Photo by Seth Morehead/GM Sports Media
By Nolan Ruth
X – @RealNolanRuth
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ARLINGTON— Since its opening in 2009, AT&T Stadium has hosted many events ranging from sporting events to concerts to monster truck rallies and even an annual Nerf War. It has become a must for any fan to see any game at any level, especially for its designed purpose of football. Kids grow up dreaming of a chance to play just one game on its artificial turf.
In 2022, lifelong Cowboy fan Brian Klepke had an idea to bring homeschool varsity high school football to AT&T Stadium. He made it happen. Four years after that inaugural event, the quadruple-header returned to Arlington for the third time after spending odd numbered years at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium.
The event pitted four Texas homeschool programs against four out-of-state programs. Five of the eight teams competing in the fifth annual Homeschool Football Classic made up the top five in the homeschool national rankings at the end of the 2025 season with three of those being Texas-based.
The Texas teams went 1-3 on the day with a dominating performance, two rough losses, and an instant classic that fell just a little short in the fourth quarter.
Game 1: Dallas HSAA Angels 67, Cincinnati Landmark (OH) Eagles 8
The first game of the day came at an early 9:45 a.m. kickoff time, yet there was still a solid crowd. Dallas HSAA (Home School Athletic Association) jumped out to a very quick lead thanks to several turnovers and a stellar offensive performance from quarterback Ben Emert and running back Collin Rooney. Rooney in particular stood out with four rushing touchdowns and an interception return for a touchdown. However, the incredible highlight of the game came from Andrew Scroggins who hit two field goals with one of them coming from 56 yards away.
Game 2: Harvest Covenant (VA) Lions 56, Houston Northside Lions 0
Harvest Covenant was arguably the headliner of the event. The second-year program was started, and is head coached by, 2005 NFL MVP Shaun Alexander. The standout player of the game was running back Noah Thomas, who resembled his head coach in many ways. Thomas found the endzone four times with three coming in the third quarter alone. A crazy play happened in the game when linebacker Soren Osifade broke into the backfield so fast that he ended up taking the handoff before the fullback could even handle the ball on a designed dive play. Osifade then raced 50 yards for a touchdown.
“It’s super exciting because the kids are excited,” Alexander said about the event after the dominating win. “These are opportunities that some of them might never get again. So to be able to come here and play where the greatest of the greats play, it’s pretty awesome.”
Game 3: Christ Prep (KS) Patriots 44, Tomball Christian 0
In a rematch of the 2025 national championship, the Patriots (hailing from Kansas City) were able to capitalize on a 24-0 halftime lead and add on another 20 points in the second half. The game got off to a pretty even start with Christ Prep scoring once in the first quarter. Two second quarter touchdowns and a field goal as time ran out in the half boosted the Patriots into the break. The game was not dominated by a singular performance as Christ Prep was able to spread the ball around. However, quarterback Justice Criniere stood out with his two touchdown passes, and a defensive touchdown on a 97-yard interception return.
Game 4: NOAH (OK) Jaguars 27, Atlas Rattlers 19
After three games that had a running clock in the second half, the day ended with a back-and-forth battle between two big city programs from Tulsa and nearby Fort Worth. It was a defensive struggle early, and some special teams miscues helped lead to a scoreless first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, both teams traded blows before NOAH quarterback Jonah Kesner made a big touchdown run with just seconds to go in the half. Atlas made a strong second half push and briefly took the lead before the Jaguars fought it off with two defensive stands and late touchdowns to walk away with the win.
In 2027, the Homeschool Football Classic is tentatively scheduled to be hosted at New Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN. It will return to Arlington in 2028 before returning back to Indianapolis in 2029. Washington D.C. and Kansas City are expected to enter the rotation of stadiums in the 2030’s pending the completion of the new homes for the NFL’s Commanders and Chiefs franchises.
WRITER’S NOTE: I got a few chuckles when I told my colleagues I would be covering this event, and covering UIL football I can understand why. Sanctioned private schools take a back seat to the Friday night spectacle that is public school Texas high school football, let alone homeschool football. However, as the day went on I found myself having fun watching these athletes compete on the most significant stage Texas has to offer. Their love of the game, and the support from their communities was no different than what you would find in Allen, or Aledo, or Odessa; it was just smaller. The key difference that stuck with me was the openness of doing it in Christ’s name and for His glory. That was the constant theme throughout the day, and I loved every second of it. It reminded me of why I do this, and why I love it so much. The mantra for the event came straight from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, and that is how I will end this.
“So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
