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Big 33 Football Classic
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 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2021) |
The Big 33 Football Classic is an all-star American football game featuring the top high-school football players in Pennsylvania. Played since 1958, the game is often described as the "Super Bowl of High School Football."[citation needed][by whom?] Contests currently pit players from Pennsylvania against players from Maryland, but opponents in the past have also included players from Ohio and Texas. While most earlier games were held at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania, the game is now played at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg.
No Super Bowl has ever been contested without a Big 33 alumnus.[citation needed][as of?]
While the game was originally played with the best 33 players in each state (hence its name), the organizers added a 34th player to give kickers a chance to be separate of the 33 count as to give one more non-kicker a chance to be named to the Big 33. Thus, there are 34 players from each state who are invited to play in this game on the original roster. If there are players that are selected are unable to play, the staff of the team and the Big 33 will select other players to fill their places on the roster.
In 2006, the game was moved from mid-to-late July to mid-to-late June due to the NCAA rule changes that made some coaches prohibit many players from these teams from playing in the game due to the closeness of the upcoming summer practices.
In October 2012, it was announced that Pennsylvania had dropped Ohio from the Big 33 game and replaced them with Maryland.
| Home | Visitor | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Maryland | 1985–92, 2013–present |
| Pennsylvania | Ohio | 1972–76, 1993–2012 |
| Pennsylvania | Texas | 1964–67 |
| Pennsylvania Blue | Pennsylvania Gray | 1963 |
| East Pennsylvania | West Pennsylvania | 1961–62, 1968–71, 1977–84 |
| Pennsylvania | Nation | 1957–60 |
Game-related activities
[edit]
A wide variety of activities take place on the weekend of the game, typically in June or July. These activities include cheerleading exhibitions, scholarship presentations, youth clinics, and visits by the players to local hospitals, the Boys & Girls Club and other charities. Over $2 million in academic scholarships have been awarded as a result of the game and its sponsors. Each team has its own host families who host a player. The Ohio players arrive in Hershey and meet their host families Friday night (one week and a day before the game) and the Pennsylvania players arrive in Hershey and meet their host families on Saturday at the kickoff picnic that includes the host families and cheerleaders. The players visit hospitals and receive a "Buddy". Many of the players keep ties with their host families while in college and throughout their careers and the event is a very family-like event.[citation needed]
Notable alumni
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Houser, Ben (August 4, 2009). "E:60: Prep pipeline to the Super Bowl".
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "- YouTube". YouTube.
- ^ a b c Popchock, Matt (June 15, 2011). ""Mr. High School Sports" - Big 33 PA Roster Notes". CBS News.
- ^ "Big 33 Pennsylvania 1997 Brett Veach Football Card, cards". Archived from the original on December 24, 2014.
- ^ Groller, Keith (July 23, 1999). "Coach's Choice * Whitehall High School's Didn't Make The All-state Team But There Was No Way Coach Rich Sniscak Was Not Going To Let The Quarterback Not Make The Big 33 Team". mcall.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h "Ohio Big 33 Game Roster". February 18, 2005.
