What an opening weekend it will be for District 10 football at Veterans Stadium.

Most D-10 fans are aware that archrivals Cathedral Prep and McDowell will meet Aug. 29. That game -- nicknamed the “Courage Bowl” -- has received plenty of publicity because the teams will use it as a fundraiser for cancer research ... and because it’s Prep-McDowell.

But that’s not the only rivalry taking place. On the next night, Strong Vincent will host General McLane at the Stadium in a matchup that has been one of the district's most heated in recent years.

Both rivalries have similarities.

For instance, Prep and McDowell have been perennial D-10 title contenders in Class AAAA, but the Ramblers have dropped to AAA. McLane and Vincent have dominated Class AAA in recent years, but McLane has dropped to AA this year. As a result, there will be no playoff rematch in either case.

Both rivalries also feature star players returning for each team. McDowell brings back standout running back A.J. Fenton, while Prep will rely on skilled wide receiver Shyquawn Pullium.

The McLane-Vincent game will feature two of D-10’s premier returning big-play men. Quarterback Kellen O’Neill is back to run the Lancers’ vaunted option offense. The Colonels’ Deonte Flemings is a top quarterback, return man and defensive back whose play mirrors former Mercyhurst Prep standout Jovon Johnson.

Look for more on these teams in the Times-News football preview edition Aug. 28.