PIAA Class 1A Semi-Final: A look at Steelton-Highspire

Tagged under: District 3, News, Playoffs

Mason Eddinger | November 29, 2023

Steelton-Highspire v South Williamsport, Friday, December 1, 7 PM at Shamokin

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2023 Schedule 

Steelton-Highspire has built a reputation as the program to beat in PIAA Class 1A. After winning the title last year, and in 2020, the Rollers looked to enter dynasty territory by winning 3 in 4 years in 2023.

Keys on Offense:

It starts and ends with Alex Erby, one of the top players in the 2024 class and a Navy Commit. They have scored 40 or more in 11 of 14 games this year and are one of the most explosive teams in the state. They have played in just two games that have been decided by 14 or less, they are inexperienced in close games, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In the very few games where the offense has not been electric, the defense has stepped up.

Keys on Defense:

When an offense scores on average over 45 points a game, typically the defense is not asked to do much, but the Steelton-Highspire defense is no slouch. The Rollers defense has allowed opponents to less than 8 points in over a third of the games. They have been excellent at getting to the Quarterback and stalling any type of momentum on the ground. They take on a tough, defensive, South Williamsport Mountaineers team this Friday night, who can score when need be.

Coach Erby Says

“The keys to win are trying our best vs. a team who can beat you by 21 points. We’ve gotten this far because we understand we have to improve every week and the games will keep getting tougher. We have handled this playoff gauntlet by taking it a day at a time and not looking ahead or behind.”

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