- ^ "Big 33 Football Classic rosters". cantonrep.com. June 19, 2010. Archived from the original on October 6, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ "Joel Heath" (PDF). msuspartans.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2016. Retrieved September 30, 2016.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^ Epler, Eric, F. (January 8, 2012). "Big 33 roster has Mid-Penn Conference, District 3 covered". highschoolsports.pennlive.com. Archived from the original on October 17, 2017. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Markol, Drew (March 3, 2022). "La Salle High's Sam Brown and Abdul Carter named to Big 33 Classic". Bucks County Courier Times. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
| This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2006) |
External links
[edit]- Big 33 website
Big 33 Football Classic
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Founding and Early Games
The Big 33 Football Classic was established in 1957 by the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA, formerly known as the Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association) as a premier all-star event showcasing the state's top 33 high school seniors against a select team of national all-Americans.[1][7] The initiative aimed to highlight Pennsylvania's football talent, offer players valuable exposure to college recruiters, and celebrate the sport's deep roots in the commonwealth.[8][9] The inaugural game took place in 1958, with the Pennsylvania squad securing a narrow 6-0 victory over the National High School All-Americans, marking the start of a tradition that quickly gained national recognition as one of the finest scholastic all-star contests.[7][9] Subsequent early matchups maintained this interstate format, including an 18-0 win for Pennsylvania in 1959 and a scoreless 0-0 tie in 1960, all hosted at prominent venues such as Hersheypark Stadium beginning in 1958.[3] These games emphasized defensive prowess and drew crowds eager to see future stars like Hall of Famer Herb Adderley, who played for Pennsylvania in an early contest.[10][11] Following an NCAA prohibition on interstate high school all-star games in 1960, the event adapted to an intra-state exhibition format limited exclusively to Pennsylvania players during the early 1960s.[7] This shift included the 1961 and 1962 contests between East and West Pennsylvania squads, followed by a single Blue vs. Gray matchup in 1963 at Hershey, where Blue prevailed 36-6.[3][12] A key milestone came with the formalization of 33 players per side in 1958, solidifying the "Big 33" moniker and underscoring the event's focus on elite selection.[9] These foundational years laid the groundwork for the game's evolution into interstate rivalries later in the decade.[7]Interstate Opponents and Format Changes
The Big 33 Football Classic transitioned from intra-state matchups to interstate competition in 1964, when Texas became the first out-of-state opponent, marking a shift to showcase Pennsylvania talent against regional powers with comparable high school football programs. The series against Texas ran from 1964 to 1967, with all four games hosted at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania; Texas won the series 3-1, defeating Pennsylvania 26-10 in 1965, 34-2 in 1966, and 45-14 in 1967, while Pennsylvania secured the lone victory 12-6 in the 1964 opener. This experiment highlighted the logistical challenges of distant opponents but established the interstate format as a means to foster rivalry and parity based on talent depth.[13] Following a return to intra-state play, Ohio replaced Texas as Pennsylvania's opponent starting in 1972, selected for its geographic proximity—reducing travel burdens compared to Texas—and strong regional rivalry potential, with both states boasting robust high school football traditions. The initial Ohio series from 1972 to 1976 saw Pennsylvania claim three victories (27-22 in 1972, 21-19 in 1973, and 14-7 in 1974) against two Ohio wins (16-14 in 1975 and 11-7 in 1976), all at Hershey. The matchup was revived in 1993 and continued through 2012, comprising 20 additional games at venues including Hersheypark Stadium and Landis Field in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; over the full 25-game series, Ohio held a narrow 13-12 edge.[14][3] Maryland entered as an opponent from 1985 to 1992, again chosen for regional proximity and competitive balance, replacing the intra-state East-West format to emphasize interstate competition. Pennsylvania dominated the eight-game series with a 6-2 record, winning 17-14 in 1985, 21-7 in 1986, 21-13 in 1988 (weather-shortened at halftime due to thunderstorms), 29-19 in 1989, 42-28 in 1990, and 38-0 in 1992, with Maryland victories 26-22 in 1987 and 35-20 in 1991; all games were at Hershey. The series resumed in 2013 and continues, maintaining the focus on Mid-Atlantic rivalry.[15][3][16] Significant format adjustments occurred through the 2010s to adapt to evolving rules and logistics. In the 2000s, rosters expanded from 33 to 34 players per team to accommodate specialists such as kickers and punters, ensuring broader representation of positional talent. The game shifted from late July to mid-June scheduling starting in 2006, prompted by NCAA eligibility changes that limited college-bound players' participation in late-summer events due to earlier fall camp reporting requirements. Venue changes included temporary moves to Landis Field and Rocco Ortenzio Stadium in Harrisburg during the 2010s for operational reasons, culminating in a permanent relocation to Chapman Field at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, beginning in 2024 to leverage modern facilities and community support. These modifications preserved the event's prestige while aligning with contemporary youth sports regulations.[17][18][19][20][21]Recent Developments
