The "Big 33: More Than A Football Game" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Walking around Hershey Park Stadium in Hershey, PA looking for a few photos that will illustrate the big event that Carol and I, along with our daughter Brynn and granddaughters Courtney and Camille are attending tonight.  The Big 33 football game has been played for quite a few years now in Hershey, PA and features the best graduated high school football talent from Pennsylvania and Maryland.  

Just so happens than my son-in-law, Dave Mencarini, is one of the coaches for the big game tonight.  Must tell you though that he and his family live in Maryland, so we are sitting on the opposite side of the stadium from where I usually would sit to watch this game.  

The girls: Courtney, Brynn, Carol and Camille

Each team features 33 of the best seniors from their respective state, thus the name of the game.  Dave arrived in Hershey a week ago to begin practice with the players, some of whom are twice the size of me.  Amazing that kids who are one quarter my age can be so big and fast as well as talented.  Most are on their way to play college football in the near future.  

Assistant Coach Dave Mencarini is highlighted in the program

Dave has been coaching high school football for over twenty years now and has been a head coach for twelve of those years.  He has managed to win 120 games as head coach and coach a state championship team along the way.  He previously coached in the Big 33 game a few years ago and will be the head coach for the Maryland team two years from now.  

Disappointing final score for the Maryland fans as well as Dave

The game was the centerpiece for the evening, but the fans and atmosphere were the highlight of the game for me.  Follow along with my photos and catch the atmosphere, excitement and championship spirit that is the Big 33 Football Game.  Oh yeah, the Pennsylvania fans were much happier than the Maryland fans at the end of the game, if you get what I mean.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

Maryland cheerleaders

Interception of a Maryland pass by the Pennsylvania team.

Maryland socks.

Halftime score sees PA in front of MD.

Another use for the smartphone.

Security guards were everywhere and metal detectors were used at the entrance to the park.

Game was broadcast on PA cable network.

This young female professional photographer seemed to be everywhere on the field.

Homemade banners for the Maryland team.

Either a mother or a coach takes a group shot of some of the cheerleaders.

Beautiful evening for a football game.

Traditional handshake at the end of the game.

This was only the second game to be played on this new turf field.

Twilight in Hershey.

Daughter Brynn with husband/coach Dave and granddaughters Courtney and Camille.