Susquehanna Valley Native To Play For Team Maryland In Big 33 Football Classic

Written by: Big 33 Staff on May 24, 2025. Photo from 247 Sports

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Kamden Laudenslager is set to make history on Sunday, becoming the first Pennsylvania native to suit up for Team Maryland in the Big 33 Football Classic.

“I’ve been going to this game pretty much my whole life,” Laudenslager said. “My dad was a Big 33 nominee back in high school, so I’ve always been really looking forward to playing in this game.”

The 6-foot-3 linebacker played middle school football at Central Dauphin prior to attending the McDonough School in Baltimore, where he spent his high school career.

“It was definitely a big switch because I didn’t know anybody down there,” Laudenslager said. “But honestly, it was the best decision I made. I had a great four years down there.”

Playing against his home state in the Super Bowl of High School Football, there will be some familiar faces on the other sideline, including Cumberland Valley’s Nolan Buzalka.

“We played on the same AAU team from fourth to seventh grade, he was always the biggest kid,” Buzalka said. “But it’s super awesome, especially later that we get one last game to play against each other.”

From travel basketball teammates when they were younger to now living out their dreams playing college football at the next level — Laudenslager at Rhode Island and Buzalka at East Stroudsburg.

“We both had the dream to play something in college, whether it was football or basketball, so it’s amazing we both made it there, and I’m super proud of Kamden,” Buzalka said.

But make no mistake about it, bragging rights will be on the line for these childhood friends during the big game.

“We’re ready to win honestly,” Laudenslager said. “We want to be that group that makes the difference and brings home the W to Maryland.”