‘Built a brotherhood’: All-star game gives District 4 football graduates chance to grow closer

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent
Williamsport’s Connor Poole kicks an extra point with Millionaire teammate Devon Harris (22) as his holder during the PIAA District 4 All-Star football game at Central Columbia High School on Friday, June 21, 2024.

District 4’s annual North-South All-Star Football Game is an exciting event for the area and its football players, coaches and fans, with this year’s rendition on last Friday’s summer solstice being no different.

For spectators, it builds anticipation for the upcoming season, set to kick off in two short months. It’s a bit bittersweet knowing it could be the last time they’ll watch some of these athletes compete. But it also provides a sense of nostalgia, with so many memorable players taking the field together, having already left a legacy.

For players, those aspects are magnified.

While some leave the field knowing they’ll have more opportunities to compete in the sport they’ve grown up playing, others remove their helmets knowing it’s likely the last time they’ll do so. Nonetheless, they see it as a blessing to be invited, as it leaves them with another good memory to add to the catalog.

“I’m done. This is it. This is my last time. I’m going to Sechrist Construction, and we’ll see where we go from there I guess,” said Jersey Shore running back Tate Sechrist, who won defensive player of the game for the North squad. “I’m glad I got a memorable last experience playing football. Ended it on a really good note.”

It’s also a great chance for these players that have competed against each other for four years to form or build upon their bonds as members of District 4. Though everyone involved loves to win and they’ve had to overcome their previous counterparts to do so, they have a strong connection off the field, one which has only grown through the past week.

“We’ve played across from them for years so to be able to meet them on a personal level, I think that means a lot,” said Selinsgrove quarterback Mark Pastore on the experience. “It’s awesome and it shows a lot about how this game is and the cool things that come out of it.”

Through the week of practice leading up to the game, they got to know their former rivals and had a lot of fun in the process. With the common goal of winning the all-star game in mind and similar mindsets regarding hard work and preparation, both teams grew closer with each passing day.

“It’s been a blast working with everybody. We’ve been around each other for about a week, but they’re family. I love these guys,” expressed Montoursville running back Nate Fisher. “We all came out every day and worked really hard. We all had the same game of winning and we built a brother hood together.”

“We’re like all best friends now. It didn’t even feel like practice. It just felt like going and hanging out with your friends,” emphasized Sechrist. “On Sunday, I wasn’t really looking forward to it because it was going to be so hot. But then, everyone was super cool. Everyone was having a great time and it made it really fun.”

On top of bonding with former opponents, it also gave players one last chance to take the field with those they grew up playing alongside.

South Williamsport, Williamsport, Jersey Shore, Loyalsock and Hughesville all featured five teammates, with Montoursville (four), Warrior Run (four), Muncy (two), Lewisburg (two) and Canton (two) having multiple. The Mounties had the added benefit of playing under head coach Chris Eiswerth, an experience they greatly enjoyed.

“It’s awesome. He’s like a second dad,” said South Williamsport running back Ryan Casella on playing under Eiswerth again. “We love him. He’s awesome. He’s a great coach, great guy.”

Though shaking off the rust was difficult, these athletes still put on a show and displayed chemistry and comradery in the process. It’s a testament to their ability to look past prior rivalries and their overarching love for the sport and competition in general.