In 2013, the Big 33 Football Classic resumed its rivalry matchup between Pennsylvania and Maryland following the conclusion of the Pennsylvania-Ohio series in 2012, marking Maryland's return after a two-decade absence.[22] Since the resumption, Pennsylvania secured victories in nine of the 11 games played through 2024 (excluding the canceled 2020 edition), establishing a dominant edge in the renewed interstate competition.[15] This streak ended in the 68th annual game on May 25, 2025, when Maryland defeated Pennsylvania 42–21 at Chapman Field, achieving the largest margin of victory in the state's history for the series.[6] The event faced significant disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the 63rd edition canceled in 2020 due to health and safety concerns, marking the first cancellation in its history.[23] The classic returned in 2021, adhering to Pennsylvania's statewide COVID-19 protocols, including capacity limits and other precautionary measures to ensure participant and spectator safety.[24] The game has since maintained its Memorial Day weekend timing, with the 2025 edition held on May 25 as the capstone event. Logistical enhancements came in 2024 with the permanent relocation to Cumberland Valley High School's Chapman Field in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, providing centralized facilities, expanded hosting capacity for families, and improved funding opportunities to support the event's growth.[25] This venue shift has streamlined operations, allowing all related activities—including practices, banquets, and competitions—to occur under one roof, benefiting athletes, coaches, and volunteers.[25] A notable expansion occurred in 2024 with the introduction of the inaugural Girls Flag Football Tournament, the first such national high school event in the United States, supported by NFL Flag to promote female participation in the sport.[5] The tournament returned for its second annual edition in 2025, held May 24-25 at Cumberland Valley facilities, where the Philadelphia Eagles-sponsored team defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers-sponsored team 12-7 in the championship game.[26] The 2025 Memorial Day weekend festivities, culminating in the main game on May 25, drew strong community engagement, with the Big 33 Scholarship Foundation having awarded more than $3.9 million in academic scholarships to participants since 1985.[27]Game Format
Player Selection Process
The player selection process for the Big 33 Football Classic is managed separately by the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) for the Pennsylvania roster and the Maryland Football Coaches Association (MFCA) for the Maryland roster, ensuring the top graduating senior talent from each state is represented.[2][28] For Pennsylvania, high school head coaches who are current PSFCA members nominate eligible players during the fall season, typically mid-season, with a focus on those who have participated in at least 50% of their team's regular-season games; playoff statistics are excluded from evaluations to emphasize consistent regular-season performance.[29][30] Nominations are compiled into a database, after which position-specific selection committees—comprising approximately 47 PSFCA members, including 2-3 representatives per district and past presidents—rank candidates based on performance metrics in December, culminating in final roster announcements in January.[30] The Pennsylvania roster consists of 40 players, including starters across offensive, defensive, and special teams positions, plus specialists and alternates to buffer against potential absences.[31][32] If a selected player cannot participate due to injury, ineligibility, or college commitments, replacements are drawn from the next-highest-ranked candidates by the selection committees.[30] Coaches for the Pennsylvania team are chosen from active high school programs across the state by the PSFCA, with the head coach and assistants assigned based on roster needs and experience; for the 2025 game, Coatesville Area High School's Matt Ortega served as head coach, supported by a staff representing various districts.[33] On the Maryland side, the MFCA coordinates selections through a process that begins in December with coaches submitting nominations for top performers, followed by evaluations including tryouts held in January, leading to final roster announcements in February or March.[28][34] Similar to Pennsylvania, the focus is on graduating seniors demonstrating exceptional on-field ability during the regular season, with rosters consisting of approximately 40 players, including starters, specialists, and alternates for contingencies like injuries.[35] Maryland coaches are selected from public and private high schools statewide by the MFCA, applying comparable criteria to ensure a balanced staff; for instance, in 2026, Mount St. Joseph's Donald Davis was named head coach.[36] Since 2024, the Big 33 has incorporated inclusivity by adding separate girls' flag football rosters, selected through regional tryouts organized in partnership with NFL teams representing local markets (Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders).[37] Each of the four teams assembles a 22-player roster of high school female athletes based on tryout performance, emphasizing skill, hard work, and dedication, for a 7-on-7 tournament held during the event weekend.[38]Rules and Game Structure
