Forrest Rhyne selected to play in Big 33 Football Classic

Waynesboro's Forrest Rhyne is not done with high school football just yet. 

One of the area's top linebackers will represent Franklin County in the Big 33 Football Classic on Saturday, June 17 at Central Dauphin High School's Landis Field. 

After a week of practice, Rhyne will team up with the top football players in the state and face off against the all-star team from Maryland.

Rhyne, a Villanova University commit, played in the PSFCA East/ West game, representing Western Pennsylvania in a 17-14 win on May 7. In West's largest margin of victory since 2012, Rhyne impressed the Big 33 scouts and was offered a spot on the 2017 roster.

"We go up to practice on Sunday and stay up there for a week with a host family in the area," Rhyne said. "I'll have practice one to tow times a day, and in our free time we will be visiting a couple different veteran hospitals and a children's' hospital. I'll also have a special-needs buddy throughout the week."

Greg Botta of Franklin Regional will coach the West squad along with a host of talented assistant coaches from around the state, including Lebanon's Gerry Yonchiuk. 

Botta and the coaching staff will evaluate the team throughout the week to set the final roster for Saturday's game. 

"It's always been a goal of mine, and to get a chance to play in the game is really exciting," Rhyne said. "It's all about the experience and getting better during the week of practice. I'm excited to learn from some great coaches and being around some great players." 

Rhyne said he knows a number of the players he will be practicing with for the next week, including a future teammate at Villanova University. 

He said, "It's my last high school football game before college so I'm really looking forward to it." 

Rhyne was named PA all state linebacker as a junior and a senior. In his senior campaign at Waynesboro he dominated on both sides of the ball. He racked up 74 solo tackles and 38 assists; 21 tackles for a loss, and 2.5 sacks. He also rushed for 372 yards and five touchdowns on 67 carries.