STEELTON, Pa. — This week’s PIAA stage is set, the final fall sports champions will be crowned and Steelton-Highspire is the only District III team left standing.
The emotions are running high but Steel-High is staying composed as the Rollers stay focused and ready to go ahead of the big stage to try and defend their 1A PIAA State Title on Thursday.
This might be the toughest opponent the rollers face all year; undefeated Fort Cherry out of the WPIAL. The Rollers are determined to not lose.
“It’s a great feeling just to be back here, after all the hard work we put in through the summer and all throughout the year,” said Durrell Ceasar, Jr., Steel-High senior wide receiver.
Steel-High is trying to do something that has been done, once before by the Rollers, a chance to win back-to-back 1A PIAA State Championships. They did it in 2007 and 2008. Steel-High is not only winning back-to-back, the Rollers also have the chance to win their third title in just four years.
“These last four years have been an honor and a blessing because I’ve been able to play the game that I love and the game I want to play the rest of my life,” said Jaeion Perry, Steel-High's senior wide receiver.
“A lot of people don’t get to make it this far. To make it three of the last four seasons is crazy. We’re excited,” said Eugene Green, Steel-High's senior lineman.
“I think winning this game will solidify us as the top runners, ever,” said Ameri Williams, Steel-High's senior linebacker.
The Navel Academy commit, quarterback Alex Erby is the most prolific high school quarterback in Pennsylvania state history. He has the most passing yards and touchdowns with over 13,200 yards passing and 170 touchdowns.
He’s just one touchdown away from tying the single-season touchdown record at 57. Another state title would mean the world, as the Erbys will be on the sidelines together, one final time.
“Everybody in that household, as a whole, we’re just extremely proud of each other but at the same time, we’re trying to go win another state title,” said Alex Erby, Steel-High's senior quarterback.
“Just having my dad and my brother on the same team as me is just surreal,” said Andrew Erby, Jr., Steel-High senior lineman.
What needs to be done is simple and something the Rollers know how to do.
“It’s going to take everything. They’re the best football team we’ll face this year. They bring a lot to the table. We’ll have our hands full. It’s two really good that will clash,” said Andrew Erby, Steel-High's head coach.
The Rollers haven’t suffered a loss since the second week of the 2022 season.
Steel-high plays Fort Cherry at Cumberland Valley High School on Thursday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.