PA High School Football Report

Eric Epler and Dan Sostek recap the recent action from the District 3 high school football playoffs and preview the upcoming semifinal and championship games. They cover matchups and key performances discussing teams like Central York, Harrisburg, Bishop McDevitt, Susquehanna Township and Trinity.

Eric and Dan discuss how Cedar Cliff staged a remarkable comeback and why Central York remains a powerhouse. The team also shares insights on standout players and pivotal games, while Dan recounts his unexpected Twitter suspension.

Eric and Dan preview the District 3 playoffs, which start on Halloween. They break down key first-round matchups across all classifications, offering their analysis and predictions. They also speak with Lower Dauphin's Hunter Strohm, a standout running back and linebacker who is a Mississippi State baseball commit. Strohm discusses his team's season, his decision to play football his senior year, the influence of being a multi-sport athlete and his team's upcoming playoff game against Exeter Township.

Eric and Dan sit down with Torin Evans, the dynamic quarterback of Susquehanna Township, as he leads his team through an undefeated season. They talk about the tactics, teamwork, and personal dedication that drive his success, as well as his favorite post-game meal.

Eric and Dan discuss the firing of Penn State coach James Franklin, with one seeing it as a risky move and the other as necessary due to the team's lack of passion. They recap several key high school football games from the previous week, including wins for Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg, Red Land, Middletown, and a significant upset by Twin Valley over Wyomissing. The main focus shifts to a detailed breakdown of the District 3 power ratings and playoff scenarios for each classification. Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Eric and Dan highlight Cam Sweeney's all-around performance in Hershey's crucial victory over Red Land and Bishop McDevitt's homecoming win against Cumberland Valley. They then sit down with Mechanicsburg linemen Collin Stare (Central Michigan commit) and Jimmy Dewire (Sacred Heart commit). The players discuss their team's 6-1 record, the motivation to build on last year's success after losing key seniors, the influence of their coaches with NFL experience, and the pressures of the college recruiting process. Hosts: Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Guests: Jimmy Dewire and Collin Stare Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Eric and Dan are joined by colleague Evan Wheaton to discuss the high school football landscape as it approaches the midpoint of the season. They take an in-depth look at York County football, focusing on top contenders like Central York and West York. They recap several notable games from the previous week, including Line Mountain's upset over Steel High and West Perry's improbable comeback against East Pennsboro then conclude with an early analysis of the District 3 power ratings, breaking down the playoff picture for each classification.

Eric and Dan are joined by Twin Valley Head Coach Brett Myers to talk about his team's undefeated 5-0 start, his coaching philosophy, and preparing for key opponents. Eric and Dan then turn to the episode by naming their mid-season MVPs, under-the-radar players, and coaches of the year so far for each division. Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Brian and Rymir discuss a bizarre news story about a Mercer Area School District booster giving players methylene blue. They then cover the season-ending injury to Auburn-bound quarterback Peyton Falzone. They shift to a mid-season analysis of local teams like East Pennsboro and Susquehanna Township before diving into a detailed breakdown of statewide statistical leaders at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and defense. They also highlight rising prospects and make a strong appeal for coaches to report player stats more consistently.

Eric and Dan debate the sportsmanship of lopsided scores in high school football. They analyze the five remaining undefeated teams in the Mid-Penn Conference, singling out Red Land as a major surprise. The episode concludes by previewing key Week 5 matchups, focusing on the pivotal game between Central Dauphin and Cumberland Valley.

Brian and Rymir discuss the first month of the high school football season in central Pennsylvania. They analyze the performance of key teams like Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg and Cumberland Valley. The conversation then shifts to recruiting, where they highlight top prospects in the 2026 and 2027 classes and shine a light on several underrated players who deserve more attention from college scouts.

Eric and Dan are joined by new PennLive videographer Bruce Badgley about his role in producing multi-camera live streams for various high school sports. Badgley discusses the technical aspects, the challenges of broadcasting from different venues, and the positive impact of sponsorships from companies like Constellation Energy. Eric and Dan then recap recent high school football games, highlighting Altoona's surprising upset victory over Cumberland Valley, Mechanicsburg's dominant defensive performance against Mifflin County, and Harrisburg's dramatic double-overtime win against State College. Hosts: Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Guest: Bruce Badgley Producers: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Brian Linder and Dan Sostek discuss the latest NFL news regarding certain Pennsylvania stars. They talk about those stars' journeys from high school fields to professional stadiums, and the unique challenges they faced along the way. 

