Home of the

2005

 

06/24/05

At a meeting, on a picnic table, at Susquehanna State Park, between, Northumberland and Sunbury, John Thellion, Bill Smith and Travis Wrobbel met. It was then that PFL/6 was mapped out on a legal pad. Five weeks later the PFL/6 was born.

 

08/13/05

The PFL/6 debuts with a five-game regular season between two teams, North Penn Energy and Susquehanna Valley Stallions, and a non league team, Mount Gretna Mountaineers.  The inaugural game is played in Millersburg and saw the Susquehanna Valley Stallions defeat the North Penn Energy, 35-14.

 

10/01/05

Susquehanna Valley wins the first Keystone Bowl over the Energy, 35-7. The game was played in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

 

2006

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Lykens Thunder, Williamsport Wildcats, Bayshore Celtics/Brawlers, and Middleton Maniax join the league.

 

10/07/06

Bayshore defeats Middleton in Keystone Bowl II. The game was played in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

 

10/14/06

North Division All Stars defeat the South Division All Stars. The game was played in Halifax, Pennsylvania.

 

2007

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Sunbury Devils join the league.

 

08/21/07

Sunbury Devils score the most points in league history defeating the Lykens Thunder, 117-69. This game also set the record for most points by two teams combined in a single game (186).

 

09/29/07

Bayshore becomes the first team to win back to back Keystone Bowls defeating Williamsport, 84-64 in Keystone Bowl III. The game was played in Middleton, Pennsylvania.

 

10/05/07

South Division All Stars defeat the North Division All Stars. The game was played in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

 

11/24/07

The league performs its first game against an international team in Aberdeen, New Jersey. Team USA (PFL/6) defeats Team Canada on a last second pass from Vincent Skoff to Marques Haynes, 26-24. The very next year the PFL/6 would move to 7 man.

 

2008

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North Penn Energy leave the league.

 

Tri-Town Braves, South Central Raptors, Danville Demons, Schuylkill County Storm, and Wilkes-Barre Sharks join the league.

 

07/12/08

PFL/6 begins using PIAA/NJISAA referees instead of player referees for the first time.

 

10/18/08

Williamsport Wildcats defeats the Lykens Thunder, 64-24 to win Keystone Bowl IV. The game was played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

 

10/25/08

West Division All Stars defeat the East Division All Stars. The game was played in Bayshore, New Jersey.

 

11/22/08

The league performed its second out of league game in Belmar, New Jersey. The PFL/6 All Stars defeated the 11-man Jersey Bull Sharks, 40-19. The very next year the PFL/6 would move to 8 man.

 

2009

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Wilkes-Barre Sharks, Danville Demons, Schuylkill County Storm, and South Central Raptors leave the league.

 

Millheim Fighting Dutchmen/Tuscarora/Mifflin County Tomahawks, Bucks County Broncos, Lewisburg Knights, Millville/Bloomsburg Marauders, Tamaqua/Summit Hill Tigers, Mount Joy/Lancaster County Cyclones, and Schuylkill County Wolfpack join the league.

 

01/25/09

The league joins in a partnership with the pro arena team, Harrisburg Stampede of the AIFA.

 

02/07/09

PFL/6 changes its name to the Great Eastern Football Association.

 

07/18/09

Bayshore Brawlers win their third championship in four years defeating the Millville Marauders, 36-35. The game was played in Lykens, Pennsylvania.

 

07/25/09

Penn - Jersey Division All Stars defeat the Mountain Division All Stars. The game was played in Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

 

08/08/09

The league votes to abolish the Board of Commissioners. Zane Simpson is voted in as first President.

 

2010

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Back Mountain/Electric City Mayhem and Elizabethtown Mustangs join the league.

 

07/17/10

Back Mountain Mayhem defeat the Schuylkill County Wolfpack in Keystone Bowl VI, 24-20. The game was played in Montgomery, Pennsylvania.

 

07/24/10

Valley Conference All Stars defeat the Mountain Conference All Stars. The game was played in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania.

 

08/14/10

Zane Simpson is elected to a second term as President.

 

2011

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Susquehanna Valley Stallions and Middleton Maniax leave the league.

 

Wilkes-Barre Vipers, Dubois Area Mountain Lions, Morrisdale Storm Runners, Dauphin County/Harrisburg Sharks, Mountain Top Reapers, and Panther Valley Breaker Boys join the league.

 

07/16/11

Schuylkill County Wolfpack defeat the Dubois Area Mountain Lions in Keystone Bowl VII, 38-19. The game was played in Sunbury, Pennsylvania.

 

07/24/11

Valley Conference All Stars defeat the Mountain Conference All Stars. The game was played in Halifax, Pennsylvania.

 

08/13/11

Mark Whitney is elected the league’s second President.

 

2012

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Bayshore Brawlers, Lewisburg Knights, Bucks County Broncos, and Back Mountain/Electric City Mayhem leave the league.

