Four State Champions and Contenders Set for Bank of America Stadium Doubleheader

The Carolina Panthers said Monday that four top high school football programs will compete in the 2026 Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by Belk on Saturday, Aug. 29. The doubleheader at Bank of America Stadium will feature Indian Land Warriors versus Northwestern Trojans at 4:00 p.m. Cardinal Gibbons Crusaders take on Hough Huskies at 8:00 p.m.

"The Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by Belk continues to celebrate the important role high school football plays in communities across the Carolinas," said Kristi Coleman, chief executive officer of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and president of the Carolina Panthers, per Queen City News. "Bank of America Stadium will once again set the stage for the ultimate high school football experience, featuring two high-powered matchups that provide the energy and excitement of top-level high school football."

Northwestern Trojans won the state championship last year. Their record? A stunning 13-1 in 2025. Now they're chasing their third straight 5A state title. The squad crushed Irmo 55-13 in the championship game. Indian Land wrapped up last season at 11-2 and made it to the 5A state semifinal, climbing higher among South Carolina's best programs.

Hough completed a flawless 14-0 run in 2025. They claimed their first 8A state title and now rank among the nation's best high school football programs. Quarterback Ethan Royal, the state championship MVP, is back for the Huskies. Cardinal Gibbons brings a stacked roster into 2026 after going 12-2 last season and reaching the state semifinal.

"At Belk, we love celebrating the communities we serve and the experiences that unite us," said Don Hendricks, chief executive officer of Belk. "We're proud to partner with the Carolina Panthers on this event, which shines a spotlight on the passion and potential of young athletes across our region."

In 2024, the Panthers and Belk announced a multi-year partnership. It placed emphasis on community pillars, including naming rights to the Keep Pounding High School Classic. Whataburger joined with a separate multi-year partnership focusing on youth and community programs, including the 'Whataburger Player of the Game' award. Winners receive the award after each game during the on-field trophy ceremony for the second consecutive year.

General admission tickets are $8. You can buy them now via Ticketmaster.com.