Big 33 signs deal with Maryland

Pennsylvania will have a new opponent in the Big 33 all-star high school football game next summer.

Big 33 officials have signed a five-year contract for Pennsylvania to play Maryland in the annual game, starting in 2013. Since 1993, Pennsylvania has played Ohio in the Big 33 game.

However, Maryland is not a totally new opponent for Pennsylvania. From 1985 through 1992, Pennsylvania played Maryland in the Big 33.

The Big 33 is played in Hershey and is for graduated seniors. There has never been a Super Bowl played without a former Big 33 player, but interest in the game isn't what it used to be. The crowds are much smaller these days. One of the things that has hurt the game some is it is now played in mid-June. It used to be played in late July.

In recent years, some of the top players in Pennsylvania have elected not to participate in the Big 33.