 

Sunbury Devils change their name to the Susquehanna Valley Seminoles.

 

Hazleton Spartans joins the league.

 

07/07/12

Dubois Area Mountain Lions defeat the Harrisburg Sharks in Keystone Bowl VIII, 34-30. The game was played in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

 

07/14/12

Mountain Conference All Stars defeat the Valley Conference All Stars. The game was played in Muncy, Pennsylvania.

 

08/11/12

Rick Lash is elected the league’s third President.

 

2013

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Schuylkill County Wolfpack, Hazleton Trojans, Lykens Thunder, Millville/Bloomsburg Marauders, and Wilkes-Barre Vipers leave the league.

 

Port Matilda/State College Flash, NEPA Shock, and Lancaster Outlaws join the league.

 

01/12/13

Rick Lash steps down as President. Vice President Lester Smeal becomes the league’s fourth President.

 

06/22/13

Susquehanna Valley Seminoles defeat the Harrisburg Sharks in Keystone Bowl IX, 38-37. The game was played in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.

 

06/29/13

Valley Conference All Stars defeat the Mountain Conference All Stars. The game was played in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

 

08/10/13

Mark Whitney is re-elected as the league’s fifth President.

 

2014

 

Elizabethtown Mustangs, Harrisburg Sharks, and NEPA Shock leave the league.

 

Huntingdon Elite, Anthracite Diamondbacks, Schuylkill County Predators, and Columbia County Phantoms/Kings join the league.

 

01/11/14

Darren Winters resigns as Vice President when his Elizabethtown Mustangs leave the GEFA for the MIFL. Derek Hans finishes out his term.

 

06/21/14

Mount Joy Cyclones defeat the Dubois Area Mountain Lions, 66-64 in Keystone Bowl X. The game was played in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

 

06/28/14

Valley Conference All Stars defeat the Mountain Conference All Stars. The game was played in Morrisdale, Pennsylvania.

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6/28/14

GEFA inducts its first Hall of Fame class.

 

08/09/14

Zane Simpson is re-elected as the league’s sixth President.

 

11/17/14

The Great Eastern Football Association becomes 501c3 non profit.

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Greg Medina of the Mount Joy Cyclones sets the record for ending the season with the highest passing rating with 231.6.

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Dajone Fairell of the Schuylkill County Predators sets the record for most defensive interceptions in a season with 14 interceptions.

 

2015

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Anthracite Diamondbacks leave the league.

 

Cumberland Valley Hitmen, Carlisle Venom, Hazleton Red Devils, and Haven Warhawks join the league.

 

Susquehanna Valley Seminoles become the Mount Carmel/Coal Region Tigers.

 

06/20/15

Dubois Area Mountain Lions defeat the Mount Joy Cyclones in Keystone Bowl XI, 65-24. The game was played in Dubois, Pennsylvania.

 

06/27/15

Valley Conference All Stars defeat the Mountain Conference All Stars. The game was played in Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

 

08/08/15

Brian Rodgers is voted in as the league’s seventh President.

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Zane Simpson and Rick Lash become the first coaches to lead three separate teams to the playoffs.

 

2016

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Morrisdale Storm Runners, Hazleton Red Devils, Huntingdon Elite leave the league.

 

Mountain Top Reapers and Panther Valley Breaker Boys merge to become the Anthracite Reapers.

 

NEPA Shock returns to the league.

 

Montour County Bucks, Wyoming Valley Warriors, Upper Dauphin Comanche, Moshannon Valley Vikings, and Rail City Bandits join the league.

 

04/16/16

James Cuse is removed as Secretary when his Haven Warhawks forfeits the rest of the season. Thor Marlow finishes out his term.

 

06/04/16

The State College Flash erase a 30-0 half time deficit to stage the greatest comeback in GEFA history, defeating the Williamsport Wildcats, 44-30.

 

06/25/16

Mount Joy Cyclones defeat the Mifflin County Tomahawks in Keystone Bowl XII, 72-30. The game was played in State College, Pennsylvania. This would go down as the largest win margin in Keystone Bowl history (42).

 

07/02/16

Valley Conference All Stars defeat the Mountain Conference All Stars. The game was played in Danville, Pennsylvania.

 

08/13/16

Brian Rodgers is elected to a second term as President.

 

10/31/16

League’s new webpage (GEFAFootball.com) is launched.

 

12/10/16

League makes it mandatory that home teams have to provide film to verify stats and records.

 

2017

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Rail City Bandits, Carlisle Venom, Anthracite Reapers, Haven Warhawks, and Montour County Bucks leave the league.

 

Carlisle Spartans, Jefferson County Jaguars, and Benton Maniacs join the league.

 

03/11/17

GEFA Youtube channel is created.

