FOUNTAIN SPRINGS – It was born at a kitchen table.

The idea of creating a competition for high school football players — not just the skilled ones, but also the often-overlooked linemen — started as a conversation between Dr. Andy Smarkanic and his son Matt at their Frackville home nine years ago.

The elder Smarkanic, a retired superintendent at North Schuylkill and a strong supporter of the United Way of Schuylkill County, and his son — a former Spartans quarterback and now a physical therapist — started sketching out the game plan. It has since taken off and made its way across cyberspace.

“It did start at our kitchen table with my son,” said Andy, who serves as director of the event. “We wanted to get the kids involved in the United Way, and this is a great way to do it.”

Despite the rainy weather — which felt more like monsoon season — Matt had a big smile on his face.

“We have a great time here with this. It’s fun and a good way to help fundraise,” he said. Standing again on Ghosh Orthodontics Field brought back memories. “It was fun when I played, and you can see all the fun the players today are having with this competition.”

Marian, Panther Valley and Tamaqua were among 14 teams to take part in a variety of events — pushing sleds, lifting weights, running sprints, kicking and passing — for more than three hours at the Schuylkill United Way’s 8th Annual High School Football Challenge Tuesday. Events included:

• Quarterback Passing Challenge

• 185-pound Bench Press

• Long Jump

• Tire Flip

• 2-Man Sled Relay

• Farmers Carry Relay

• Speed Relay

Back by popular demand was the Kick Out Contest, giving team kickers a chance to shine.

Now in its eighth year, the High School Football Challenge has raised over $168,000 to support Schuylkill United Way student initiatives like the Nurse’s Pantry and Stuff the Bus, as well as helping fund vital programs that benefit young people across Schuylkill County.

The event not only showcases the incredible talent and determination of Schuylkill County’s student-athletes, but also serves as the unofficial kickoff to the 2025 high school football season.

“This is a great thing to have the kids competing in during the summer,” said Panther Valley head coach Mark Lavine, who was running alongside his players during one of the events. “It’s really neat for the United Way — a really good cause.”

Panther Valley junior Marco Tessitore welcomed the chance to break up the routine of summer workouts.

“Oh, it’s a lot of fun to be here with my teammates and to see the other players from schools we’ll be playing against,” said Tessitore, a two-way standout who played through a torn ACL last season and is now fully healed and ready for 2025. “This is a good way to break things up, but now we’ve got to keep working all summer and get ready for the opener against Salisbury.”

Marian had several bright spots throughout the event. Second-year head coach Billy O’Gurek believed the experience would build chemistry — and he was right.

“It’s neat because you get to see some of the teams you’re going to play,” said O’Gurek, noting that it gave him and his squad a barometer for the upcoming season. “For me, this is like the kickoff for football season.”

That feeling was echoed by senior Jah Bushati, a two-way player for the Colts at linebacker and receiver, who also handles placekicking duties. Bushati normally travels to his family’s home country of Albania in the summer, but stayed local this time.

“Things are going great. This is a lot of fun to be here — even though we’re missing a few guys because of vacations,” Bushati said. “Our turnout this summer has been really good. Our guys are hungry. I’m working this summer at DiMaggio’s, and I want to give a shoutout to the owner, Alfie — that’s my guy.”

Tamaqua, coming off a solid season, will need to reload after graduating several key players.

“We’ve got to build on what we have coming back,” said assistant coach Eddie Titus, who filled in for head coach Sam Bonner. “Yeah, we’re going to be young in a lot of spots … hopefully those guys are more than capable of filling in for the lost positions.”

One of those leaders is senior Brady McCabe, a standout athlete entering his final season with the Blue Raiders.

“I’m enjoying this. It’s good to see the other guys from the other schools,” said McCabe. “It’s definitely a rebuilding year, but we’ve got a lot of guys who can fill the shoes. I’m going to work hard; I’m going to push them. The seniors are going to work hard to push everyone to work hard.”

But on this particular night, at an event benefiting Schuylkill County United Way Charities, it was all about fun, games, and a relaxed atmosphere — before the pads start popping and the real season begins later this summer.