Eric and Dan dive into the thrilling week 2 action across the Mid-Penn Conference. From unexpected 2-0 starts to intense rivalry games, they recap an exciting Labor Day weekend in central Pennsylvania.

PennLive's Brian Linder and Evan Wheaton discuss some of the top individual performances from Week 1 across the state. They also share some of their pet peeves.

The conversation covers the opening weekend of Pennsylvania high school football, highlighting key matchups, standout performances, and the excitement surrounding new coaches and rivalries. The hosts discuss the significance of trophy games, the impact of new coaching hires, and the potential of various teams as the season progresses. In this episode, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek analyze recent high school football games, focusing on the performances of Clarkson North against Bishop McDevitt, Harrisburg's victory over EMOTEP, and Trinity's resilience in their match against Allentown Central Catholic. They also discuss statewide highlights and updates on team rankings, emphasizing the competitive nature of high school football this season.

PennLive's Brian Linder and Evan Wheaton discuss PennLive's expansion of football coverage into York County and the YAIAA. They're joined by Central York quarterback Brooklyn Nace, an Old Dominion commit, and discuss his career, team outlook, and future plans. The PA High School Football Report is sponsored by OSS Health. Every episode can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Join PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek as they break down the most anticipated matchups, key teams, and storylines heading into the first week of the 2025 high school football season.

Eric and Dan head to Bishop McDevitt High School to watch the team practice in the week before the start of the 2025 season. They speak with junior quarterback Sebastian Williams, senior Liam Fuller, and Coach Jeff Weachter about the upcoming season.

Brian, Eric and Dan discuss key early season matchups, including the Week 2 game between Harrisburg and Bishop McDevitt. Both teams will be breaking in new quarterbacks - Michael Shanks for Harrisburg and Sebastian Williams for McDevitt - adding intrigue to the matchup. They also revealed their comprehensive list of the top 25 Mid-Penn Conference football players from the first 25 years of the century, featuring several NFL players and local legends.

This episode of the PA High School Football Report was was recorded live at Cumberland Valley High School during Mid-Penn Media Day for high school football. Eric Epler and Dan Sostek spoke with Elias Koch from Harrisburg, Coach Josh Oswalt from Cumberland Valley, Maurice Barnes from Bishop McDevitt, Tyler Merrill from Cumberland Valley, and D'Antae Sheffey from State College. They also introduced Bruce Badgley, the newest member of the PennLive team, who will be enhancing their video coverage of high school sports. Hosts: Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Producers: Megan Lavey-Heaton and Bruce Badgley Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Dan and Eric catch up with Cumberland Valley lineman Tyler Merrill as he enters his senior season. Then they're joined by Brian and producer Megan, who shares the story of how Bishop McDevitt alumnus Ricky Watters was not allowed to visit his old high school football field.

Brian, Eric and Dan discuss Micah Parsons' community day in Harrisburg, featuring a free football camp and a workout session with local high school players. They talk about Parsons' commitment to giving back to his community, his message to young athletes about balancing football with academics and life, and his evolution as a role model. The podcast also touches on Ricky Watters' return to Harrisburg and his Hall of Fame candidacy. They debate the best states for high school football talent and preview upcoming media day events.

Brian, Eric and a newly returned Dan highlight upcoming events like PennLive's Mid-Penn Media Day and Micah Parsons' community event at Harrisburg High School. A significant focus is on compiling a list of the top 25 football players from the Mid-Penn over the last 25 years, which Eric is heading up. They then interview Bishop McDevitt running back Jerome LaRue Jr. about his early recruitment, training, and team dynamics.

Brian and Eric are joined by Rymir Vaughn to discuss the upcoming 2025 high school football season, highlighting key recruits, college commitments, and must-see Week 1 games

Brian, Eric and Dan chat with Bishop McDevitt's Nazir Jones-Davis, who has committed to Eastern Michigan, discussing his motivations and the team's prospects for the upcoming season.

