NFHS Offers Pixellots, School Support
July 7, 2020
National Federation of State High School Associations
As high schools nationwide continue to deal with the fallout from COVID-19 and make plans for the restarting of activities this fall, the NFHS Network – the leader in streaming live and on-demand high school sports – has announced an unprecedented offer for schools that are facing possible attendance restrictions at events during the 2020-21 school year.
Through its High School Support Program, the NFHS Network is offering up to two free Pixellot automated-production units for schools that lack production capabilities to stream events on the NFHS Network.
The offer of two Pixellot units – one for indoor events and the other for outdoor contests – has been extended to all 19,500 high schools in the 51 NFHS member state associations. The NFHS Network is a joint venture of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), its member state associations and PlayOn! Sports.
In addition to receiving two free Pixellot production units, schools will receive a larger percentage of subscription revenue generated from their events, effective Aug. 1, in an effort to offset revenue losses from reduced attendance.
“We recognize that the next several years will be challenging for our high schools and state associations,” said Mark Koski, CEO of the NFHS Network. “Many are facing budget cuts and reduced resources, and attendance at athletic and other school events may be restricted. From the NFHS Network’s inception seven years ago, we have been driven by the goal to create a platform that showcases every high school event across every sport and every level of competition. Consistent with this goal, we want the High School Support Program to demonstrate our continued commitment to help our partner schools manage through the inevitable complications created by COVID-19.”
The Pixellot automated production solution was introduced to high schools three years ago and has quickly become an integral component of the NFHS Network’s offerings. The Pixellot solution allows every event to be streamed live without requiring personnel to produce the games. There are currently more than 5,000 Pixellot units in high schools across the country which will produce in excess of 250,000 live games this upcoming school year with no human involvement.
In addition to livestreaming 27 sports, the NFHS Network also covers performing arts, graduations, award ceremonies and other school events. To date, the NFHS Network has distributed more than $25 million back to participating high schools and state associations.
For more information about the High School Support Program, click here. Schools wishing to sign up for free Pixellot units should visit here.
More Football Classic on FOX Sports Detroit
July 7, 2020
By John Johnson
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties
Another series of MHSAA Football Finals “Classics” will be shown on FOX Sports Detroit on Friday.
Here’s the complete schedule:
Noon – 2012 Division 1 Final: Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice vs. Muskegon – A wild fourth quarter ended with Brother Rice scoring on a 91-yard gadget kick return by Jason Alessi to claim a 35-28 win. With the score tied at 21-21, Rice scored on a 77 yard flea-flicker pass from Alex Malzone to Corey Lacanaria. The Big Reds returned the favor just three plays later with Deshaun Thrower hitting Keondre Craig on a 51-yard scoring play to set the stage for the ensuing kickoff and the win for the Warriors.
2:30 p.m. – 2012 Division 3 Final: Grand Rapids Christian vs. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s – This game had three lead changes during the final period before Christian’s Joel Schipper sent it to overtime at 37-37 with a 28-yard field goal with four seconds left in regulation. When St. Mary’s failed in overtime, Schipper came right back out and nailed a 27-yard kick for the 40-37 victory. Key was the play of Drake Harris, who had eight catches for a Finals-record 243 yards and one score.
5:30 p.m. – 2015 Division 2 Final: Detroit Martin Luther King vs. Lowell – In the only MHSAA Football Final decided as time expires, Armani Posey’s 40-yard Hail Mary pass was caught in the end zone by Donnie Corley to give King a 40-38 victory. Posey directed the Crusaders 95 yards in six plays over 37 seconds during the game-winning drive. Lowell led all the way until the final snap, with Max Dean scoring three times and Ryan Stevens scoring once. Posey completed 19 of 27 passes in the game with no INTs and five touchdowns – two to Corley and two to Lavert Hill.
8 p.m. - 2018 Division 1 Final: Clinton Township Chippewa Valley vs. Clarkston – It all came down to a 2-point conversion attempt by Clarkston which was foiled by the Chippewa Valley defense in this thriller. The Wolves pulled to within a point at 31-30 with 23 seconds to play when Matt Miller took in a seven-yard scoring pass from Jake Jenson; Clarkston decided to go for the win. Chippewa Valley QB Tommy Schuster was a perfect 14-for-14 passing for 209 yards and two touchdowns.
Some portions of the games may be edited out due to time constraints.