Southern Steamrolls Past Steel-High

Tagged under: District 3, District 4, Gameday Hub, News, Playoffs

Dave Fegley | November 22, 2025

Tigers put game into Mercy Rule and win 55-26

Southern Columbia and Steelton-Highspire are two of Pennsylvania’s most decorated programs, and Friday night’s matchup at Harold L. Bolig Memorial Stadium added another chapter to their shared history of excellence. With 14 combined state championships and 50 district titles between them, both teams entered the contest fully aware of the standard expected.

But from the early going, it was clear which powerhouse had command of this installment.

Southern Columbia imposed its will at the line of scrimmage, using the trenches to dictate the tone in a 55–26 victory that propelled the Tigers to another Eastern Final. While Steel-High’s skill-position play has overwhelmed opponents this season, the Rollers were never able to establish rhythm—largely because Southern controlled the point of attack on both sides of the ball.

Behind a physical offensive line and a defense that filled every gap with precision, the Tigers consistently moved the chains and wore down Steel-High as the night progressed. Each possession reinforced the same message.

“We came out and executed early on. They had talent at the skill position, and we were worried about their speed. Our players played to their assignments for the most part and that helped us build a big lead,” said SCA coach Jim Roth.

The Rollers showed flashes of the explosive playmaking that has made the program one of the state’s most respected over the last decade. Special teams and perimeter speed yielded moments of momentum, but sustained drives were rare against a Tigers front that refused to budge.

Southern’s championship pedigree surfaced in the details, too. The offense played mostly clean football, and the defense delivered timely stops that smothered any potential Roller surge.

For Steel-High, the loss doesn’t diminish what the program continues to represent—a perennial contender with a tradition built on speed, creativity, and fearless competition. Their run to the state quarterfinals this year marks yet another successful campaign for a school that consistently reloads rather than rebuilds.

“We knew what we were up against. That’s a program that has a lot of history behind it,” said Steel-High coach Andrew Erby.

Friday belonged to the squad repping the black & gold though. Did anyone expect anything else? After all, Southern has Pennsylvania records in both PIAA championships (14) and district golds (32). The Tigers are now 6-0 all-time against the Rollers, and this was their first meeting in 20 years.

Southern wasted no time grabbing control Friday night, and it took just one offensive snap for the Tigers to set the tone. After a blocked punt gave Southern prime field position to open the game, sophomore Grady Garcia burst through a crease and sprinted 51 yards for the game’s first score.

Garcia’s early touchdown was only a preview of what Southern’s starting backfield would deliver. The trio of Garcia, Brayden Andrews, and Joey Williams powered the Tigers to 315 rushing yards and five touchdowns—production their head coach said has become a defining piece of this group’s identity.

“Grady has been running well all fall, but he’s definitely elevated his play down the stretch,” Roth said. “And when you add Brayden and Joey to the mix, it gives us real balance. Teams know we’re going to run it, but it’s a different challenge when all three backs are contributing the way they are.”

Andrews led the charge with 132 yards and three touchdowns, Williams added 92 yards and a score, and Garcia finished with 91 yards and the opening strike.

Even with the ground game rolling, the Tigers showed they could be equally dangerous when they put the ball in the air. Quarterback Ayden Hockenbroch delivered one of his most efficient outings of the season, completing 8 of 10 passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns in the first two quarters. By the time the Tigers reached the midway point of the second quarter, they held a commanding 41-0 lead.

“It feels good to execute in big games because we spend all offseason and all year preparing for these moments,” Hockenbroch said. “When you don’t need to throw it after halftime, it usually means you’ve taken full control. Our run game is strong, and we just have to keep building on that for two more weeks.”

Hockenbroch has now completed 15 of his last 17 passes over the span of two games. He credited the trust he has in his receivers and an offensive line that continues to deliver protection.

“I know if I put the ball up, my guys are going to go get it,” Hockenbroch said.

His longest completion in the win was a 31-yard strike to tight end Jace Malakoski to set a score up, but the Tigers found the end zone through the air in several ways. Nate Gallagher hauled in the first touchdown pass from 20 yards out before Blaise Kissinger secured the next two—grabs of 25 and 7 yards. Kissinger’s second score pushed the lead to 48-12 just before halftime.

Kissinger said his connection with Hockenbroch has been built over years of playing together.

“We’ve been close friends forever, always throwing together growing up,” Kissinger said. “Most teams don’t expect us to pass much, so when we do, it changes what they have to defend. I’ve known Ayden since first or second grade. We used to play basketball together, so that chemistry has just kept improving.”

Southern’s defense was equally impressive. The Tigers controlled the line of scrimmage, smothering Steel-High’s running game and making the Rollers earn every yard. Of the four Steel-High (11-3) scores, two came on special teams and another occurred late against Southern’s reserves.

“We try to win every snap,” said two-way lineman John Quinton. “We trust each other, we play hard, and we do our job every play.”

Fellow offensive and defensive lineman starter Jaden Carter agreed.

“Our d-line is dominant, and we can all beat double teams. They still couldn’t run because we have guys that work on the line,” Carter said. “They came in with a good concept, but we were able to control them.”

The Tigers will look to carry both their balance and their physicality into next week as their postseason run continues.

“We all win together. When something good happens for one of us, it’s because the other guys set it up to make it happen,” said Tiger defensive end Ethan Makowski. “We work together real well as a unit and the results are paying off.”

Southern’s defense not only controlled the line of scrimmage but also made its mark in the takeaway department, coming up with three interceptions on the night. Kaden Zachman, Caius Morrow, and Kane Cecco each grabbed a pick as the Tigers continued to clamp down on opposing passing games throughout the postseason.

“With the kind of pressure our front can generate, it’s crucial for the linebackers and secondary to hold up their end in coverage,” Roth said. “We know we’re strong up front, and we try to force the quarterback into uncomfortable decisions. Tonight was a good example of that working together.”

The Tigers will now turn their attention to Lansdale Catholic, which punched its ticket to the Eastern Final with a 33–7 win over Williams Valley. Historically, Southern Columbia has thrived in this round as they have posted an astonishing 22–1 record in Eastern Finals since 1994.

“We’re moving on, but every step gets more difficult,” Roth said. “Lansdale Catholic will challenge us, especially through the air, so we have to lock in and prepare.”

Through four postseason games, Southern (13–1) has allowed only one touchdown with its starting defense on the field—a testament to both discipline and resolve. Defensive end Chase Williams said the unit’s motivation dates back to last year’s postseason disappointment.

“We’ve had a chip on our shoulder since the loss to Troy,” Williams said. “We’ve been hungry all season because our goal is to finish the job.”

With Friday’s win, Southern Columbia inches closer to another December appearance, continuing to demonstrate the toughness, execution, and championship mentality that have defined the program’s long-running dynasty.

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