Big 33 Coach Mike Brennan Talks About 2012 Classic on High School Football America

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Mike Brennan, who has been going to the Big 33 Classic in Hershey since he was 9-years old, is a very proud coach these days.

Brennan, who will be entering his fourth season as the head coach at Blue Mountain this year, will be the head coach of the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the 2012 Big 33 Game.

Coach Brennan joined me on Thursday's High School Football America radio show to talk about the honor of being a head coach in game that has the distinction of having an alum play in every Super Bowl.

Click here to listen to my interview with Coach Brennan.

Four Archbishop Wood Players Named to Big 33 Roster

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

2011 Class 3A state champ Archbishop Wood was one of the most talented teams to ever step on a high school football field in Pennsylvania.

Aside from state gold medals, the Vikings were honored with several players earning all-state honors from the state's various media outlets.  Today, the Vikings learned that four of its seniors will play in the 55th annual Big 33 Game on June 16th in Hershey.

The Pennsylvania stars will be led by Blue Mountain head coach Mike Brennan.

Below are the 34 players that were named to the squad today.

2012 Pennsylvania Big 33 Roster

OFFENSE
QB-Skyler Mornhinweg, St. Joe’s Prep
QB-Brendan Nosovitch, Allentown C.C.
RB-Rushel Shell, Hopewell
RB-Julian Durden, Montour
H Back-Colin Thompson, Archbishop Wood
H Back-J.P. Holtz, Shaler
WR-Shakim Alonzo, Woodland Hills
WR-Eugene Lewis, Wyoming Valley West
WR-Kevin Gulyas, Allentown C.C.
WR-Cory Jones, Penn Hills
OL-Brandon Arcidiacono, Archbishop Wood
OL-Frank Taylor, Archbishop Wood
OL-Ian Park, Upper St. Clair
OL-Kyle Friend, Cumberland Valley
OL-Jason Emerich, Blue Mountain
OL-Adam DePietro, Lancaster Catholic
OL-JJ Denman, Pennsbury
ATH-Greg Garmon, McDowell

DEFENSE
DL-Treyvon Hester, Penn Hills
DL-Tyrique Jarrett, Allderdice
DL-Noah Spence, Bishop McDevitt
DL-Evan Schwan, Central Dauphin
DL-Terrell Williams, McKeesport
LB-Bryton Barr, Mechanicsburg
LB-Mike Caprara, Woodland Hills
LB-Jon Hicks, Palmyra
LB-Nyeem Wartman, Valley View
DB-Nate Smith, Archbishop Wood
DB-Miles Williams, Bishop McDevitt
DB-Anthony Nixon, Pittsburgh C.C.
DB-Andrew Scanlan, Spring-Ford
DB-Damiere Shaw, Cardinal O’Hara
DB-Michael Felton, South Western
K/P-Bryant Myer, Manheim Central

Ohio Routs PA in Big 33 Classic

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Ohio ran its win streak in the Big 33 Classic to three straight in Hershey Saturday night.

The Buckeye State stars routed the Keystone Staters 50-14 behind MVP Akise Teague of Youngstown Ursuline High School.  Teague, who will play his college ball at the University of Cincinnati, had 168 yards in total offense, averaging 16.8 yards per touch.

Teague scored two first quarter rushing touchdowns and then caught a 40-yard touchdown pass in the third.

Click here to read a game recap story from The Patriot-News.

The 50 points was the most scored by an opponent against the PA stars in the 54th Big 33 Classic.

The Big 33 Super Bowl Streak Continues

by Jeff Fisher

Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Streaks rule sports.

It starts with winning streaks…losing streaks.

Then there are accomplishment streaks…Joe DiMaggio’s hit streak or Brett Favre and Cal Ripken’s consecutive game streaks.

Today I want to talk about the Big 33 streak.

You don’t know about it?

Well I’m here to tell you on the eve of Super Bowl XV, it’s one of the most amassing high school football streaks that will stand forever.

The first Big 33 game was played in 1958.  Through the years, Pennsylvania’s top 33 football players have squared-off with all-star teams from Maryland, Ohio and Texas.  There have been games against an all-USA all-star team, plus sometimes the eastern part of the state battled the western part of the state for bragging rights.

For the past 18-years, the Big 33 has pitted the Keystone State against stars from Ohio.  It’s been a very competitive series with each state winning nine times coming into this year’s game in June.

The names of those who have strapped ‘em up for the game reads like a who’s who of NFL football…Montana, Namath, Dorsett and the list goes on.

And, that gets me to the streak.

When the Packers and Steelers hit the field tomorrow in Dallas, it will mark the 45^th straight year that a former Big 33 player will compete in the Super Bowl.

