There are 39 out-of-state games this year, which is by far the most in state history.

Several are played because out-of-state teams are closer to Utah high schools near the state boarder - such as St. George teams facing Nevada schools. Other games will determine how Utah's top programs rate with the nation's elite.

Arguably the biggest game is Friday, when Jordan plays at Georgia power Valdosta. The Wildcats have won 23 state titles. In the 87 years since the school fielded a football team, it has finished below .500 just five times. The Beetdiggers will be facing a program that USA Today reported in 2004 to have an annual budget of $300,000.

Valdosta put some of that enormous budget to use by providing Jordan with $12,000 for the trip. Jordan players still held fund-raisers and had to come up with $300 each to make the trip.

The Beetdiggers say it will be worth it.

"It's going to be fun," said Jordan quarterback Sean Taylor. "It's a new brand [of football]. They've got a good reputation, a lot of national titles and stuff."

Beetdiggers coach Alex Jacobson said the trip will be like a bowl-game experience for his players.

Alta will join its Sandy rival in playing an out-of-state power. The Hawks are going to face Rainier Beach (Wash.) on Sept. 9 at the University of Washington. Rainier Beach has won six straight league titles, had an 11-2 record last year and has four early Division I commitments on this year's roster.

The Hawks, who will also attend classes with their Rainier Beach opponents, passed up the opportunity to play Timpview to make the long bus trip.

"I'm excited to go up there and compare those guys to Utah teams," said Alta tight end Nick Hatch. "I've heard amazing things about them."

Logan will play at San Diego's Helix High, the alma mater of former Ute Alex Smith and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. It is also the alma mater of Grizzlies coach Mike Favero.

"We'll try and represent Utah and Logan well down there," said Grizzlies running back Josh Flores.

Skyline and Pine View will each play Las Vegas High, the reigning Nevada state champion.

Next Saturday, Mountain Crest and Northridge will play teams from Los Angeles at Dixie State in an event billed as "Utah vs. The Nation." The Mustangs will play Verbum Dei, while the Knights will face Dorsey.

Utah teams don't have a lot of experience against national powers.

The most notable national series for a local team is Skyline's rivalry with Kahuku, Hawaii. The Eagles won the last meeting between the two schools at the University of Utah in 2004. Skyline dealt with the logistical nightmare of traveling to Hawaii and lost a close game to Kahuku in 2001.

Davis and Timpview traveled to Hawaii last year, and both lost in a doubleheader.

After traveling to Hawaii, Skyline didn't play an out-of-state game for four years. The Eagles traveled again last year and beat Bradford, a team from Florida that finished the 2005 season with a losing record.

"It's exciting for the kids," Skyline coach Roger DuPaix said. "It gives them something to look forward to."