Brian, Eric and Dan talk with Trinity's Samuel Mulbah on his family's background, his late start in football, his brother's influence, and his aspirations both on and off the field. The guys also debate the controversial balk call in the Cedar Cliff state championship baseball game. Brian introduces Eric to the PennLive mailbag. Eric talks about his time off while the guys lament that Megan is abandoning them for a week. Hosts: Brian Linder, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Guest: Samuel Mulbah Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Brian shares the podcast's first mailbag entries, but Dan and Megan are less than impressed. Brian and Dan then go on to discuss fantasy football, offering hot takes for the upcoming season in high school football, and discuss the new EA Sports college game before turning to a couple of devastating losses in the football community. Hosts: Brian Linder and Dan Sostek Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Brian returns to discuss standout running backs and quarterbacks with Eric and Dan and cast an eye toward the start of the 2025 football season just a couple months away. Hosts: Brian Linder, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Eric and Dan discuss the recent PennLive High School Sports Award banquet, sharing highlights from the event, including award winners and inspiring stories of athletes. They also discuss into key players to watch for the upcoming season and analyze the recent Big 33 game where Maryland secured a victory over Pennsylvania. Hosts: Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Susquehanna Township's Spring Fling, featuring many of the Mid-Penn's top football programs and prospects, was brought to an abrupt end last week after a brawl among fans left two police officers injured. Dan and Rymir discuss the impact closing the spring fling will have on the football community, then cover the players they saw at the 7-on-7 event before it shut down. Hosts: Dan Sostek and Rymir Vaughn Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Eric and Dan celebrate the athletes honored at the John Travers awards, the new football coach in Chambersburg, along with their five most intriguing players to watch at the Big 33 Classic.

Eric and Dan discuss recent player transfers including Rick Brown, a standout linebacker from Harrisburg, moving to Bishop McDevitt, and D'Antae Sheffey returning to State College. They also preview the upcoming East-West All-Star games and the significance of community participation in alumni events. Hosts: Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/

Brian, Dan, and Eric discuss the greatest high school football players they've ever seen, plus underrated gems. They also discuss the recent NFL Draft outcomes for Pennsylvania players, and Eric gives an update on the Big 33 after watching practice. Producer Megan pops on at the end just long enough to give a plug for "Death County, Pa.," the investigative podcast into Dauphin County Prison reported and hosted by PennLive's Joshua Vaughn. The first two episodes are available everyone now, and listen to the rest early via Wondery+: Wondery.fm/DCPA_PAHSFP Hosts: Brian Linder, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/ Check out our other sports podcasts: Blue-White Breakdown covering Penn State Football The Steelers Breakdown covering the Pittsburgh Steelers PennLive Wrestling Podcast covering all things Pennsylvania wrestling

Susquehanna Township athletic director Lance Deane joins Brian, Eric, and Dan to talk about his experiences working with elite athletes like Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter. He discusses the importance of training techniques, the development of young talent, and his transition to an athletic director role. Brian, Eric, and Dan also discuss the NFL Draft with the understanding that this episode would drop just after the first round ended.

Brian and Dan dive into the comparisons between Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter, explore local talent, and share personal anecdotes from past draft experiences with the 2025 NFL Draft just a few days away. Hosts: Brian Linder and Dan Sostek Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/ Check out our other sports podcasts: Blue-White Breakdown covering Penn State Football The Steelers Breakdown covering the Pittsburgh Steelers PennLive Wrestling Podcast covering all things Pennsylvania wrestling

Brian, Eric and Dan are joined by Coatesville head coach Matt Ortega, who is making Big 33 history by being the All-Star game's first ethnically diverse coach. Ortega discusses his journey as a coach, the significance of being the first minority coach in the Big 33 game, and the talented players he is working with, as well as the selection process and the challenges of prepping a team in a short frame time.

Evan joins Bob Flounders on the Blue-White Breakdown to discuss a pair of talented Penn State 2026 verbal commitments – Kevin Brown and Messiah Mickens. The Harrisburg High School stars are two of the top football talents in the nation. The 6-5, 270-pound Brown is a standout offensive tackle prospect and the 5-10, 200-pound Mickens is an elite running back. Wheaton provides insight into what makes both prospects special and what it has been like covering Brown and Mickens. Host: Bob Flounders Guest: Evan Wheaton Every episode of the Blue-White Breakdown can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's Penn State coverage at https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball Check out our other sports podcasts: PA High School Football Report covering Pennsylvania high school football The Steelers Breakdown covering the Pittsburgh Steelers PennLive Wrestling Podcast covering all things Pennsylvania wrestling

