Epic Comeback: Steckert’s Six-Touchdown Masterclass Powers Southern Lehigh to District Championship
In a stunning display of high school football drama, Sean Steckert delivered a performance for the ages, leading Southern Lehigh to a remarkable 41-34 victory over Pottsville in the District 11 Class 4A semifinals on November 7, 2024.
Early on, the game at Athletic Stadium in Center Valley seemed destined to be Pottsville’s night. In the second quarter, the Crimson Tide quickly established an overwhelming 34-13 lead. JuJu Bainbridge was unstoppable for Pottsville, rushing for 193 yards and scoring four touchdowns in a spectacular first-half showing.
But Southern Lehigh refused to go down without a fight. With less than ten seconds left before halftime, quarterback Colton Sams connected with Steckert on a momentum-changing 46-yard touchdown pass. This play sparked what would become one of the most memorable comebacks in District 11 playoff history.
“Steckert’s touchdown catch was huge and put us back in the game,” Southern Lehigh head coach Phil Sams told reporters after the game. The score cut Pottsville’s lead to 34-20 at halftime, giving the Spartans new life.
The second half belonged entirely to Southern Lehigh, with their defense shutting out Pottsville completely. Steckert continued his heroics, finishing the night with an incredible 228 rushing yards and six total touchdowns. His versatility was on full display as he scored both on the ground and through the air.
The game’s defining moment came in its final seconds. With just nine seconds left on the clock, Steckert punched in a 4-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful two-point conversion that sealed the victory for the Spartans. The touchdown capped off a clutch drive that included a crucial 31-yard reception by Darius Roman.
For Pottsville, the loss marked the end of a season that showed tremendous improvement from last year’s three-win campaign. Head coach Mike Brennan remained optimistic about his team’s future, noting, “Everyone in the locker room knows where we are going to go. They will comprehend the necessary steps to advance to the next round in the future.
The Crimson Tide’s future looks bright with the return of quarterback Andrew Allen, who threw for 1,838 yards this season, and Bainbridge, who finished with 1,123 rushing yards. However, they’ll bid farewell to 16 seniors, including standouts Tsirell Curry and Brayden Evans.
Southern Lehigh (10-2) advances to face Bethlehem Catholic in the Class 4A championship game, scheduled for November 14 at Catasauqua High School. After this thrilling comeback victory, the Spartans carry significant momentum into what promises to be an exciting title matchup.
The game will be remembered not just for its dramatic ending but also for the resilience shown by both teams and the extraordinary individual performance by Steckert that turned what looked like a certain defeat into an unforgettable victory.