11
LIVE: Can J.H. Rose Upset #19 Rolesville at HSOT Jamboree?
North Carolina’s Biggest High School Football Jamboree Returns for 2026
What Is a Football Jamboree?
Think of a jamboree like a giant sports festival. Instead of just one game, multiple high school football teams gather at one stadium to play several games back-to-back on the same day. It’s a great way for teams to practice before the real season starts, and for fans to see lots of exciting football in one trip!
Two Big Events This August
North Carolina is hosting two HighSchoolOT Jamborees in 2026. Here are the key details:
Event 1: The Main Show at First Horizon Stadium
- Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Location: First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC
- Capacity: 10,000 seats
- Presented by: State Employees Credit Union, Talk it Out NC, United States Army, and Wake Orthopaedics
Event 2: Wake Forest High School Jamboree
- Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
- Location: Wake Forest High School
- More info: Click here for details on the Wake Forest event
Why This Year’s Jamboree Is Extra Special
IMPORTANT POINT: The August 8th event features three teams that played for state championships last year!
These defending state finalists are:
- Millbrook (13-1 record last season)
- Middle Creek (11-3 record last season)
- Hunt (12-3 record last season)
Plus, you’ll see perennial powerhouses from the 8A, 7A, and 6A classifications (the biggest school sizes in NC).
Complete Game Schedule for August 8th
Here’s the varsity game lineup at First Horizon Stadium. Games start at the times listed, and JV (Junior Varsity) scrimmages begin one hour earlier.
| Time | Home Team (Dark Jerseys) | vs. | Away Team (White Jerseys) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Hunt (12-3) | vs. | Union Pines (11-2) |
| 6:00 PM | J.H. Rose (6-6) | vs. | #19 Rolesville (9-4) |
| 7:00 PM | #9 Southeast Raleigh (9-4) | vs. | #22 Wake Forest (7-5) |
| 8:00 PM | #7 Cardinal Gibbons (12-2) | vs. | #4 Millbrook (13-1) |
| 9:00 PM | Middle Creek (11-3) | vs. | #25 Southern Durham (7-5) |
Notes:
- Numbers like
#4,#9,#19= statewide rankings from last season - Records shown are overall win-loss from 2025 season
- Home team (listed first) wears dark jerseys
- Away team (listed second) wears white jerseys
How to Watch the Games
For HighSchoolOT Insiders
If you’re a HighSchoolOT Insider (subscriber), you can stream every game live starting at the times listed above.
Featured Stream: J.H. Rose vs. Rolesville
The 6:00 PM matchup between J.H. Rose and #19 Rolesville will be available to watch right here:
Stream Link: Watch J.H. Rose vs. Rolesville on YouTube
Teams to Watch (Quick Reference)
Defending State Finalists
- Millbrook (#4, 13-1) — Plays at 8:00 PM vs. Cardinal Gibbons
- Middle Creek (11-3) — Plays at 9:00 PM vs. Southern Durham
- Hunt (12-3) — Plays at 5:00 PM vs. Union Pines
Other Ranked Teams
- Cardinal Gibbons (#7, 12-2)
- Southeast Raleigh (#9, 9-4)
- Rolesville (#19, 9-4)
- Wake Forest (#22, 7-5)
- Southern Durham (#25, 7-5)
Local Fan Favorites
- Wake Forest fans get an early look at their 2026 squad (plays at both jamborees!)
- Rolesville, Southeast Raleigh, Cardinal Gibbons, J.H. Rose, Union Pines, Southern Durham — all showcasing their new teams
Summary
- Two jamborees in August 2026: Aug 8 (Cary) and Aug 14 (Wake Forest)
- Aug 8th is the bigger event at 10,000-seat First Horizon Stadium
- Five varsity games from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (JV starts at 4:00 PM)
- Three defending state finalists headline the field
- HighSchoolOT Insiders can stream all games live
- Perfect chance to scout your favorite team before the real season kicks off!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does "Jamboree" mean in high school football?
A jamboree is a preseason event where multiple teams play shortened games or scrimmages at one location on the same day. It’s not a tournament with a winner — it’s practice games to get ready for the regular season.
Do I need to buy tickets for the August 8th event?
The article doesn’t specify ticket info, but since it’s at a 10,000-seat stadium with major sponsors, tickets are likely required. Check HighSchoolOT.com for ticket details closer to the date.
Can anyone watch the streams, or only Insiders?
The article says "HighSchoolOT Insiders can stream the action" — this suggests a subscription is needed for most games. However, the J.H. Rose vs. Rolesville game appears to have a public YouTube link.
What do the numbers like #4, #9, #19 mean?
Those are statewide rankings from last season (2025). #1 would be the top-ranked team in North Carolina. Millbrook at #4 means they were the 4th-best team in the state last year.
What time should I arrive if I want to see the JV games?
JV scrimmages start one hour before each varsity game. So for the first game at 5:00 PM, JV starts at 4:00 PM. Arrive early if you want to catch the younger players in action!
Copyright 2026 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
