By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Thompson High School is set to and host its inaugural Go Gold Bowl to combat childhood cancer in memory of a THS student who died from the disease.

“As fervent supports of childhood cancer awareness, Thompson Athletics is excited to partner with local area charities to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer causes,” read a THS Athletics press release. “In years past we have worked hard to partner with, raise funds for and promote childhood cancer awareness through The Elaine Roberts Foundation. In an effort to grow our support we have expanded our charity partnership to include Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

Through sponsorship and fundraising efforts, the school is pledging 70 percent of all sponsorship dollars raised to support Children’s of Alabama and The Elaine Roberts Foundation.

Through the initiative, THS will host a doubleheader football game on Saturday, Aug. 24, featuring Clay-Chalkville High School vs. Dothan High School and THS vs. Davidson High School. The Clay-Chalkville vs. Dothan will kick off at 3 p.m., followed by Thompson vs. Davidson game immediately afterward.

“We are very excited about the inaugural Go Gold Bowl. We have a great opportunity to help people. I appreciate (THS head football) coach (Mark) Freeman’s willingness and eagerness to establish a great event, and I especially appreciate his help scheduling our participating teams from around the state of Alabama,” said THS Athletic Director Vincent Pitts. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to bring great high school football to Alabaster and help raise money for a great cause also. I appreciate all the head coaches working with us and we look forward to great football Saturday, Aug. 24.”