MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Mitchell High School will celebrate school spirit, football and a tradition rooted in the city’s identity when the 11th annual Kernel Bowl returns Saturday, Sept. 12.

The Mitchell Kernels will host the Douglas Patriots of Box Elder at Joe Quintal Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

More Than a Football Game

The Kernel Bowl was created as a showcase for Mitchell students and community pride, with the varsity football game serving as the centerpiece.

The Mitchell Athletic Booster Club organized the first Kernel Bowl on Aug. 27, 2016. Harrisburg defeated Mitchell in the inaugural game, but the Kernels got their revenge later that season.

Since then, the Kernel Bowl has become an annual fall tradition bringing students, families, alumni and fans together at Joe Quintal Field.

Why Is It Called the Kernel Bowl?

The name combines Mitchell High School’s Kernels nickname with the tradition of calling special football games “bowls.”

But the Kernels name has a history in Mitchell that predates its use by the high school.

A professional baseball team called the Mitchell Kernels began playing in 1920 and competed in several minor leagues through 1960. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Bottomley played for Mitchell during the team’s first season.

A Name Connected to the Corn Palace

The Kernels nickname also reflects Mitchell’s long connection to corn, agriculture and the World’s Only Corn Palace.

The original Corn Palace was constructed in 1892 as the Corn Belt Exposition to showcase the region’s agricultural potential.

Mitchell High School later adopted the Kernels nickname, carrying that connection to the city’s agricultural heritage onto the playing field. Today, Cornelius the Kernel serves as the school mascot.

The Kernel Bowl brings those pieces of Mitchell history together — the Corn Palace, the former baseball team, the high school mascot and a community football tradition.

Kernels Prepare to Face Douglas

This year’s Kernel Bowl features Mitchell against Douglas High School of Box Elder.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Joe Quintal Field, 501 E. 11th Ave. in Mitchell.