Vance vs. Mallard Creek highlights Saturday prep football doubleheader at UNCC next month

Mecklenburg County rivals Vance and Mallard Creek will play the featured game in the second Charlotte Kickoff Showcase Saturday, Sept. 22 at UNC Charlotte.

The Cougars and Mavericks will play a game, that could decide the I-MECK 4A conference championship at approximately 8 p.m. That game will follow a Southwestern 4A conference matchup between Harrisburg’s Hickory Ridge High and Independence at 5:30 p.m.

Hickory Ridge will play in the event for the second straight season. The Ragin’ Bulls beat Northwest Cabarrus 28-14 en route to a N.C. state quarterfinal apperance last season.

Independence, a seven-time state champion, is 1-0 this season. Hickory Ridge is 1-1.

In the nightcap, Vance will look to avenge a 27-13 loss to the Mavericks last season.

In 2018, Vance is 2-0 and ranked No. 7 in the Observer’s Sweet 16 poll. Mallard Creek (1-0) is No. 2.

Tickets are $10 and available here

This story was originally published August 30, 2018 at 4:35 PM.