In 1985, the Central Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association, with J. Gawen Stoker as the game director, initiated the Mid-State Classic. The game aims to promote scholarship football and recognize the players and coaches for their excellence. The first game involved players from 25 schools.
In 1998, the Lezzer Lumber Company became the sponsor for the classic. Currently, there are thirty-two schools from District 6 and District 9 that are involved in the game. There are 343 scholarships awarded to help young students continue their education that are worth a total of $179,000. The players and coaches selected to participate in the Football Classic are held in high regard and well respected by the association. The Lezzer Lumber Classic is one of the premier all-star football games in the state of Pennsylvania.
Senior football players are selected from the Central Pennsylvania area. From the Warrior football team, Coby Kephart, Payton Kephart, and Easton Emigh were selected to play this upcoming summer. C. Kephart was a running back for his four years that he dedicated to the program, along with Emigh contributing at wide receiver. C. Kephart built an impressive career stat line, finishing with 784 rushing yards, 624 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns, and 152 total tackles. P. Kephart contributed to the team as the backup quarterback with 103 total yards and 3 interceptions. Emigh finished his career with 356 total yards and 6 touchdowns.
All three Warrior football players spoke about how grateful they are for this opportunity. “We feel honored to be able to play one more football game. It will be fun to play with other people from other schools. It is awesome that all of us get to be recognized through this with all the other great players.”
The Lezzer Lumber Classic game is set to be played on Friday, June 19th, at Mifflin County High School under the lights at 6:00 PM. Good luck to all three participants.