Villanova's Tyrell Mims joins Brian, Eric, and Dan this week. The Martin Luther King grad is preparing for the NFL Draft and talks the challenges he overcame growing up in Philadelphia to reach the collegiate level and about his pro football aspirations, wherever he lands. Hosts: Brian Linder, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek Guest: Tyrell Mims Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/ Check out our other sports podcasts: Blue-White Breakdown covering Penn State Football The Steelers Breakdown covering the Pittsburgh Steelers PennLive Wrestling Podcast covering all things Pennsylvania wrestling

Brian and Dan are joined by new Central Dauphin East head football coach Tyshaun Pollard, who at 26 becomes the youngest head coach in the Mid-Penn Conference. Pollard, who spent the last two seasons as an assistant under former coach Lance Deane, will attempt to build on last year's 7-4 run and sprint to the District 3 6A playoffs. Hosts: Brian Linder and Dan Sostek Guest: Tyshaun Pollard Producer: Megan Lavey-Heaton Every episode of the PA High School Football Report can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your preferred podcast player. Follow all of PennLive's high school sports coverage at https://highschoolsports.pennlive.com/ Check out our other sports podcasts: Blue-White Breakdown covering Penn State Football The Steelers Breakdown covering the Pittsburgh Steelers PennLive Wrestling Podcast covering all things Pennsylvania wrestling

PennLive's Brian Linder, Rymir Vaughn, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek dive into recruitment dynamics surrounding Messiah Mickens, analyzing his recent visits and performance. They also discuss emerging talents and the challenges faced by coaches in maintaining their positions, and the community's role in these changes.

PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek discuss former Pa. high school players making big moves and paydays in the NFL during free agency. They also discuss the breakout players for the 2025 football season.

Jaimie Thomas, a Bishop McDevitt grad who played at Maryland and briefly in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, has been appointed the head coach of the Red Land Patriots football program. He sits down with PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek to talk about his career as a coach and his hopes for his new Red Land team.

PennLive's Brian Linder, Dan Sostek and Eric Epler discuss rising quarterbacks, significant coaching changes, and the upcoming East-West All-Star Game. They highlight key players and their potential impact on the game, as well as the importance of player development and recruitment in shaping the future of high school football in the state.

PennLive's Brian Linder, Eric Epler, and Dan Sostek go over the newly announced Big 33 rosters and talk about coaching changes including the departure of Chambersburg's head coach.

In part 2 of our interview with former Kansas City Chiefs QB Chad Henne, PennLive's Brian Linder, Eric Epler, and Dan Sostek talk with Henne about his decision not to return to the NFL as well as coaching high school quarterbacks in his old stomping grounds of central Pennsylvania.

As the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles, PennLive's Brian Linder, Dan Sostek and Eric Epler interview former NFL quarterback Chad Henne, who won two Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs. Henne discusses what it's like to play for such a huge game and what it's like being a fan now that he's retired. He also gives his pick for the big showdown.

PennLive's Brian Linder, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek point out the notable Pennsylvania connections in the upcoming Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs and highlight emerging talents and unsigned players in Pennsylvania, providing insights into their potential and future prospects in college football.

PennLive's Brian Linder, Dan Sostek and Eric Epler Pa.-born Will Howard's performance in the national title game, the potential of Penn State quarterbacks, insights into the 2026 recruiting class, and key players to watch in 2025.

PennLive's Brian Linder and Dan Sostek lament the absence of Eric Epler as they delve into the contract talks surrounding former Pa. football star Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys. They also discuss Elias Coke's commitment to Rutgers and the slew of Power Four commits coming out of Harrisburg. The conversation also touches on the upcoming national championship game and local talent, as well as NFL draft prospects and player development. In this episode, the hosts delve into the current landscape of high school football recruiting, focusing on standout players and their commitments. They discuss the implications of the transfer portal on player development and the dynamics of college football programs, particularly Penn State and Rutgers. The conversation highlights emerging talent from Harrisburg and the challenges faced by college teams in developing their rosters. Additionally, they celebrate local athletes nominated for prestigious awards and reflect on community engagement in sports.

PennLive's Brian Linder, Eric Epler and Dan Sostek discuss Joe Headen's return to Susquehanna Township as head coach after a community outcry. They also discuss Dan's lists of former high school standouts who are appearing in the final games of the College Football Playoff and in the NFL playoffs.