First annual Military Appreciation Football Game coming soon

HAYMARKET — The Battlefield High School (BHS) Bobcat varsity football team of Haymarket will kick off its first annual Military Appreciation Football Game on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m.

This event, presented by BHS Athletic Booster Club and sponsored by Honor Brewing Co. of Manassas, will take place at Battlefield High School at 15000 Graduation Drive.

The game will showcase a special military game jersey, honoring the WWII M18 Hellcat tank of the U.S. Army’s 4th Armory Division, which was the most effective U.S. tank destroyer of World War II.

The event will also honor active and retired military members attending the game as special guests and feature pre-game tailgate entertainment from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This entertainment includes country singers, the Feehan Brothers (who are former BHS football players), a rock-climbing wall, games and food from Honor BBQ of Manassas.

Game tickets are $6 per person at the gate.

All-you-can-eat barbecue tickets are $10 if purchased online or $15 at the gate.

Programs will be sold at the game and online for $20.

Rock-climbing wall and games are free.

To purchase tickets or get more information, go online.

The pre-game tailgate events, sponsored by Homestead Realty of Haymarket, will open with entertainment from local country singers.

Also performing are former BHS football players Connor and Brendan Feehan of The Feehan Brothers band. The Feehan brothers’ father served in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm and their great-grandfather served in WWII.

BHS will honor all active and retired military service members and provide special recognition on the field for WWII veterans, including Senior Master Sergeant Harry F. Miller, USAF (Ret.) from the WWII DC Chapter.

At 16 years old, Miller served in WWII as a tank crewman in the 740th Tank Battalion, as well as in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He resides in Washington, D.C.

During the half-time show, Homes for Heroes will present a new home, built in Virginia Beach, to U.S. Navy Lt. Patrick Ferguson.

Ferguson sustained several physical and psychological injuries as a result from many training operations and deployments.

He was awarded two Combat Action Ribbons, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, two Joint Service Commendation Medals, five Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals and the National Defense Service Medal.

Active duty military members from all military branches will also be on-hand to answer questions, discuss career opportunities, and display military vehicles.

“This area is home to many veterans and military families, and many of our BHS students have had parents that have served or are currently serving in the military,” said Matt Jones, Battlefield High School Athletics Booster president. “We’re thrilled with all the community support and participation from our BHS families who helped us show our gratitude to the military.”

The BHS Bobcats will play Freedom High School’s varsity football team of Woodbridge.