That’s right, there’s never been a Super Bowl without a Big 33 alum!!

It all started with Big 33 alum Herb Adderley of Northeast High School in Philadelphia.  Adderley played in the first two Super Bowls with the Packers.  It continues tomorrow with five former Big 33 players on the turf at Cowboys Stadium. 

Continuing the Big 33 streak tomorrow will be Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and safety Ryan Mundy.  On the other side of the ball, Green Bay has three former Big 33 players…linebacker A.J. Hawk, cornerback Brandon Underwood and linebacker Matt Wilhelm.

Roethlisberger, Hawk, Underwood and Wilhelm are former Ohio Big 33 all-stars, while Mundy is a former Pennsylvania Big 33 all-star.

Will the streak hit 46 next year?  Who knows.

But what we do know, much like DiMaggio, Favre and Ripken’s streak, it’s going to be hard to top the Big 33 streak.

Click here to learn more about the game and the Big 33 Scholarship Foundation.

Pennsylvania Big 33 Roster Announced

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh area high school football players will have a big hand in whether Pennsylvania can snap a two-game losing streak to Ohio in the 2011 Big 33 Classic in Hershey.

Two-thirds of the 34-player roster hail from the state's two biggest metropolitan-areas.

Pennsylvania Big 33 Roster

Jamal Abdur-Rahman, LaSalle College H.S., DB
Taylor Bertolet, Exeter, PK
Dave Bowen, Radnor, OL
Dexter Bridge, Conestoga, WR
Julian Campenni, Wyoming Area, DL
Terrell Chestnut, Pottsgrove, DB
Brandon Clemons, Delaware Valley, OL
Devin Cook, Beaver Falls, LB
Morgan Craig, Abington Heights, TE
Tim Cwalina, Mount Lebanon, OL
Vince Czerniewski, North Allegheny, OL
Steve Finley, Harrisburg, OL
Jalen Fitzpatrick, Harrisburg, QB
Paul Gaughan, Dunmore, OL
Desimon Green, Clairton, DL
Justin Haser, North Allegheny, DL
Brandon Holloman, West Catholic, DB
Kyshoen Jarrett, East Stroudsburg South, DB
Quinton Jefferson, Woodland Hills, DL
Matt Johnson, Bishop McDevitt, QB
Jordan Kerner, Fairview, DL
Tyler Kroft, Downingtown East, WR
Corey Majors, Neshaminy, LB
Shane McNeely, Allentown Central Catholic, OLB
Shawn Oakman, Penn Wood, Athlete
Joshua Page, Clairton, DB
Lafayette Pitts, Woodland Hills, RB
Jameel Poteat, Bishop McDevitt, RB
Ejuan Price, Woodland Hills, LB
Nick Rossi, Riverside, RB
Delvon Simmons, McKeesport, DL
Quentin Sullivan, Harrisburg, WR
Jullian Turner, Woodland Hills, OL
Armstead Williams, Gateway, WR

Cumberland Valley's Tim Rimpfel to Lead PA Stars in 2011 Big 33 Classic

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Big 33 officials have named Cumberland Valley head coach Tim Rimpfel as Pennsylvania's head coach for the 54th annual classic that pits the Keystone State against high school football all-stars from Ohio that will be played in Hershey on June 18, 2011.

Rimpfel has lead CV to the PIAA Class AAAA semifinals over the last two seasons.

The PA stars will be trying to snap a two-game losing streak to the Buckeye State.  Since the Pennsylvania/Ohio format was reinstate in 1993, each state has won nine times.

New Philadelphia High School head coach Matt Dennison has been chosen to lead the Ohio stars.

Ohio Claims Big 33 Classic With Last Minute TD Against Pennsylvania Stars

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

For the second straight year, Ohio owns bragging rights over Pennsylvania after a 18-15 come-from-behind victory in the Big 33 Classic in Hershey.

The Patriot-News reports that the Ohio stars captured the victory behind quarterback Mark Myers of St. Ignatius, who need only two plays to drive his team 70 yards for the winning score.

Quarterback Verlon Reed of Marion Franklin was named MVP of the Ohio squad, while Rich Gray of Woodland Hills was PA's Most Valuable Player.

The Ohio win knots the series at nine wins apiece.

Pennsylvania Roster Announced for Big 33 Game

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

Big 33 officials have announced the Pennsylvania roster for the 53rd edition of the all-star game in Hershey on June 19th.

Bishop McDevitt, State College and Woodland Hills lead the way with three selections apiece. Dick Beck of North Penn will coach the PA stars who lead the current series with Ohio 9-8.

