South Wins 11th Annual Frank Varischetti Classic All-Star Football Game

on 29 June, 2026 at 10:40

Above Photo courtesy of Varischetti Foundation – South Squad

The 2026 Frank Varischetti All-Star Classic was held on Friday, June 26th, at Frank Varischetti Field in Brockway. The contest which celebrated its 11th Anniversary, is held as part of the “Brockway Old Fashioned 4th of July” which continues through the holiday, saw the South come away with a 48-22 win.

The Central Clarion Wildcats had a solid showing.

Two plays that stand out were, Thalen Allison hauling in a sixty-six yard touchdown pass from Redbank Valley quarterback Braylon Wagner, for the game’s first score and an interception from Hayden Hindman that set up another score. Hayden also caught a pass for four yards.

Hindman was selected as the South’s Defensive MVP and Wagner was named the South’s Defensive MVP. The North Offensive MVP was Frankie Smith, from St. Marys, with Cameron County’s Malakai Zucal named the North Defensive MVP.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Marshall- Varischetti Game 2026 Most Valuable Player Awardees: (L-R) Frankie Smith, St. Marys – North Offensive MVP; Malakai Zucal, Cameron County – North Defensive MVP; Braylon Wagner, Redbank Valley – South Offensive MVP; Hayden Hindman, Central Clarion – South Defensive MVP

Other Wildcat players contributing, for the South, were Brynden Carrier, Charlie Hepfl, and Briggs Beckwith.

Wildcat Head Coach Davey Eggleton was the South Head Coach, with a number of Wildcat Assistant Coaches, Mike Ferguson, Dave Louder, Mike Hindman and Doug Knepp, among those coaching for the South.

Coach Eggleton shared this, “It was a great experience coaching in this game.

“This is my second time as a head coach and I can honestly say that this All-Star game rivals any game in the state. The Varischetti’s run a top notch event and the players are very well taken care of.

“It was great to coach our players one more time.

“I also really enjoyed working with all of the young men as well as our coaching staff. The week as a whole was just awesome.

“Getting the win was secondary to the awesome week coaching this great group of players.”

Also on the South coaching staff, was Keystone Head Coach, Todd Smith who is a longtime teacher at Clarion-Limestone and formerly coached the Lions football team. One of his players, Jacob Henry, who wrestled for the Clarion Area Bobcats and Central Clarion Wildcats, participated in the game. He had a pair of two-point conversions.

Coach Smith, shared, “I thoroughly enjoyed the week with our group of players and coaches. It was a talented bunch that worked extremely hard and had fun playing football.

“I wish all of the players nothing but the best in their future endeavors, and I pray that God blesses their journey.

“I also thank the Varischetti’s for putting on this wonderful event for our District 9 football players.”

Two other Keystone players, Brady Fulton and Everett Fulton also played for the South.

**Photo courtesy of Keystone Football – Keystone participants Brady Dunlap, Jake Henry, Coach Todd Smith, Everett Fulton**

Hayden, Charlie, Jacob and Everett each received one of the twenty-four $1,000 Scholarships provided by the Varischetti Foundation and their Corporate Sponsors.

**Photo courtesy of Cheryl Marshall – Hayden accepting his scholarship**

**Photo courtesy of Cheryl Marshall – Jacob accepting his scholarship**

**Photo courtesy of Cheryl Marshall – Charlie accepting his scholarship**

**Photo courtesy of Varischetti Foundation – North Squad**

Congratulations to all the participants in and organizers of the 2026 Frank Varischetti Classic!!!!