2020 CPFCA Lezzer Lumber Classic High School Football All-Star Game Canceled, Bobcats Austin Newcomb, Colton Zacherl And Ben Smith Among Those Who Were Selected To Play (04/23/20)

In a meeting last Wednesday (April 15th), the Central Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association decided to cancel this year’s Lezzer Lumber Classic All-Star Football Game, due to concerns over the Corona Virus.

The game that was scheduled to be played at Bellfonte Area High School, on Sunday, May 31st, would have been the 36th Annual meeting between North and South squads, comprised of players and coaches from programs, throughout Districts 6 and 9, in every classification (1A to 6A).

Game Director, Jim Zauzig had this to say about the cancellation, “With issues rising about the availability of the actual football field, the recent announcement by the PIAA and the order coming from our Governor’s Office, the CPFCA has announced the cancelation of this year’s Lezzer Lumber All-Star football game. Not only were these factors an issue with the game, but the coaches felt that the safety of our players, coaches, and fans was, foremost, the major factor in this decision.”

Clarion Area players participate on the North Squad. The Bobcats had three players selected to this year’s North Team, Austin Newcomb, Colton Zacherl and Ben Smith.

Clarion Area Head Coach Larry Wiser said, “First of all I would like to congratulate all of these players on their selection to these All-Star Teams. It is quite an honor to represent your community, school and team.

“For many of these players they not only lose the opportunity to play their last high school game but also lose out on the opportunity to receive scholarship money.

“Last year, between Clarion-Limestone and Clarion, eight players received scholarships.

“I am disappointed for these seniors. They deserved a much better send off.”

Though Austin, Colton and Ben, along with the other athletes, will miss out on this great opportunity, they will each receive a game jersey, to be distributed later this summer. The CPFCA is also considering having members of this year’s squads introduced at the game in 2021. 

The coaches also discussed the 2020 Combine which is held at Bald Eagle High School and the Golf Outing.  Both events were scheduled to take place in the next few weeks.  It was decided that these events would be postponed until later in the summer and further action would be addressed at the May meeting. 

The CPFCA closed their news release with this statement, “The coaches felt a strong need to apologize to these players and parents regarding this decision.  Hopefully, this pandemic will pass and we can get back to football in the fall and the Lezzer Lumber Classic Football All-Star Game next spring.”

Congratulations to Austin, Colton, Ben and all the others selected to this prestigious All-Star Game and echoing Coach Wiser, “I am disappointed for these seniors. They deserved a much better send off.”