Pennsylvania Big 33 Team Opens Practice Ahead Of 69th Annual Football Classic

Written by: Nate Soisson Fox 43 on April 28, 2026.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Big 33 team for the 69th annual football classic held its first practice this weekend.

Before taking the field, players received free heart screenings provided by the Peyton Walker Foundation and UPMC. The team then conducted practice as preparations began for the annual showcase featuring some of the top high school football players from across the state.

Saturday was the first official day of team practices.

“Today is actually the first day of the Pennsylvania team practices,” said Garry Cathell of the Pennsylvania State Football Coaches Association. “This will be a get-together where all weekend long they’ll be here. Well, they’ll be here for two days with four practices. Unfortunately for us today, as you can see in the background here, a little bit of rain, but that’s not going to stop our kids from going out.”

The Big 33 game will be played Sunday, May 24, at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field.

For the players, the experience goes beyond the game itself.

“It’s very exciting to be picked for such a special game and to be with so many special players and so many very talented players and the best coaches around,” said Jack Kenneff, a quarterback from Manheim Township. “It feels great.”

Big 33 weekend activities will also include a welcome picnic, a pep rally and a recognition ceremony for fans and families.