Following a very successful 2024 season (12-3), winning the district championship and making it to the state semi finals, the Southern Lehigh High School football team started the 2025 season with high expectations to live up to.
The Spartans finished the 2025 regular season with an electrifying 9-1 record and tons of momentum on their side as they moved into playoffs, clinching another PIAA District XI Championship in the 4A division.
For this team, nothing comes without hard work and dedication.
“We put a lot of work into the new guys coming up on varsity, mentally and physically in the weight room, and over summer camp to be prepared and in shape,” said senior Dariuz Lightner.
For the Spartans, football never really has an end date. Shortly after the season ends, players begin lifting and training for the following season in the winter and spring months, as well as practicing in the early summer to prepare for the next season. With many of the starters returning from last season, the chemistry on and off the field was unmatched.
“I think we are the most close knit team out there,” senior running back Sean Steckert said. “We win games not just by talent, but by how much we are willing to sacrifice for each other.”
With hard work and devotion, the Spartans broke three all-time records this season. Sean Steckert now holds the records for most rushing yards in a career and the most touchdowns in a career, and junior quarterback Colton Sams broke the record for all-time career touchdown passes.
Looking back at the last three years, the Spartans have a lot to be proud of. Every year the team has made it a little bit farther in the postseason while still adjusting to new players that have to fill the positions of the seniors from the years prior.
“We make changes every year to adapt to the players, but we also have standard plays that we feel anyone can run,” said head coach Philip Sams. “Adapting to what you have is very important to us; for example, if you don’t have a very big offensive line, it is difficult to play smash mouth.”
Usually when a strong senior class graduates, one might think that the following year the team would regress a little. Not for the Spartans.
“Many young players stepped up in the offseason,” senior Carter Giberson said. “We all play as a family; it makes it easier for the younger guys to step up.”
Many times this season, the team found themselves in a position where they lead by a large scoring margin late in the game. Because of this, some younger players gained more experience in a varsity game environment.
“Most people in the stands think it’s not that big of a deal and it’s only the backups going in [during the second half], but for me, I take it very seriously,” said freshman quarterback and kicker Declan Walsh. “When I’m in the game on Fridays, I do everything to the best I can, because I’m very lucky to get in, and adjusting to the speed of a varsity game is way different than JV.”
In the end, this team only has one goal: win states. There’s no denying the talent on this Spartans roster, and with the senior leaders taking charge and guiding the team, the only question; is how far they will go?
The Southern Lehigh Spartans will face Shamokin High School in the state quarterfinal game on Friday, November 21st at Blue Mountain High School.
