From the youngest booster players to the varsity veterans, Lehighton football stood together last week — one program, one community, and one family wearing Maroon and White.

Last week Wednesday, Lehighton Middle School’s JV and varsity players joined the Lehighton Booster Club football teams at the youth field for a group photo and pep talk ahead of the postseason.

The gathering brought together every player in the program — from kindergarten through 12th grade — standing shoulder to shoulder as one team.

“This was the first time we’ve ever had all the Lehighton and Jim Thorpe trophies in one place,” said Colleen, a Booster Club parent and organizer. “The B team (third and fourth grade) and the A team (fifth and sixth grade) both won, and so did the varsity. The middle school and JV teams don’t have trophies, but they beat Jim Thorpe, too. Every team in the program won that week.”

Lehighton swept its Route 209 rivalry matchups against Jim Thorpe, bringing home all three trophies and uniting the program in celebration.

After the group photo, varsity head coach Tom McCarroll led a massive huddle with players of all ages, offering words of encouragement as the varsity team prepared for its District 11 Class 3A playoff game against Blue Mountain the following night, while the booster squads readied for their wild card playoff games over the weekend.

“It was really special,” Colleen said. “The little kids look up to the older players, and the older kids were wishing the younger ones luck in their playoffs, too. It was just sweet and heartfelt — our whole community supporting one another.”

Lehighton’s A team advanced to the semifinals before being eliminated, while the B team moved on to the championship game this coming weekend.

Win or lose, the program’s unity shined as the foundation for the future.

The night’s photo captured more than a moment — it showed what Lehighton football is all about: family, tradition, and pride that stretches from the youth field to the varsity sideline.

“This was a great opportunity for all members of the Lehighton Football family to get together and celebrate our success against our rival,” said McCarroll. “It’s important for our high school players to understand the impact and influence they can have on the younger players in the Booster Club.

“It’s also a great opportunity to tie all levels together. Some activities have the power to bring a community together, and youth sports is one of them. This was a fun moment to highlight that.”