Marshall Manning's first varsity football snaps came against one of the nation's toughest opponents. First Varsity Snaps Come Against National PowerThe Baylor School (Tennessee) freshman quarterback — and son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning — made his high school debut Friday night in a preseason scrimmage against defending national champion Buford (Georgia), giving football fans their first glimpse of the latest member of the Manning family to take the field. While the stat line was modest, the appearance marked the official beginning of what will be one of the country's most closely watched high school football careers. It was simply the first varsity appearance for a freshman quarterback expected to spend this season learning behind an established starter. Even so, the moment carried national interest because of the name on the back of the jersey.