In a thrilling display of resilience, the Southern Lehigh Spartans staged a remarkable comeback against Shamokin in the PIAA Class 4A quarterfinal last Friday, ultimately securing a 30-20 victory. The win was propelled by a series of strategic plays and a determined mindset, allowing Southern Lehigh to advance to the state semifinals.
Early in the game, Shamokin’s standout player, Logan Steele, demonstrated his exceptional skills by scoring on a 6-yard run and then intercepting a pass, returning it 40 yards for another touchdown. This sequence gave Shamokin a commanding 20-8 lead early in the third quarter. Steele’s performance marked his 21st rushing touchdown and ninth interception of the season, solidifying his reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic football players.
Southern Lehigh faced a challenging moment when a holding penalty negated a potential 99-yard kickoff return touchdown by Luke Kawczenski. With the odds stacked against them, the Spartans drew strength from their past experiences. Coach Phil Sams emphasized the importance of resilience, recalling how the team had nearly managed a comeback in their only regular-season loss to Northwestern Lehigh.
The Spartans responded with a nearly six-minute scoring drive, culminating in a 4-yard touchdown run by Sean Steckert. His tenacity on the field, paired with a strong offensive line, was pivotal in the victory. “I just kept chugging my legs,” Steckert said after the game. “I just felt a mass of people behind me, just pushing. I knew that was my offensive line. They’re amazing. They do everything for this team.”
This victory marked a significant milestone for Steckert, who not only contributed to the team’s offensive success but also broke the single-season rushing record previously held by Asher Smith with 2,533 yards. His performance throughout the season has been extraordinary, amassing 2,701 yards and 38 touchdowns, showcasing a remarkable level of athleticism.
Despite the victory, Coach Sams acknowledged the need for improvement as the team prepares to face District 12 champions Cardinal O’Hara in the upcoming state semifinal. Southern Lehigh committed nine penalties and their quarterback, Colton Sams, threw two interceptions—three in the first thirteen games of the season. “I think we shot ourselves in the foot a lot,” Phil Sams stated. “I think we’re better than what we showed.”
The Spartans will need to refine their strategies if they hope to secure a spot in the state finals, a goal they have been working towards since last year’s disappointing semifinal exit. The team is acutely aware that their recent performance will not suffice against a formidable opponent like O’Hara.
Steckert, who also sealed the comeback win with an interception, is determined to clean up the team’s mistakes. “All the Spartans know it. The only thing guaranteed is that we will do everything we can to make our goal come to fruition,” he remarked.
As Southern Lehigh prepares for this high-stakes matchup, their commitment to improvement and their ability to unite as a team will be crucial. The Spartans have shown they can overcome adversity, and their journey continues as they seek to make program history.
