Franklin Regional's Colin Jonov played in one high school football All-Star game this spring, but he'll soon get a chance to compete in another.

Jonov was named last week to Pennsylvania's team for the Big 33 Football Classic, which will be played June 14 at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey.

“I was in shock,” Jonov said. “I didn't expect it at all. I was honored.”

The Big 33 game matches up a team of Pennsylvania All-Star seniors against opponents from Maryland, and the contest is the most well-known high school football All-Star game in the state. Rosters typically contain players who will compete at the highest levels of college football — the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I) and Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA).

“I learned about it this year and how much of an honor it really is and some of the great players that have played in it,” Jonov said. “It's a really cool experience, and I'm honored to be a part of it.”

Jonov, a Bucknell recruit, was added to the Pennsylvania roster as a replacement for a player who couldn't play in the game.

Earlier this month, Jonov played in the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association's East-West Game, earning most valuable player honors for the West team after recording an interception during the game. The PSFCA also runs the Big 33 game.

“The head coach (Steve Shiffert) came to me and said, ‘Greg, we're considering your guy,” said Franklin Regional coach Greg Botta, an assistant on the Pennsylvania Big 33 team. “He asked about his character, his work ethic and his overall ability. He was at the East-West Game, and he saw Colin's performance.”

After missing several games with a back injury during his junior season in 2012, Jonov played a key role for Franklin Regional in 2013. He intercepted a team-high six passes, returning one for a touchdown, and led the Panthers on offense with 26 receptions, 473 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.

“He's always been a hard worker,” Botta said. “What he went through two years ago with his back problem and the year he had last year, (earning) a scholarship to Bucknell, playing in the East-West Game and Big 33 game is an accomplishment for him and what he has achieved.”

Beginning June 8, Jonov will take part in a week of practices and other events leading up to the game. He will stay with a host family in the Hershey. Players are also matched with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities as part of a Big 33 buddy program.

The game will begin at 7:06 p.m. June 14 and will be televised on the NFL Network.

Doug Gulasy is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-388-5830, via email at dgulasy@tribweb.com or via Twitter @dgulasy_Trib.

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