The Big 33 Football Classic follows the standard rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) for high school football, with modifications designed to highlight the all-star participants and ensure broad involvement. The game structure consists of four 15-minute quarters, extending playtime beyond typical regular-season durations to allow more players to compete.[39][40] Unlimited substitutions are permitted at any point, promoting frequent rotations and balanced playtime across the roster, with coaches typically changing lines after each series to showcase a variety of talent. Each team assembles a roster of approximately 40 players, including dedicated offensive linemen, skill position players, defensive specialists, and kickers, emphasizing positional specialization over two-way participation in line with pro-style approaches.[41][40][42] Neutral officials oversee the contest to ensure fairness between the Pennsylvania and Maryland squads. Early editions of the game did not employ overtime, occasionally resulting in ties, but modern iterations adopt the NFHS high school tiebreaker procedure if needed after regulation.[3] Introduced in 2024 through a partnership with NFL Flag, the event now features a girls' flag football tournament as a non-contact complement, played in a 7-on-7 format with four 10-minute running-clock periods that prioritize passing plays and athletic speed over physical tackling.[5][43] The game is televised live on local networks in Pennsylvania and Maryland, accompanied by national streaming availability to reach a wider audience. Post-game, each team selects a Most Valuable Player based on key statistics such as yards gained, tackles, and overall contributions to the outcome.[1][44][45]Events and Activities
Weekend Schedule
The Big 33 Football Classic unfolds over the Memorial Day weekend, typically spanning Friday through Sunday, with events centered at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The event has been held over Memorial Day weekend since 2019, when it shifted from mid-June to this late May timing to better retain top players amid competing all-star games.[46] The itinerary has emphasized team bonding, community engagement, and competitive showcases leading to the main all-star game. Players from Pennsylvania and Maryland arrive on Friday, often participating in initial practices, a welcome banquet, and media day to introduce the rosters and build excitement. Saturday features joint practices for both teams, youth football clinics that engage over 150 local participants annually, and a cheerleading competition involving the selected squads from each state.[8][47] On Sunday, the schedule intensifies with final preparations, including walkthroughs and team meetings, alongside family-oriented events such as a pep rally and hall of fame inductions honoring past contributors. The afternoon highlights the girls' flag football tournament, with semifinals and finals contested on auxiliary fields, while the evening culminates in the main game at Chapman Field, preceded by a fan fest, pregame ceremonies, and the coin toss. Post-game activities include a banquet where participants reflect on the experience, though detailed award announcements occur separately. These elements foster a festival-like atmosphere, drawing families and fans to the venue.[47][3] For the 2025 edition, marking the 68th classic, events ran from May 23 to 25, with the girls' flag tournament semifinals on May 24 at Eagle View Middle School turf and finals on May 25 at Chapman Field. Friday practices occurred from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. at Chapman Field, followed by a 7-9 p.m. welcome picnic for the flag teams. Saturday included cheerleader practice at 8-9:30 a.m., flag games from 8:30-11:30 a.m., player introductions at 10-11:30 a.m., a 1-2 p.m. pep rally in the CV Dome Gym, and a 7-9 p.m. recognition ceremony at the Performing Arts Center. Sunday featured gates opening at 11:30 a.m., flag semifinals from 12:30-2:30 p.m., fan fest from 3-6:30 p.m., hall of fame inductions at 4 p.m., the flag championship at 4 p.m., and game kickoff at 7:30 p.m. after pregame rituals including a military tribute at 7:18 p.m. and the national anthem at 7:27 p.m.[47][38] Logistically, out-of-state players are paired with local host families from Wednesday through Sunday, who provide lodging, meals, and transportation to events, ensuring a supportive environment while requiring background clearances for safety. The game day typically attracts around 10,000 spectators, filling Chapman Field for the 7:30 p.m. kickoff under the lights. In recent years, the schedule has evolved to incorporate military tributes, such as parachute game ball deliveries and veteran honors, alongside appearances by alumni to inspire current participants. Charitable elements, like youth clinics, tie into broader community outreach during the weekend.[48][3][47]Community and Charitable Programs
