Euless Trinity has plenty of experience in high-profile football games, having won Class 5A Division I state titles in 2005 and last season.

But Monday's 11 a.m. game against River Ridge (La.) John Curtis Christian at Texas Stadium is different.

In addition to the pressure of a preseason No. 1 national ranking, Trinity carries the burden of playing for state pride against a school that has won four straight Class 2A state titles in Louisiana and 22 in the last 35 years.

Trinity coach Steve Lineweaver has said upholding Texas' tradition for high school excellence is important.

The game is part of the Kirk Herbstreit Varsity Football Series, which began as Ohio vs. USA Challenge but this year added a Texas division of seven games at Texas Stadium – four today and three Monday.

A third entrant coming off a state championship, Buford (Ga.), plays today's 11 a.m. opener against Mansfield Timberview.

Buford won the Georgia Class AA title in 2007, its fifth championship in seven years.

Cedar Hill, which meets Cincinnati (Ohio) La Salle at 2 this afternoon, won the Class 5A Division II state title in 2006.

Challengers from Pennsylvania (Woodland Hills) and California (Clovis East) increase the count of states represented to six.

(At Texas Stadium)

TODAY'S GAMES

Cedar Hill vs. Cincinnati La Salle (Ohio) Catholic, 2:00

Justin Northwest vs. Woodland Hills (Pa.), 5:00

Arlington Bowie vs. Trotwood-Madison (Ohio), 8:00

MONDAY'S GAMES

Klein Oak vs. Mandeville (La.), 2:30

Colleyville Heritage vs. Clovis East (Calif.), 6:00

Tickets: $16 adults, $12 students.