Pennsylvania Big 33 Roster

Taj Alexander, Downingtown East
Evan Battillio, Norristown
Tyler Beck, Wilson West Lawn
Sam Bergen, LB, East Stroudsburg South
Seth Betancourt, St. Joseph's Pep
Drew Carswell, WR, Sto-Rox
Cullen Christian, DB, Penn Hills
Sal Conaboy, Abington Heights
Aaron Donald, DL, Penn Hills
Jack Deboef, State College
Jonathan Duckett, Bishop McDevitt
JD Dzurko, North Penn
Brendon Felder, WR, Gateway
Travis Friend, Cumberland Valley
Corey Ford, Bishop McDevitt
Manasseh Garner, WR-DB, Brashear
Anthony Gonzalez, QB, Liberty
Richard Gray, DE, Woodland Hills
Drake Greer, K, Bishop Canevin
Mike Hull, LB, Canon-McMillan
Ryan Keiser, Selinsgrove
Alex Kenny, State College
Joe Laukaitis, OL, Upper St. Clair
Adam Metz, Lower Dauphin
Khaynin Mosley-Smith, DL, Woodland Hills
Dayonne Nunley, WR-DB, Gateway
Tom Ricketts, OL, North Allegheny
Tyler Smith, QB, Wilson (Easton, PA)
Dom Timbers, RB, Woodland Hills
Colby Way, State College
Kevin Weatherspoon, WR-DB, Clairton
Jarrod West, WR, Liberty
Salath Williams, Bishop McDevitt
Matt Williams, Cardinal O'Hara

ESPN's E:60 Looks at Big 33 Game

by Jeff Fisher
Pennsylvania High School Football Huddle

The 52nd Big 33 game in June added to the excitement that surrounds what many, including myself, consider THE BEST high school football all-star game in America. Ohio beat Pennsylvania 38-31, snapping a two-game PA win streak.

ESPN's E:60 recently did a great feature on the game that has featured names such as Montana, Namath and Marino...and, as I always point out has had at least one alum play in every Super Bowl.

Click here to watch the video from E:60.

Below are the highlights from this year's game...

Big 33 Rosters and Coaches Announced

By Jeff Fisher
The High School Football Huddle

When it comes to high school football all-star game tradition, it's hard to ignore the PNC Big 33 Football Classic played in Hershey, Pennsylvania pitting Pennsylvania stars against the best from Ohio.

How good is the talent at the Big 33 game? The Classic has provided at least one former player in every Super Bowl ever played including this year's.

Last week, Big 33 officials announced that Tim Janocko of Clearfield will be the head coach of PA squad, and Mike Fell of Ada will lead the Ohio All-Stars.

Here are the rosters for each state...

Pennsylvania

QUARTERBACKS — Curtis Drake, West Catholic ~ Tom Savage, Cardinal O’Hara.

RUNNING BACKS– Rob Holloman, West Catholic ~ Lyle Marsh, Bethel Park.

WIDE RECEIVERS– Jaleel Clark, Parkland ~ Malik Generett, William Penn ~ John Schademan, Bethel Park ~ Devin Street, Bethlehem Liberty.

TIGHT ENDS– Brock DeCicco, Thomas Jefferson ~ Garry Gilliam, Milton Hershey.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN– Mark Arcidiacono, St. Joseph’s Prep ~ Steve Greene, Bishop Carroll ~ Brandon Heath, West Chester Henderson ~ Dave Osei, Abington ~ Justin Pugh, Council Rock South ~ Dan Shirey, Neshaminy ~ Eric Shrive, West Scranton.

DEFENSIVE BACKS– Chris Houston, Bishop McDevitt ~ Ronnie Akins, North Penn ~ Anthony Holmes, Harrisburg ~ JermelLee, Bethlehem Freedom ~ Billy Morgan, Cardinal O’Hara ~ Jordan Smith, Steelton-Highspire.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN– Jay Colbert, Neshaminy ~ A.J. Fenton, Erie McDowell ~Rob Stupar, State College; Dana Brown, McKeesport ~ Jordan Hill, Steelton-Highspire ~ Jack Lippert, Central Dauphin ~ Mike Pinciotti, St. Joseph’s Prep.

LINEBACKERS– Horvin Latimer, Bethlehem Liberty ~ Dan Mason, Penn Hills ~ Carson Sharbaugh, Wilmington.

KICKER– Brandon McManus, North Penn.

