FOLEY — It isn't every day that a high school football game goes national. But that's exactly what will happen Thursday night when two area powerhouses square off and show the rest of the country how high school football is played deep in the heart of Dixie.

Foley's undefeated and fifth-ranked Lions will take on the second-ranked Daphne Trojans at Ivan Jones Stadium in a regional matchup that, the past two years, has produced all the drama and excitement one would expect from two of the state's top football programs.

Throw national coverage by one of the icons of sports media, cable's ESPN2, into the mix and Thursday's 8 p.m. kickoff looks to be something special.

The ESPN2 production crew is slated to arrive in Foley today and begin the task of creating a set at Ivan Jones Stadium that will be similar to ESPN's renowned college football broadcasts.

"It's an exciting opportunity for our community and Baldwin County and the state of Alabama," said third-year Head Coach Todd Watson of Foley High School as regards Thursday's national broadcast.

"We kind of got in on the front end of this," said Watson of high school teams getting national attention by media.

"I think it's something that will catch on, something that is spreading, with the way recruiting is going and information spread all over the Internet, especially when you have recruits like Daphne's got and what we've got. Anytime there's an interest there's a market for it, and I think ESPN has recognized that and jumped in on it."

Certainly the football talent that will be on the field Thursday night is a primary reason for the national exposure. Foley's Julio Jones has been named ESPN's No. 1 national prospect. But the wide receiver coveted by dozens of college football powerhouses isn't the only Lion. Defensive back Robert Lester and Devin Smith, quarterback, are among others having a stellar year for the undefeated Lions.

Daphne's undefeated Trojans sport Auburn commitment Reggie Hunt, defensive lineman Teavis Durgin and quarterback Coley White among their stars.

Watson, who has led Foley to the 6-A playoffs the past two years, said he's certain his players are excited at the prospect of playing on ESPN2. But there is more to it.

"Our goal is to win Week 15 and this is Week 6," he said. "Our ultimate goal is to win later on, but this game is important because it sets yourself up with an opportunity to have a home playoff game and things of that nature.

"I don't know if it can get any bigger or exciting than it has been the past two years," said Watson of Thursday night's Lions-Trojans clash.

According to Tom Lee, a media spokesman for the Lions, the ESPN2 telecast will feature six cameras from various angles, a sideline reporter, color analyst and play-by-play announcer, just like a college football broadcast.

"Temporary lighting will be brought in by ESPN to illuminate the stadium to the required specifications for a nationally broadcast game, as well as a makeshift announcers' booth that will be constructed above the visitors' bleachers. The camera angle will be shot facing the home bleachers and sidelines," Lee said.

Production, satellite and crew trucks will be set up on adjoining streets near the stadium. This will allow a sort of makeshift studio to broadcast from, including live internet feeds and connections with ESPN's home office in Bristol, Conn., Lee said.

According to Lt. Thurston Bullock, Patrol Division commander with the Foley Police Department, the ESPN2 crew will need to close the 300 block of West Rose Avenue between North Pine Street and North Oak Street beginning today at 8 a.m. North Oak Street will also be closed to Magnolia Avenue as it is at every football game, Bullock said.

"While ESPN stated from the beginning that it would be a challenge to broadcast from Ivan Jones Stadium due to the nature of the seating being so close to the field, as well as other variables like wiring, lighting, and adequate space surrounding the stadium, there was never any discussion of moving this game to an alternate location, despite various rumors that were circulating," Lee said.

With Ivan Jones Stadium holding approximately 6,700 people, as many as 10,000 or more are expected for the big game. For that reason, Bullock and FPD are asking that fans make use of a shuttle service that will run from the Foley Soccer Complex on U.S. Highway 98 West to the stadium beginning Thursday at 5:15 p.m. Multiple school buses, including a handicap accessible bus, will be used for the shuttle service.

FPD officers and members of the Foley Fire Department will provide security for cars parked at the Soccer Complex. Shuttle fare is $1 per person.