FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 20th, 2013

COMCAST SPORTSNET TO TELEVISE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL (12-0) at SACRED HEART-GRIFFIN HIGH SHOOL (12-0); IHSA FOOTBALL CLASS 5A PLAYOFF SEMIFINAL ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 AT 1:00 PM CT

   Telecast to include donation information to Red Cross Central Illinois Tornado Response Relief

Comcast SportsNet’s Jen Lada to handle sideline reports for Saturday’s game

Comcast SportsNet’s Kelly Crull to visit Washington, IL on Thursday for a full report on “SportsNet Central” on how the town and entire state are pulling together in the wake of last weekend’s devastation

Chicago, IL (November 20, 2013) – Comcast SportsNet, the television home of the Chicago Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs and White Sox, has announced it will be carrying the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Class 5A Football semifinal playoff match-up featuring Washington High School (12-0) at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School (12-0) live from Springfield, IL this coming Saturday, November 23 at 1:00 PM CT (replay at 1:30 AM).  The winner of this game will go on to play in the IHSA Class 5A championship, which will air on CSN on Saturday, November 30 at 10:00 AM.  Throughout this special game telecast, Comcast SportsNet will also be urging viewers to make a donation to the Red Cross Central Illinois Tornado Response Relief efforts by contacting 1-800-RED CROSS or by visiting redcross.org.  The announcement was made by James J. Corno, President of Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

“In the aftermath of Sunday’s devastating tornadoes in the town of Washington and throughout numerous areas of central Illinois, Comcast SportsNet will utilize this opportunity to not only present what promises to be an excellent preps football playoff match-up between two standout teams, but also to provide our viewers with vital Red Cross donation information to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by this tragic occurrence,” said Corno.

The announcing team for the Washington at Sacred Heart-Griffin match-up will be Lee Hall (play-by-play) and James “Boomer” Grigsby (analyst), while Comcast SportsNet’s Bears beat reporter Jen Lada will provide sideline reports featuring interviews with Washington High School coaches, administrators, parents, and fans throughout the game.  In addition, Comcast SportsNet’s digital portal – CSNChicago.com – will have complete highlights and post-game reaction from players and coaches following Saturday’s game.

In advance of Saturday’s Class 5A semifinal game, Comcast SportsNet’s Kelly Crull will be visiting the town of Washington for a report to air on Thursday night’s edition of SportsNet Central at 10:00 PM.  This special report will include interviews with the Washington players, coaches, and family members on how they’ve dealt with the horrific experience over the past few days, along with how the team has overcome this deep adversity and still find a way to prepare for the biggest game of their lives.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Due to the addition of the Washington vs. Sacred Heart-Griffin Class 5A playoff game at 1pm on Saturday, Comcast SportsNet has made a programming adjustment to its replay airings of the 2013 IHSA Girls Volleyball championships.  Please note the revised schedule below (all times are Central Time):

  • Class 1A championship: Keith Country Day vs. Stewardson-Strasburg (3:30 PM)
  • Class 2A championship: Immaculate Conception vs. Edwards County (4:45 PM)
  • Class 3A championship: St. Francis vs. LaSalle-Peru (7:00 PM)
  • Class 4A championship: Mother McAuley vs. Benet (8:15 PM)