Pioneer Sports, in partnership with the Kingco Conference and Hubbard Broadcasting, announced that regular season high school football games will return to the radio for the first time since 1999.

For 12 consecutive weeks, starting at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 6 with the Redmond versus Mercer Island matchup, “Friday Night Football” can be heard on Alternative Talk 1150-AM KKNW and simulcast/archived on 1150kknw.com.

Veteran local play-by-play announcer Gary Hill will be the voice of Kingco football. Former Bothell High quarterback Tony Gardiner will join Hill in the press box as color commentator.

“We’re pleased to have Gary behind the microphone for us. He’s covered a lot of football in his relatively short career, and this year he’s been outstanding as a fill in play-by-play announcer with the Mariners,” stated Mark Mininger, president and general manager of Pioneer Sports, “and Tony’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the game, and of the Kingco league, will add a lot of depth and excitement to each broadcast.”

Marc Kaye, general manager, KKNW Radio said, “We’ve been committed to local sports for a long time. Kingco football will be a nice addition to our Friday lineup. Plus, we’ve worked with Pioneer Sports and Gary Hill and know the broadcasts are going to sound great.”

Kingco is the largest and one of the most successful football conferences in the state and boasts a huge fan following. The high schools include Ballard, Bellevue, Bothell, Eastlake, Garfield, Inglemoor, Interlake, Issaquah, Juanita, Lake Washington, Liberty, Mercer Island, Mount Si, Newport, Redmond, Roosevelt, Sammamish, Skyline and Woodinville.

Hill said, “The more we’ve researched the talent and commitment of these student-athletes (and their coaches), we’ve grown inspired, and we hope to pass that along to the listening audience. The Kingco Conference is one of the best in the country and I am thrilled to be a part of the broadcasts.”