PennLive reporters break down everything you need to know about high school football in Pennsylvania. From the plays on the field to the stories off the field, we have you covered on everything football in the Keystone state.
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.
PennLive's Brian Linder, Eric Epler, and Dan Sostek discuss a hodgepodge of subjects going into the new year, including Penn State advancing in the College Football Playoffs, former high school star Saquon Barkley in the NFL, surprises and highlights from the year-end All-State teams and more.
In a Rymir-less episode, PennLive's Brian Linder and Evan Wheaton interview East Stroudsburg's Justin Cook, who makes a return visit to the podcast. Cook, a former Harrisburg star, is in the transfer portal seeking a new collegiate home and talks about his decision to enter the transfer portal, reflecting on his time at East Stroudsburg and his aspirations to play at a higher level in college football.
The final whistle has sounded, the state title trophies have been handed out, and as the dust settles on 2024 it is time to look back at the high school football season that was in Pennsylvania and remember the dogs. PennLive's All-Pennsylvania high school football team has been highlighting the players we think shined brightest underneath those Friday night lights each year since 2018. It is our All-State team regardless of classification. That means we take class 1-6A, put them altogether, and take the best of the best.
PennLive's Brian Linder, Dan Sostek and Evan Wheaton are joined by sports editor Austin Hertzog and special guest Stone Saunders of Bishop McDevitt to discuss the Crusaders' recent 5A title win. They also discuss the latest rumors surrounding Micah Parsons and Beau Pribula in the NCAA football transfer portal and more.
PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek recap the 2024 PIAA championships held at Cumberland Valley High School.
PennLive's Brian Linder, Evan Wheaton and Rymir Vaughn speak with Bishop McDevitt's Stone Saunders during an eventful week — Bishop McDevitt's appearance in the 5A PIAA championship game and signing to the University of Kentucky.
PennLive's Eric Epler, Dan Sostek, and Evan Wheaton discuss Harrisburg's loss to Pittsburgh Central Catholic and Bishop McDevitt's victory over Pine-Richland, sending them to the PIAA championship game. They also talk about Joe Headen's dismissal from Susquehanna Township and the impact on that community.
PennLive's Brian Linder, Rymir Vaughn, and Evan Wheaton analyze the upcoming PIAA championships, focusing on the 1A and 2A brackets, and share insights on key matchups and standout players. They also highlight the competitive nature of the 5A and 6A brackets.
PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek analyze recent district titles, including Bishop McDevitt's impressive performance against Exeter Township and Pittsburgh Central Catholic's dominance, as well as what that could mean for their upcoming game against Harrisburg.
PennLive's Brian Linder, Rymir Vaughn and Evan Wheaton take a look at the top Pennsylvania high school football players expected to sign to their collegiate careers in a month, as well as previewing the next record Bishop McDevitt's Stone Saunders could possibly break. They offer insights into Thanksgiving, proper pizza, and how the staff picks are turning out for the season.
PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek recap the Bishop McDevitt vs. Mechanicsburg game, analyze Bedford's victory over Steel High, and preview upcoming championship games including Harrisburg vs. Wilson and Bishop McDevitt vs. Exeter Township. They also delve into the PIAA 6A quarterfinal between State College and Pittsburgh Central Catholic, and reflect on Juniata's surprising win against Shamokin.
PennLive's Brian Linder, Rymir Vaughn and Evan Wheaton discuss the talent emerging from Pennsylvania, particularly from Harrisburg, and reflect on the historical context of certain teams and controversies. As playoffs continue, they share predictions for upcoming games and highlight key players to watch.
PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek recap the second week of playoffs, diving into the success of Steel-High and Mechanicsburg. They preview the anticipated clash between Mechanicsburg and Bishop McDevitt this week, as well as key games for Harrisburg and Trinity
PennLive's Brian Linder, Rymir Vaughn, and Evan Wheaton cover breaking news about coaching changes, playoff rankings, and key matchups in the state playoffs.
PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek celebrate standout players from the 2024 season whose teams did not make the playoffs, while looking ahead to this weekend's District 3 playoff games.
PennLive's Brian Linder, Rymir Vaughn, and Evan Wheaton delve into Pennsylvania's high school football playoffs. They highlight Stone Saunders' record watch as he approaches a significant milestone and analyze upcoming matchups, including predictions for the postseason. They also discuss the recent decommitment of Gavin Sidwar from Rutgers and its implications.
Week 11 of the 2024 high school football season is here with the first round of playoff matches. PennLive's Eric Epler, Dan "Pickleman" Sostek, Evan Wheaton and Rymir Vaughn take a look at the games and recap the final week of the regular season.
PennLive's Brian Linder, Rymir Vaughn and Evan Wheaton speak with Susquehanna Township quarterback on Torin "TD" Evans on the challenges the team faces in the wake of having to forfeit a win, his love of video games, college aspirations, and Torin issues a challenge for Harrisburg native Micah Parsons. The team also discusses the ESPN 300 rankings and the math involved when it comes to picks and predictions.
PennLive's Eric Epler and "Don" Sostek discuss big matchups in the final week of the regular season as teams position themselves for division titles.
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