St. Francis Prep Fell in Hall of Fame Showcase

St. Francis Prep traveled to Canton for a high school football showcase game on September 5, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football

St. Francis Prep Fell in Hall of Fame Showcase

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On September 5, 2026, St. Francis Prep competed in a high school football showcase at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The team ultimately lost to Stow-Munroe Falls High School with a final score of 31-6.

Why it matters

Schools were selected for this showcase event based on their historical connection to a Pro Football Hall of Fame alumnus. St. Francis Prep earned its spot through its ties to alumnus Vince Lombardi.

The game featured one of six teams selected for the showcase, with St. Francis Prep traveling nine hours by bus to compete. The final score resulted in a 31-6 loss to Stow-Munroe Falls High School.

The players

Vince Lombardi

He is a legendary NFL coach who graduated from St. Francis Prep in 1933.

Larry Czonka

He is a Pro Football Hall of Fame alumnus associated with Stow-Munroe Falls High School.

St. Francis Prep

This is a high school based in Fresh Meadows, New York, that participated in the showcase.

Stow-Munroe Falls High School

This is the Ohio-based high school that competed against and defeated St. Francis Prep.

Canton Fire Department

This local agency received a commemorative jersey from St. Francis Prep in honor of Timothy Stackpole.

The details

Prior to the match, the St. Francis Prep team practiced in a professional bubble and toured the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The team also honored Timothy Stackpole by presenting a jersey to the Canton Fire Department.

Vince Lombardi graduated from St. Francis Prep in 1933.
The showcase game took place on September 5, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The showcase event follows a tradition established by the Pro Football Hall of Fame of connecting modern high school programs to historic football legacies. This event highlights the ongoing efforts to integrate regional high school athletics into the broader professional football ecosystem.

The 31-6 loss marks the final result for St. Francis Prep in this specific showcase appearance. The team completed a nine-hour bus transit to participate in this high-profile matchup.

The takeaway

Showcase events like this highlight how high school programs leverage historical connections to offer student-athletes unique opportunities. Participating teams gain exposure by playing in professional-grade facilities far from their home states.