classic at University of Phoenix Stadium for a second time,” said Cardinals team President Michael Bidwill. “We are also very excited about the development of the relationship between the AIA, Catholic Heathcare West and the Cardinals in the past year. Along with the efforts of the NFL, the goal of the three organizations is to spread the word about the importance of understanding the effects of sports-related head injuries. I encourage both student-athletes and their parents to take part in the educational session during the Sollenberger Classic.”

AIA Executive Director Harold Slemmer said his organization is excited to expand the Sollenberger Classic to two games. The games honor the Barry Sollenberger, the former historian for the AIA who passed away in 2005.

“This is truly becoming a big event, and this year it will be even bigger with officials, coaches and youth clinics around the games,’’ Slemmer said.

Said Chuck Schmidt, AIA Chief Operating Officer: “We would like to thank the Arizona Cardinals for their continued support of the AIA and the high school football community.’’

This will be the fourth time that a Nevada school has participated in the Sollenberger Classic.

“The Arizona Interscholastic Association and the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association’s partnership in this event have proven to be a wonderful experience for our athletes, coaches and fans alike,’’ said Eddie Bonine, Executive Director of the NIAA. “This year’s format featuring two games is a splendid addition that will allow more participants to enjoy this event.

“I also want to thank the Arizona Cardinals for their time and dedication to detail on hosting the classic. The NIAA will continue our efforts to solidify the relationship between our two boarding state associations, and will continue to be committed to the AIA and their recognition for Barry. We are grateful for the outreach the AIA had displayed to the youth of Nevada.”

Show Low defeated neighboring rival Lakeside Blue Ridge for last year’s 3A title to finish 12-1. The Cougars feature returning star receiver Josh Weeks.

“The Show Low High School football team is honored to be selected to play in the 2011 Sollenberger Classic,’’ said Show Low coach Randy Ricedorff.

“It is the mission of Show Low football to become one of the premier football programs in the country by developing champions on and off the field who are academically sound, physically competitive and socially responsible. The administration, coaching staff and players would like to thank the Arizona Interscholastic Association, Moapa Valley and those involved in the selection process for helping make that dream a reality.’’

Said Moapa Valley coach Brent Lewis: “We look forward to competing with the Cougars of Show Low High School. This will be a great opportunity for our student/athletes to play against a school from another state at such a great venue in Glendale. Our coaching staff has already begun preparation to represent our state, school and the NIAA in this traditional football classic.”

With a 14-0 record in 2010, Charlie Ragle-coached Chaparral was the top team in Arizona, regardless of classification, according to many prep football followers.

The Firebirds feature perhaps the state’s most versatile player, receiver-running back-defensive back Davonte Neal, and quarterback Conner Brewer, who has committed to the University of Texas. Neal was The Arizona Republic’s Big School Player of the Year as a junior.

“Chaparral is honored to represent the State of Arizona in the Barry Sollenberger Classic,’’ Ragle said. “Barry was Arizona High School Athletics and we hope to continue the legacy of the past participants in the Classic. We are very excited to take on what we consider one of the best high school programs in the country in Bishop Gorman.  It has been our goal at Chaparral since taking over in 2007 to play on a national stage and we expect that our play on the field will showcase that.  We would like to thank the AIA for this opportunity and wish all the competing teams the best of luck.”

Bishop Gorman played in the Sollenberger Classic last season and went on to finish 13-2, also winning its second straight title.

“Chaparral has been one of the top teams in the west over the past couple of years and we are honored and eager for this challenge to kick off our 2011 season,’’ said Bishop Gorman coach Tony Sanchez.

Tickets for the Sollenberger Classic are $10 for adults, $6 for students (ages 6-18) and children 5 and younger admitted free.  Tickets will be available starting Saturday, Aug. 6 at the University of Phoenix Stadium ticket office and TicketMaster.com.

SOLLENBERGER CLASSIC HISTORY

2010 – Hamilton (Ariz.) 24, Bishop Gorman (Nev.) 17

2009 – Centennial (Ariz.) 51, McQueen (Nev.) 20

2008 – Brophy Prep (Ariz.) 16, Bishop Gorman (Nev.) 6

2007 – Brophy Prep (Phoenix) 33, Salpointe Catholic (Tucson) 17

2006 – Hamilton (Chandler) 21, Red Mountain (Mesa) 7