NC State Lands Philip Rivers’ Son: 5 Things to Know on Gunner
High School Football Showdown: Sons of Superstars Face Off on the Field
The Big Game: Battle Ground Academy vs. St. Michael Catholic
Mark Your Calendar!
When: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Kickoff: 1:30 PM ET / 12:30 PM CT
Where: St. Michael Catholic High School (Alabama) hosting Battle Ground Academy (Tennessee)
The 2026 high school football season is officially underway, and it’s starting with a bang! This Saturday features a matchup that has everyone talking—not just because of the football, but because of who’s playing quarterback.
Meet the Quarterbacks: Famous Dads, Rising Stars
This game features a rare "celebrity quarterback duel." Both starting QBs are sons of huge stars:
Bo Bryan — Battle Ground Academy (TN)
- Dad: Luke Bryan — Country music superstar
- Position: Starting Quarterback
- Why he’s interesting: He’s making a name for himself on the gridiron, not just the stage
Gunner Rivers — St. Michael Catholic (AL)
- Dad: Philip Rivers — 8-time NFL Pro Bowler, longtime Chargers/Colts quarterback
- Position: Starting Quarterback (since 8th grade!)
- Why he’s interesting: A top college recruit following in his dad’s legendary footsteps
All About Gunner Rivers: The Complete Breakdown
Since the original article focuses heavily on Gunner, let’s dive deep into his story.
Family Ties: Football Is in His Blood
Important Point: Gunner isn’t just Philip Rivers’ son—he’s coached by him too!
- Father: Philip Rivers (NFL legend, 17-season career)
- Mother: Tiffany Rivers
- Siblings: 4th of 10 children — and the oldest boy
- Current Coach: Dad! Philip Rivers is now the head coach at St. Michael Catholic
- Full Name: Philip Gunner Rivers — yep, he’s a "Junior" in spirit
High School Stats: A Machine Since 8th Grade
Gunner has been the full-time starter since 8th grade — that’s almost unheard of! Here’s his resume entering senior year:
| Season | Record | Passing Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 6–5 | 3,077 | 29 |
| Sophomore | 12–2 | 3,947 | 36 |
| Junior (2025) | 13–1 | 3,176 | 46 |
Wow Factor: He’s thrown 3,000+ yards every single year as a starter. That’s college-level consistency in high school!
Recruiting Rankings: One of the Nation’s Best
Different ranking services see him slightly differently, but all agree he’s elite:
247Sports Composite (Industry Average):
- Four-star prospect
- #139 overall in 2027 class
- #12 quarterback nationally
- #6 player in Alabama
247Sports Own Ranking (Higher on him):
- Borderline five-star (#43 overall!)
- #4 quarterback in the country
- #1 player in Alabama
Translation: He’s considered one of the top 5 QBs in America for his graduating class.
College Commitment: Following Dad’s Footsteps
Committed to: NC State Wolfpack
Why NC State?
- Family legacy: Dad Philip starred there (2000–2003)
- Draft history: Dad was #4 overall pick in 2004 NFL Draft after NC State
- Beat out: Auburn, Georgia, Miami, and other powerhouses
Fun Fact: Gunner committed early — he knew where he wanted to go, just like his dad did.
What’s in a Name?
- Goes by: Gunner
- Legal name: Philip Gunner Rivers
- Named after: His dad, obviously!
- Nickname potential: "Young Phil," "Rivers Jr.," "The Gunner" — take your pick!
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Hype
- Real talent, not just names — Both QBs are legitimate Division I prospects
- Coaching duel — Philip Rivers (St. Michael) vs. BGA’s staff
- Early season statement — Winner gets massive momentum
- Scout central — College coaches will be watching closely
- Family affair — The Rivers clan (all 10 kids!) likely in attendance
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Game | BGA (TN) @ St. Michael Catholic (AL) |
| Date/Time | Aug 22, 2026 • 1:30 ET / 12:30 CT |
| Main Attraction | QB duel: Bo Bryan (Luke’s son) vs. Gunner Rivers (Philip’s son) |
| Gunner’s Resume | 39 starts • 10,000+ career yards • 100+ TDs • 4-star recruit |
| Gunner’s Future | Committed to NC State (dad’s alma mater) |
| Coaching Twist | Dad Philip is Gunner’s head coach |
| Why Watch | Elite HS football + famous bloodlines + college scouts |
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Is Gunner Rivers actually good, or just famous because of his dad?
Absolutely legit. He’s started since 8th grade, thrown for 3,000+ yards every year, and is ranked a top-5 QB nationally by 247Sports. College coaches recruited him hard — he chose NC State over Georgia, Auburn, and Miami. The name gets attention; the game keeps it.
Why is Philip Rivers coaching high school football?
After retiring from the NFL (17 seasons!), Rivers returned to his roots. He took the head coaching job at St. Michael Catholic in Alabama, where his kids go to school. Now he gets to coach his son Gunner — a dream scenario for any football dad.
What does "four-star recruit" mean?
Recruiting services (like 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN) rate players 1–5 stars:
- = Elite, immediate impact at top programs
- = High-level starter at major college (Gunner’s rating)
- = Solid contributor at Power 4 school
- = Developmental player
- = Walk-on / lower division
Gunner as a 4-star means he’s expected to be a starter at a major program like NC State.
Can I watch this game?
Check local Alabama/Tennessee sports networks or streaming platforms that carry high school football (like NFHS Network). Big matchups like this often get picked up for broadcast. Search "St. Michael Catholic vs Battle Ground Academy live stream" on game day.
Who’s favored to win?
With Gunner Rivers at QB, playing at home, coached by his NFL-dad father, St. Michael Catholic likely enters as favorite. But Bo Bryan and BGA won’t back down — rivalry games with this much hype are toss-ups until the final whistle.
Final Thought: Whether you’re a football junkie, a Luke Bryan fan, or just love a good "like father, like son" story — this game has it all. Two talented kids, two legendary dads, one Friday night (well, Saturday afternoon) under the lights. High school football at its finest!