Bohan, Ohio Stars, Participate in Legendary Big 33 Game

After the Big 33 Classic in Hershey, PA, Ohio State interim coach Luke Ficknell, along with Buckeye nation have to be licking their chops.

That's because the Buckeye's finest not only toppled Pennsylvania's best football stars, but did so in a crushing manner, behind the efforts of a number of OSU recruits and former standout Andrew Bohan.

The roster was filled with recognizable names including Doran Grant of Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary who had a 101-yard interception return for a touchdown. Also playing were Massillon's Devin Smith, another Ohio State recruit, who caught three passes for 103 yards and scored two touchdowns

Then there was Ohio quarterback Cardale Jones, another Ohio State recruit, who should make the world forget about Terelle Pryor, who completed 4-of-6 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Thanks to their efforts, the end result was a 50-14 thumping of Pennsylvania's best.

"They are all good guys, fun guys and great players because they are going to Ohio State of course," Bohan, an Ohio lineman in the game said. "I really don't think Ohio State will have a big drop off with Jim Tressell leaving."

Bohan played a big role in the manhandling of Pennsylvania, as the 6-foot-5 Akron recruit was stellar in the trenches. Still he was surprised by the outcome.

"There was a lot of trash talk all week and I thought it would be a good game but I didn't think we would maul them like that," Bohan, said. “We worked really hard all week. The coaches helped us understand a few new blocking schemes, and we just went out there and did what we do. The whole week was a lot of fun, just meeting the guys and also the buddies."

Bohan said it took time adjusting to the Eastern Pennsylvania heat during two-a-days, and while the week is filled with activities for the players, the Buddy program, which Bohan speaks of, is something that touches every player for a lifetime.

The Buddy's are a group of 200 special needs kids, who during game week, are paired with players, cheerleaders, and coaches and has proven to be one of the most memorable aspects of the Big 33 experience.

"The week was exhausting at moments, it was hot and a busy week, but a lot of fun," Bohan aid. "When it came to the buddies we kept asking when do we get to meet them. and from the time we got to, it was a great experience. We got to work with them, it was a lot of fun and something very special and very rewarding I wont forget."

Game has history of football stars

Although Bohan also played in the Ohio North-South game, which is the oldest All-star game of its kind, The Big 33 Football Classic is billed as the Super Bowl of high school football with good reason. 

Every Super Bowl has had a former player on its roster, and players such as Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, Joe Montana and Jim Kelly along with Joe Namath have laced their shoes in the contest. The pregame is an event in itself, with an acrobatic flyover, and the introductions are like none other.

"That pretty cool," a modest Bohan said. "The stadium was packed and I never played in front of a crowd that big, they were really into it, it was an experience I will always remember."

Bohan's next step is playing football at the University of Akron this fall. Last season under the guidance of a new coach, the team went 1-11, but with a new facility, and good recruits, Bohan likes what he sees.

"I think the future is really bright, especially the line, there are four of us in my class," Bohan said. "We'll start to turn it around. Coach Ianelli and coach Browning will definitely get us going."