Podcast
PA High School Football Report
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.
- Episodes
- 325
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 34 min
- On air since
- 2021
- Latest episode
- 5 days ago
Episodes
325 episodes, newest first
-
39 min
Is Bishop McDevitt built to challenge Pa.'s 6A heavyweights?
Show notes
Eric Epler and Dan Sosek examine Bishop McDevitt's dominant 51-14 victory over Harrisburg and what the Crusaders' skill talent, quarterback play and defense could mean against Pennsylvania's top 6A competition. They also preview Harrisburg's difficult trip to undefeated State College, explain why Twin Valley looks built for November and break down the Week 10 games with major District 3 playoff implications, including Lower Dauphin at Hershey
-
38 min
Harrisburg-McDevitt Showdown, Recruiting Talent & District 3 Playoff Chaos
Show notes
The postseason is closing in, and the PA High School Football Report tackles a loaded Week 9.
Eric Epler and Dan Sostek break down Harrisburg-Bishop McDevitt, including Sebastian Williams and a dangerous McDevitt receiving group, Harrisburg's keys to slowing the Crusaders and the Commonwealth stakes surrounding the rivalry.
-
34 min
Camryn Bair's breakout opportunity + Week 8's biggest District 3 stakes
Show notes
Conestoga Valley senior quarterback/safety Camryn Bair joins Eric Epler and Dan Sostek to discuss taking over at quarterback, the lessons he learned waiting behind Sawyer Esbenshade, playing both sides of the football and keeping a 6-1 team focused with major games still ahead.
Then it's time for the Week 8 stakes board: Hershey-Northern York's huge Keystone Division showdown, West Perry's playoff pressure, Milton Hershey's opportunity and other games to watch around District 3.
-
47 min
PA Playoff Race Heats Up: Recruiting Risers, District Battles & Huge Week 7 Stakes
Show notes
The postseason picture is starting to take shape.
Eric Epler and Dan Sostek examine District 3's latest power ratings, identify teams with the most to gain during the final month of the regular season, and spotlight players making an impact as recruiting conversations intensify. They also preview Steel-High vs. Line Mountain, Cumberland Valley vs. Cedar Cliff, East Pennsboro vs. Susquehanna Township and the unbeaten showdown between Twin Valley and Solanco.
-
34 min
District 3 Midseason Report: MVP Picks, Recruiting Standouts and State Title Questions
Show notes
While Eric Epler is out covering golf playoffs, the rest of PennLive's high school sports team gather for a midseason check-in on District 3 and LL League football, handing out unofficial MVP honors, breakout player recognition and coach of the year praise while evaluating where the statewide championship race stands entering the second half of the season.
-
43 min
West York Has a Championship Goal. Here's Why They Believe
Show notes
A loaded episode of the PA High School Football Report featuring one of District 3's most intriguing quarterbacks. West York junior Jensen Ferber discusses leadership, football IQ development, offseason work, playing with his younger brother and the Bulldogs' push toward their long-term championship goals. Plus, a look at major Week 5 matchups and the evolving playoff races across District 3
-
51 min
How Northern York transformed into a Mid-Penn threat
Show notes
Northern York head coach Jeff Costello and senior standout Tristan Wenrich join Eric and Dan to discuss the Polar Bears' resurgence, offseason development and critical matchup against Gettysburg. Plus, Eric and Dan examine standout performances from Week 3 and several players generating attention across Pennsylvania.
-
34 min
Week 2 Recap & Week 3 Preview in District 3 Football
Show notes
Eric Epler and Dan Sostek break down a pivotal early stretch of the 2026 high school football season across the Mid-Penn and beyond, including East Pennsboro’s historic 500th program win, Gettysburg’s impressive start under new head coach Jake Johnson, and unpack Harrisburg’s dominant performance over Cedar Cliff in sweltering conditions at Severance Field.
-
37 min
Milk Jug Showdown & Mid-Penn Debuts with Christian Eby
Show notes
Eric Epler and Dan Sostek introduced Christian Eby as the newest high school sports reporter for PennLive, who will focus on the field hockey beat and assist with the expansion of the Lancaster-League football coverage. The guys discuss how Week 1 went and games to look forward to this weekend.
-
48 min
2026 PA High School Football Season Begins: Week 1 Showdowns & Bold Picks
Show notes
PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek kick off the 2026 season by breaking down the biggest storylines across District 3 and beyond. Which teams are ready to emerge as contenders? Who will survive the chaos of the Mid-Penn Keystone Division? And which Week 1 games could shape playoff races months before November?
