HARRISBURG, Pa. — You can almost set your watch by it. For the third time in four years, the Steel-High football is set to be recognized in the State Capitol for winning a state championship.
"I mean, just to be with my brothers one last time, because we ultimately are going to different schools," said senior quarterback Alex Erby.
It's an even busier day for the Steamroller quarterback and Pennsylvania's all-time leading passer. He's being recognized for two teams on this trip. The other is Team Pennsylvania for the Big 33 Game.
"This is a game I grew up watching," recalled Erby. "Just looking at the names like Tyler Boyd, Dan Marino, the legends of the game, the next level that everybody ultimately wants to get to, it's truly a blessing."
Players, cheerleaders, and buddies were honored inside the Capitol Rotunda, as the game takes another step towards kick-off on Sunday, May 26.
"It's good for us to have it here," said State Senator Mike Regan. "We want other lawmakers to see and meet these guys because we ask for money for funding for the game. It takes a lot to put this game on, but it does a lot for Pennsylvania, for tourism, the buddy program. It's so important."
Big schools and perennial powers are one thing, but for Maryland commit and Spring Grove senior Michael Hershey, he's seen what this honor can mean to a whole community.
"It's crazy. People put up billboards and all sorts of stuff," said Hershey with a smile. "It's definitely a blue-collar smaller school, but I think the community is behind me a lot."
Hershey is a state wrestling medal winner, but his and many of these student athletes' last high school sporting event will be the Big 33 Game.
"It's amazing," stated Hershey. "I get to represent my community, my team, my family, my coaches, and everyone that's helped me along the way to get here."
"Then you take it to another level. A guy like Alex Erby from Steel-High is going to play at the Naval Academy, a greater calling," added Senator Regan.
As of now, Team Pennsylvania is uniting lawmakers, no matter what their party is, with a common message.
"Five straight wins over Maryland, and we're going to get another big win this year," exclaimed State Senator Scott Martin.
Tickets for the annual All-Star game between Pennsylvania and Maryland went on sale on Monday.