The success of the inaugural Citizens First Bowl has created more anticipation for year two.

Head football coaches from the four Warren County public high schools met at the Warren County Board of Education on Wednesday morning to announce another season of the bowl game presented by Leachman Buick-GMC for Aug. 25 at Western Kentucky University’s Houchens-Smith Stadium.

The second installment of the local matchups will repeat the first season: South Warren will play Warren Central at 5 p.m. followed by Warren East vs. Greenwood at 8 p.m.

“I speak for everyone that it was a wonderful experience to play in a venue like WKU and for all our players,” Warren East coach Jeff Griffith said. “We’re excited to kick it off again this year.”

A collaborative community effort led by Leachman and Citizens First Bank helped bring on the first time all four Warren County public high school football teams played in a bowl together the same night.

The Citizens First Bowl is in the last of a two-year contract with intentions of renewing the event again in 2019 when teams rework schedules.

South Warren and Greenwood compete in Class 5A, District 2, while Warren East and Warren Central play in 4A, District 2. To avoid district conflicts, South Warren would have to play Warren East next season and Greenwood would play Warren Central.

South Warren defeated Warren Central 43-6 in the evening matchup of last year’s bowl game and Warren East won a 37-31 shootout over Greenwood.

“One of our challenges being the fourth largest district in the state is how can we still be one entity,” Warren County Public Schools superintendent Rob Clayton said. “That’s challenging at times when you’re out there competing with one another and wanting to come out on top. At the same time, we’re all about the same thing with kids and the opportunity we ensure our students. I think this speaks volumes to our commitment to providing those opportunities.”

The Citizens First Bowl is the first of two high school bowl games in back-to-back weeks to open the season. Bowling Green High School will host Central Hardin in the annual Rafferty’s Bowl at WKU this Saturday with the other matchup pitting North Hardin against Clarksville Northeast (Tenn.).

Ticket sales for the first Citizens First Bowl surpassed expectations last season. An estimated 3,000 tickets were sold for the evening with each team taking home $8,000. Since teams don’t receive gate money for road games, adding the Citizens First Bowl as a substitute for traveling helps the athletic budget.

“We can’t thank Leachman and Citizens First enough for the financial support,” Warren Central coach Joel Taylor said. “When you’re a revenue program, a lot of times you’re asked to help with some non-revenue program issues. That money also goes to help other athletic programs – it doesn’t just help the football program.”{&end}