The Big 33 Football Classic has long emphasized community outreach through its scholarship program, managed in partnership with The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. Since 1985, the program has awarded over $3.9 million in academic scholarships to deserving high school seniors from Pennsylvania, with individual awards up to $2,000 based on criteria including academic achievement, financial need, community service, and leadership.[27] These scholarships are presented during the annual banquet as part of the event's weekend activities, recognizing students' merit and potential while promoting educational access.[49] A cornerstone of the event's charitable efforts is the Buddy Program, which pairs children and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities with Big 33 athletes to foster meaningful connections and inclusive experiences during game week. Launched in 1985 by Mickey Minnich, an assistant coach and key organizer, the program provides buddies with special access to practices, events, and the game itself, building lasting friendships and emphasizing empathy among participants.[50][51] This initiative integrates seamlessly into the Memorial Day weekend schedule, offering buddies dedicated activities like mini-golf outings and field interactions sponsored by partners such as UPMC.[52] The Classic also supports youth development through free clinics that introduce football and flag football skills to local children, coached by Big 33 all-stars. In 2023, these sessions attracted over 150 young participants, providing hands-on training and inspiration while recognizing military families during dedicated events to honor their service.[8][53] The event's partnerships amplify these efforts, including the debut of the inaugural NFL Flag Girls Tournament in 2024, which featured teams sponsored by NFL franchises and promoted girls' participation in the sport.[5] Renewal by Andersen of Central PA serves as the title sponsor, contributing to the program's sustainability and community focus.[54] Proceeds from the Big 33 benefit the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA), funding scholarships and initiatives for youth sports accessibility across the region. The event generates an annual economic impact exceeding $2.7 million through tourism, visitor spending, and local business engagement, further supporting community vitality.[20][8]Records and Statistics
All-Time Series Results
The Big 33 Football Classic has featured Pennsylvania all-stars competing against out-of-state opponents since 1964, with a total of 49 interstate games played through the 2025 edition. Pennsylvania holds an all-time record of 29 wins, 20 losses, and no ties in these contests.[15][14][13][3]Pennsylvania vs. Texas (1964–1967)
The inaugural interstate series pitted Pennsylvania against Texas in a four-game matchup from 1964 to 1967. Pennsylvania secured 1 win and suffered 3 losses, with the lone victory coming in the debut game on August 1, 1964, by a score of 12–6 at Hersheypark Stadium. Subsequent contests saw Texas dominate: 26–10 in 1965, 34–2 in 1966, and 45–14 in 1967. These early games highlighted Pennsylvania's challenges against southern talent but established the event's interstate format.[13][16]Pennsylvania vs. Ohio (1972–2012)
The longest interstate rivalry in Big 33 history unfolded against Ohio across 25 games from 1972 to 2012, resulting in a close 12–13 series deficit for Pennsylvania. Early dominance favored Pennsylvania, who won the first four encounters (1972: 27–22, 1973: 21–19, 1974: 14–7), but Ohio pulled ahead with a 13–8 edge from 1975 onward. Notable high-scoring affairs included Pennsylvania's 61–42 triumph in 2006 at Landis Field, marking one of the most offensive outputs in series history. The rivalry concluded with Ohio's four straight wins from 2009 to 2012, including a 24–21 overtime victory in the finale. Pennsylvania exhibited strong early control but faced tighter, more competitive battles in later years.[14]Pennsylvania vs. Maryland (1985–1992, 2013–2025)
Pennsylvania has dominated the 20-game series against Maryland with a 16–4 record through 2025. The initial eight-game stretch from 1985 to 1992 saw Pennsylvania claim 7 victories and 1 defeat, including a 21–13 halftime win in 1988 that was shortened by thunderstorms at Hersheypark Stadium. After a 20-year hiatus, the rivalry resumed in 2013, where Pennsylvania went 9–2 through 2024, highlighted by a 58–27 rout in the opener and a five-game winning streak from 2019 to 2024 (e.g., 31–7 in 2024 at Chapman Field). Maryland's wins included upsets in 2014 (31–24 in double overtime) and 2018, but the series streak ended with Maryland's decisive 42–21 victory on May 25, 2025, at Chapman Field in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania—the Terrapins' largest margin in the matchup.[15][3][6][55]| Opponent | Games | Pennsylvania Wins | Opponent Wins | Ties | First Game | Last Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1964 (W 12–6) | 1967 (L 14–45) |
| Ohio | 25 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 1972 (W 27–22) | 2012 (L 21–24) |
| Maryland | 20 | 16 | 4 | 0 | 1985 (W 17–14) | 2025 (L 21–42) |
| Total | 49 | 29 | 20 | 0 | - | - |