Stars and Stripes Border Classic Set for 2026
Shreveport is gearing up to host a marquee high school football showcase as part of the city’s America 250 celebration, with games slated for early September 2026 at Independence Stadium.
The event will bring together some of the nation’s most highly rated prospects, including five‑star quarterback Elijah Haven and four‑star signal‑caller Peyton Houston, both of whom are drawing national attention.
City officials have given the green light to the proposal, and contracts are expected to be delivered to participating schools in the coming weeks, paving the way for the return of a major high school football tradition in the region.
Haven, who led Dunham School to a state championship last season, was honored as the 2025 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year, underscoring his elite status among recruits.
Houston, a sophomore phenom, shattered the state single‑game passing record with a 817‑yard performance, cementing his reputation as a rising star in the quarterback rankings.
The showcase is being positioned as a centerpiece of the America 250 festivities, aiming to highlight Shreveport’s growing role in national sports events and to provide a platform for top local talent to compete on a big stage.