Other Announcements for Memorial Day Weekend Festivities – Dave Bray, A Popular American Musician and Veteran to Perform, Miss PA, FREE Family Fan Fest, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, Girls Flag Football, 2026 Legends to be Recognized and Military and Veterans to be Honored
The Big 33 Football Classic is proud to announce that Louis Riddick has been named the 2026 Honorary Chairman. A native of Quakertown, Riddick’s connection to the Big 33 runs deep. He was a standout participant in the 1987 Big 33 Football Classic, and his return as Honorary Chairman reflects both his distinguished career and his continued commitment to the game and its next generation of athletes.
Riddick is widely regarded as one of the most respected voices in football today, serving as an NFL and college football analyst for ESPN and ABC. He is a key member of ESPN’s NFL coverage, including game broadcasts, the NFL Draft, Super Bowl week, and flagship programs such as Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, and NFL Live. He has also been a prominent analyst on Monday Night Football.
Before his broadcasting career, Riddick spent more than a decade in NFL front offices, including leadership roles with the Washington Football Team and the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as director of pro personnel. He also played seven seasons in the NFL as a safety after being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, with additional stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders.
A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Riddick was a four-year letterman, team captain, and two-time Academic All-American. His football journey began at Pennridge High School, where he earned All-American honors as a senior and represented Pennsylvania in the Big 33 Football Classic.
“Louis represents everything the Big 33 stands for—excellence, leadership, success and giving back to the game,” said Garry Cathell, PSFCA Big 33 Executive Director. “We are honored to welcome him back as our 2026 Honorary Chairman.”
The Big 33 Football Classic continues its tradition of showcasing elite talent while emphasizing sportsmanship, community, and opportunity. Riddick’s involvement further strengthens that mission, serving as an inspiration to the student-athletes who will follow in his footsteps.
In addition to welcoming Riddick as Honorary Chair, the Big 33 is thrilled to introduce this year’s, Class of 2026, Big 33 Legends who will be recognized. These are individuals whose lasting impact embodies the tradition and spirit of the game. They include:
- Louis Riddick – 1987 PA Player
- Bob Milloy – 1986 Maryland Coach (most coaching career wins in MD history)
- Captain David B. Rodman – 1958 PA Player who lost his life serving in Vietnam…His wife and daughters will attend.
- Cristi Hegedus Castro – 2005 Big 33 Cheerleader
- Mickey Minnich – Big 33 Coach/Contributor, 1967, 1970, 1979-2007
The Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) proudly presents the 69th Big 33 Football Classic, presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. This highly anticipated game will take place on Sunday, May 24 at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in Cumberland County, PA, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Cumberland Valley High School, 6746 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
The day’s events begin with the Big 33 Girls Flag Football Games at 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., followed by the 3rd Annual Big 33 Girls Flag Championship Game at 3:00 p.m. Fans can then enjoy a Free Fan Fest from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., featuring exciting activities for all ages including a 65 foot inflatable obstacle course, food trucks, music, the Army’s Climbing Wall and meet Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico. The Big 33 Pre-Game Ceremonies and Military Recognition including the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team will take place at 5:45 p.m., honoring those who have served our country. This year, Big 33 will welcome special guest Dave Bray, USN/USMC Veteran, who is an American musician known for his patriotic themes and country genre, to perform The National Anthem. In appreciation for their service, active military members and veterans will receive FREE admission to Girls Flag Games, the Big 33 Football Classic and East/West games.
BACKGROUND:
Under the leadership of the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association, Cumberland County, the Commonwealth of PA and various sponsors are partnering to support the PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. This exciting football match up has been described as “one of the best All-Star High School Football Games in the country” and has chosen a team since 1957.
Some Notable Big 33 Alumni and NFL Greats:
Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Tony Dorsett, Ricky Waters, Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Brady, Jordan Hill, Garry Gilliam, and Damar Hamlin.
The Big 33 Buddy Program pairs individuals with special needs with a Big 33 football player or cheerleader. Buddies participate in the halftime routine and enjoy time with their teammates throughout Big 33 weekend. The program also offers year-round special Buddy events, thanks to UPMC.
TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION:
For tickets now on sale or for more information, visit www.Big33.org or follow the Big 33 on social media:
- Facebook: @Big33FootballClassic
- Instagram: @PFSCABig33FootballClassic
- Twitter: @psfcabig33
- LinkedIn: PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic
Proceeds from the Big 33 Football Classic help support all PSFCA Big 33 programs, including the Big 33 Buddy Program, military appreciation and recognition, and Big 33 Girls Flag Football during Memorial Day Weekend.
The Big 33 Host Family Program pairs Big 33 football players with local families, creating meaningful lifelong relationships. Any interested sponsors can contact Nicole Whitmire at [email protected]
The Titan Threadz PSFCA East/West All-Star Games will take place on Sunday, May 17 (1-3A Small Schools Noon / 4-6A Big Schools 5 p.m.) at Cumberland Valley High School Chapman Field.