Big 33, East-West football games canceled

By Bill Hartlep

Trib Total Media

Organizers for the Big 33 Football Classic and East-West Game had hoped the annual all-star games could be contested over Memorial Day weekend.

On Tuesday, those plans were canceled.

Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association executive director Garry Cathell announced both all-star games and the events surrounding them will not be held in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Due to the uncertainty of the weeks ahead with the coronavirus constraints placed upon each individual, our schools, families and the organizations and businesses that help make this holiday weekend one of the best in the country, we cannot move forward in holding these events or our exciting football games,” Cathell said in a statement. “Our top priority is the health, safety and welfare of all of our participants, families, workers, sponsors and fans.”

The weekend festivities also were to include a PSFCA High School Combine, USA Football 1st Down Clinic, Military Murph Competition and the Big 33 Fan Experience.

This year’s Big 33 game was set for May 25 at Central Dauphin’s Landis Field in Harrisburg.

Ten WPIAL football players were selected to compete for the Pennsylvania team, which was to play a team of Maryland all-stars.

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