Ohio

QUARTERBACKS - Patrick Nicely, Willoughby South ~ Austin Boucher, Kettering Alter

RUNNING BACKS - Fitzgerald Toussaint, Youngstown Liberty ~ Jeffvon Gill, Euclid

WIDE RECEIVERS - Chris Fields, Painesville Harvey ~ Perez Ashford, Shaker Heights ~ Micah Hyde, Fostoria ~ Shaun Joplin, Sylvania Southview ~ Connor Ryan, Cleveland St. Ignatius

TIGHT END - Brian Slack, Akron Hoban

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN - Nate Klatt, Canal Fulton Northwest ~ Ryan Spiker, Dresden Tri-Valley ~ Corey Linsley, Youngstown Boardman ~ John Prior, Portsmouth ~ Marcus Hall, Cleveland Glenville ~ Sam Longo, Bellbrook ~ Jake Smith, Columbus DeSales

DEFENSIVE BACKS - Michael Edwards, Cleveland Glenville ~ J.T. Turner, Massillon Washington ~ Chris Williams, Cincinnati Winton Woods ~ Tim Moore, Mentor ~ DeeJay Hunter, Middletown ~ Isaiah Bell, Youngstown Liberty

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN - Jonathan Newsome, Cleveland Glenville ~ Adam Replogle, Centerville ~ Adam Bellamy, Aurora ~ Donovan Jarrett, Hamilton ~ Cody Petit, Patrick Henry ~ Denicos Allen, Hamilton ~ Melvin Fellows, Garfield Heights

LINEBACKERS - Will Studlien, Sunbury Big Walnut ~ Chris Snook, Medina Highland ~ Darrell Mason, Youngstown Ursuline

KICKER/PUNTER - Nate Freese, Strongsville

Pennsylvania Big 33 Roster Announced

Officials have announced the Pennsylvania roster for the 51st Big 33 Classic that will be played in Hershey, Pennsylvania on June 14th. The game, which many consider the best all-star game in America, pits stars from Pennsylvania against stars from Ohio.

One of the footnotes of the game is the fact that there's never been a Super Bowl played without a Big 33 alum involved.

This year the PA stars will be led by Parkland High School's Jim Morgans. The nation's top recruit Terrelle Pryor of Jeannette has been chosen, but there's no word on whether he will play in the game. In the past he has said he won't play.

Here's the Keystone State roster...

A.J. Alexander - Altoona ATH 5-11, 185 (TBA)
Jonathan Baldwin- Aliquippa WR 6-6, 215 (Pitt)
Vaughn Carraway - Muhlenberg WR 6-3, 170 (TBA)
R.J. Dill - Camp Hill Trinity OL/DL 6-6, 285 (Maryland)
Nate Eachus - Hazleton LB 5-11, 195 (TBA)
Jewhan Edwards - Roman Catholic DE 6-3, 210 (Minnesota)
Austin Fedell - North Allegheny OL/DL 6-2, 270 (TBA)
Hubie Graham - West Scranton OL/DL 6-4, 230 (Illinois)
Robbie Gumbita - Mount Pleasant OL/DL 6-5, 300 (TBA)
Shayne Hale - Gateway LB 6-3, 235 (Pitt)
Jarred Holley - Easton DB 5-9, 165 (TBA)
John Jackson - Central Bucks South TE 6-4, 240 (TBA)
Chris Johnson - Roman Catholic DB 6-0, 200 (TBA)
Mike Jones - Bishop McDevitt RB 6-1, 225 (Syracuse)
Nick Moody - Roman Catholic DB 6-1, 220 (Florida State)
Lucas Nix - Thomas Jefferson OL/DL 6-6, 290 (Pitt)
Joshua Potts - Harrisburg DB 6-0, 175 (TBA)
Terrelle Pryor - Jeannette QB 6-6, 220 (TBA)
Eric Reynolds - Central Bucks South RB 5-10, 195 (Boston College)
Adrian Robinson - Harrisburg DE 6-2, 225 (TBA)
Cameron Saddler - Gateway ATH 5-7, 160 (Pitt)
Tyler Sands - Boyertown OL/DL 6-5, 290 (Illinois)
Mike Shanahan - Norwin WR 6-5, 195 (Pitt)
David Soldner - Manheim Twp. K 6-1, 175 (TBA)
Matt Stankiewitch - Blue Mountain OL/DL 6-4, 295 (Penn State)
Tino Sunseri - Pittsburgh Central Catholic QB 6-0, 180 (Pitt)
Andrew Taglianetti - Pittsburgh Central Catholic DB 5-11, 175 (TBA)
Wayne Luis Tribue - Central York OL/DL 6-4, 285 (Temple)
Brandon Ware - Harrisburg OL/DL 6-5, 340 (TBA)
Brandon Weaver - Trinity DE 6-2, 217 (Ohio)
Mark Wedderburn - Cardinal O'Hara DE 6-5, 235 (Penn State)
Quentin Williams - Pittsburgh Central Catholic TE 6-3, 235 (TBA)
Christian Wilson - Montour RB 6-3, 235 (Michigan)
Mike Yancich - Trinity LB 6-2, 220 (Penn State)