They have been led by players with big statistics such as running back Benji Bauer’s record-setting 2,100-yard season rushing record in 2022, quarterback Owen Trumbull’s six touchdown passes in a game in 2020 and during this past season when running back Tucker Lindell’s record-setting 99-yard touchdown run.

Some years they have had explosive offenses such as in 2020 when they averaged over 49 points per game. In other years they have had aggressive and opportunistic defenses such as 2022 when they had 15 interceptions and 109 tackles for loss.

All impressive statistics for the Knights program, but an even more revealing side note to their success is that in the last two seasons alone, they have had 13 players selected for the Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic football game.

In addition to this year’s players already selected, lineman JJ Darr, quarterback Shawn Pascuzzi, tight end Kris Bunk, linebacker Derek Childs and running back/linebacker Tucker Lindell, the Pennsylvania coaches have added two more Knights to complete their roster. The latest two additions are multi-position players, who have played important roles for the Knights over their careers at Eisenhower.

Eisenhower’s Colin Sobkowski and Camron Jakubczak, pictured, have been added to the Pennsylvania team for the Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic. Times Observer file photos by Steve Younger

Camron Jakubczak and Colin Sobkowski have both been added to the Pennsylvania team. Both players are a true reflection of Knights head coach Jim Penley’s team-first mentality.

“Both of these guys have been big keys to our success the last few years and it’s great to see them selected,” Penley said.

Jakubczak, the son of Wendy MacQueen and Ryan Jakubczak, has played wide receiver and defensive end for the Knights.

“Cam is the type of player that every coach wants to have on their team,” Penley said. “He was one of the best defensive players in the region last year as an undersized defensive end. He played on every special team and impacted games with blocked kicks and big tackles when we needed them. He was also an outstanding blocker on the offensive side of the ball and a very reliable receiver for us.”

While Jakubczak excelled at defensive end for the Knights, Sobkowski, the son of Betsy and Brad Sobkowski, did the dirty work. He was used at guard and tackle on offense, and all along the defensive line for the Knights.

“Colin is the ultimate team player, he just loves the game of football,” Penley said. “It’s never about him, but rather the team’s success is what drives him. We have moved him around and used him in a lot of different positions which is a credit to his versatility. He has worked extremely hard to be prepared and be ready. He is just a great young man who is truly a pleasure to coach. I’m so proud of how much he has grown as a player and young man the last couple of years.”

With the 2024 season about to start, it’s yet to be seen how the Knights will fare, but Penley knows the team will miss both Sobkowski and Jakubczak.

“Both of these guys have set a standard and an expectation for our younger players and we will certainly miss them,” Penley said, “but hopefully they have taught our young guys how far a team-first attitude can carry us.”

Both players are headed to college after the Big 30 game. Sobkowski will be attending Pennsylvania College of Technology, where he will be majoring in architecture and sustainable design. Jakubczak will be attending Penn State Behrend and will major in engineering.