-
35 min
2026 PA High School Football Predictions: SCAC Favorites, Dark Horses & Mid-Penn MVP Picks
Show notes
PennLive's Eric Epler, Dan Sostek and Evan Wheaton break down the favorites, challengers and dark horses across the newly named South Central Athletics Conference. Can anyone catch Central York?
Plus, we unveil our preseason Mid-Penn MVP picks in every division.
-
32 min
District 3 Media Day Takeaways + Biggest Week 1 Matchups
Show notes
Eric Epler and Dan Sostek share their biggest takeaways from Mid-Penn and SCAC media days, discuss why several divisions appear completely up for grabs, identify sleeper teams and breakout players, and preview the opening week schedule.
-
30 min
Building Pennsylvania's Ultimate High School Football Recruiting Database
Show notes
Eric and Dan are joined by colleague Rymir Vaughn to discuss his ongoing development of a massive Pennsylvania high school football recruiting database. Vaughn explains his meticulous process for scouting and grading over 700 high school prospects.
-
23 min
Shawn Lee Jr.'s Mission: How Pitt & Steelers Stars Are Giving Back to Pa. Youth
Show notes
This week, we head to Harrisburg for Shawn Lee Jr.'s inaugural Next Play Youth Football Camp, where the former Harrisburg Cougars standout brought together some of Pennsylvania's biggest football names to give back to the next generation.
Hear from Pitt sophomore and former Harrisburg star Shawn Lee Jr., Pitt starting running back Ja'Kyrian "Boosie" Turner, Steelers defensive back and former Cougar Donte Kent, and former Steel Valley standout and current Pitt defensive back Cruce Brookins as they discuss the importance of community, mentorship, team culture, and why giving back matters.
-
29 min
2026 Pa. High School Football Preview: Breaking Down the Biggest Storylines
Show notes
PA Football News owner Billy Splain joins the PA High School Football Podcast to preview the 2026 Pennsylvania high school football season.
The conversation covers one of the wildest coaching carousel offseasons in recent memory, major PIAA classification changes, and which teams look poised to compete for state championships in Class 6A and 5A.
-
28 min
New Cedar Cliff Coach Jason Rice Breaks Down His Vision
Show notes
District 3 football is already making headlines before the 2026 season kicks off.
Eric Epler and Dan Sostek discuss the surprising coaching developments involving Manheim Central and York High before welcoming new Cedar Cliff head coach Jason Rice to the show.
-
34 min
Has Pennsylvania Lost Its Edge? Maryland Wins Big 33 Again
Show notes
Maryland has now won the Big 33 Classic two years in a row. Is it time for Pennsylvania football to rethink its approach to one of the state's signature all-star events?
PennLive's Eric Epler and Dan Sostek break down Maryland's 18-10 double-overtime victory, discuss concerns about Pennsylvania's offensive struggles, and examine whether the passion and urgency surrounding the game have shifted to the Maryland sideline.
The guys also discuss longtime Camp Hill coach Tim Bigelow stepping down after nine seasons, look back at his impact on the Lions program, and offer thoughts on who could be next.
-
30 min
Big 33 Week Preview & East-West All-Star Takeaways (ft. Coach Josh Oswalt)
Show notes
Big 33 week has arrived.
Eric Epler and Dan Sostek recap the East-West All-Star games and preview the upcoming PA vs Maryland Big 33 showdown, one of the state’s premier football events.
They’re joined by Cumberland Valley head coach Josh Oswalt, who shares insight into:
• How Big 33 has evolved
• The impact of early college enrollment on rosters
• Maryland’s rise in the event
• What stands out about this year’s Pennsylvania teamThe episode also highlights standout athletes, offseason momentum across the state, and what to watch as the next high school football season approaches.
-
32 min
Jerome LaRue Interview + East/West All-Star Breakdown
Show notes
This week, Jerome LaRue Jr. joins Eric and Dan after transferring to Central York. Eric and Dan also talk about the East/West All-Star rosters, how Jaimie Thomas’ Big Man Camp spotlights linemen development and post- NFL Draft thoughts.
-
39 min
From WPIAL to the NFL Draft: Eli Heidenreich, Singleton & More
Show notes
Eric Epler and Dan Sostek talk with Steelers beat writer Nick Farabaugh about:
• WPIAL football culture
• Pennsylvania high school players entering the NFL
• Penn State prospects like Nick Singleton and Drew Allar
• The evolving path from PA high school football to the pros
On these lists
PA High School Football Report is one of the shows picked out on this list
More in Football
Placed highest on Apple Podcasts' Football chart right now