How to Watch Every High School Football Game: Your Ultimate Guide

High school football is more than just a game; it’s a community event. Whether you’re a parent, an alumnus, or just a die-hard fan, finding a way to watch your favorite team can be a challenge. With countless leagues, independent broadcasts, and varying local television deals, it’s easy to get lost.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you find “Ways to watch every high school football game,” no matter the state or the specific matchup. We’ll cover the top streaming services, local broadcast options, and other creative ways to catch all the action.

The All-in-One Solution: The NFHS Network

For anyone serious about watching high school sports, the NFHS Network is the single most important resource. Partnering with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), this network is a joint venture created to stream live and on-demand high school sports from all 50 states.¹

How it Works: The NFHS Network uses automated camera technology (often powered by companies like Pixellot) installed in participating high schools to broadcast games.² This means you get a live feed without the need for a full-scale production crew.
What You Get: A subscription provides access to thousands of live games in over 30 different sports, including regular season and, most importantly, state playoff and championship games.
Cost: The NFHS Network requires a subscription.⁴ You can choose a monthly pass or an annual pass, with the annual pass offering a better value.⁵
Where to Watch: You can stream games directly on the NFHS Network website or through their mobile and TV apps available on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire.⁶

While the NFHS Network is the best single source, it’s not the only way to watch. Here are other options to consider:

State-Specific and Regional Broadcasts

Many state athletic associations and local media outlets have their own partnerships for broadcasting games, often focusing on key matchups or playoff tournaments.

Public Television: In some states, such as Alabama, public television networks partner with the state’s high school athletic association to broadcast a “Game of the Week” and playoff contests. These are often available over-the-air, through cable, or on the PBS App.
Local Sports Networks: Regional sports networks and local television stations often secure rights to broadcast popular high school football games, especially rivalry matchups and postseason contests.⁷ Check your local listings or the websites of your state’s sports networks to see if they carry high school football.
Direct-to-School Streams: Some high schools have their own robust broadcasting programs, often staffed by students, that stream games on a dedicated school YouTube channel or their athletic department’s website.⁸ If you’re looking for a specific school, this is an excellent first place to check.

Social Media and Independent Platforms

The rise of digital media has opened up new avenues for fans to watch games.

MaxPreps: As a leading source for high school sports information, MaxPreps has begun to expand its live broadcast offerings.⁹ Under its new ownership, it launched a “Game of the Week” series that streams live on its website, YouTube channel, and the NFHS Network.¹⁰
YouTube: In addition to official school channels, you can often find independent broadcasters, sports bloggers, and even parents streaming games live on YouTube. A quick search for the names of the two schools playing is a great way to find these grassroots broadcasts.

The Bottom Line: Creating Your High School Football Viewing Plan

To ensure you never miss a game, follow these steps:

Check the NFHS Network: This should be your first and most reliable option for any high school game, especially for playoff matchups.
Search Locally: If the game isn’t on the NFHS Network, check your state’s athletic association website and local TV station websites. Many big games are covered by regional broadcasters.
Go to the Source: Visit the website of the high schools involved. Their athletic department or media program may be streaming the game themselves.
Use Social Media: A quick search on YouTube or other social media platforms can often reveal a community-led broadcast.

By combining these methods, you can become a master of watching high school football, no matter where your team plays. Happy watching!