 

04/21/17

James Simerson creates the GEFA Alumni Association. The first in 8 man semi pro history.

 

06/24/17

Mount Joy Cyclones become the second team in league history to win back to back Keystone Bowls defeating the Mifflin County Tomahawks, 48-36 in Keystone Bowl XIII. This game was played in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

 

07/01/17

Valley Conference All Stars defeat the Mountain Conference All Stars. The game was played in Dickson City, Pennsylvania.

 

06/27/17

James Simerson starts the Inside the GEFA podcast. The first podcast in 8 man semi pro history. Brian Rodgers and Brent Melhorn co-host.

 

07/15/17

The league performed its third out of league game in Whitehall, Pennsylvania. The GEFA All Stars defeat the MIFL All Stars, 27-25.

 

08/12/17

Brian Rodgers becomes the first President to be elected to three straight terms.

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Greg Medina of the Mount Joy Cyclones wins National Offensive Player of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite.

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James Simerson of the NEPA Shock wins National Person of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite.

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The Great Eastern Football Association wins National 8-Man Semi Pro League of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite.

 

2018

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Carlisle Spartans, Tri-Town Braves, Lancaster Outlaws, and State College Flash leave the league.

 

Wyoming Valley Warriors become the Wilkes-Barre Warriors.

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03/24/18

Coach Bill Clark (Dubois) passes Coach Mark Whitney (Braves) for most coaching wins All-Time (56) defeating the Benton Maniacs, 54-6.

 

04/28/18

The Mount Joy Cyclones break the Dubois Area Mountain Lions record for the longest win streak in league history with a 36-12 win over the Mifflin County Tomahawks.

 

06/30/18

Team Parlanti defeats Team Sipes in the first ever Fantasy All Star Draft. The game was played in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania.

 

06/30/18

Mount Joy Cyclones become the first team in league history to win three straight Keystone Bowls defeating the Moshannon Valley Vikings, 62-48 in Keystone Bowl XIV. This game was played in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania. It is also the first Keystone Bowl to be streamed live on the GEFA facebook page and announced by King Smith.

 

07/20/18

James Simerson creates the GEFA 360 media page. The page live stream shows created by players from within the league as well as live interviews and up to date news.

 

08/11/18

James Simerson is voted in as the league’s eighth President.

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Lashawn Brown of the Mifflin County Tomahawks sets the record for most pass attempts in a season with 294.

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Greg Medina of the Mount Joy Cyclones sets the record for most touchdown passes in a season with 56 touchdowns.

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James Simerson of the NEPA Shock wins National Person of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite for the second straight year.

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The Great Eastern Football Association wins National 8-Man Semi Pro League of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite for the second straight year.

 

2019

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Coal Region Tigers, Cumberland Valley Hitmen, and Lehigh Valley Bandits leave the league.

 

Capitol City Gorillas, Berks County Raptors, Monroe County Diamondbacks, and Monmouth Rage join the league.

 

Mount Joy Cyclones become the Lancaster County Cyclones.

 

The Columbia County Phantoms change their name to the Columbia County Kings.

 

01/14/19

Inside the GEFA podcast is picked up by Blog Talk Radio with hosts James Simerson, Travis Grobes, Brent Melhorn, Thor Marlow, and Caleb Hueston.

 

03/09/19

Week 0 Kickoff Classic Double Header is played in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.

 

04/27/19

First game is live streamed on the HSG network between the NEPA Shock and the Monmouth Rage in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Shock win 57-0.

 

06/22/19

Lancaster County Cyclones come from behind to defeat the Upper Dauphin Comanche, 63-51 in Keystone Bowl XV! This game was played in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. It is also the largest sporting event in 8 man semi pro history with over 7k views on the HSG network and over 600 screaming fans in the stands. Greg Medina of the Cyclones is named the first Keystone Bowl MVP.

 

06/27/19

Keystone Bowl XV breaks the HSG network’s all time viewing recorded previously held by the Globe Bowl 11 man event with over 11k views.

 

06/29/19

Team High defeats Team Wrobbel. The game was played in Halifax, Pennsylvania. Anthony Maurent of the Warriors is named the first ever All Star game MVP.

 

08/10/19

James Simerson is voted in for a second term. Owners vote to expand board member terms to two years.

 

10/20/19

James Simerson creates the Great American Football Alliance with the Mid American 8 man Football League and Texas Valley Sports. It is the largest football alliance in semi pro history with the first ever true National Championship game to be played in 2022.

 

12/17/19

The league adopts its first ever Personal Conduct Policy.

 

12/30/19

Inside the GEFA podcast reaches its 100th episode.

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Lancaster County Cyclones end the season 13-0 and number 1 in the National Rankings according to Semi Pro Elite.

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James Simerson of the NEPA Shock wins National Person of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite for the third straight year.

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The Great Eastern Football Association wins National 8-Man Semi Pro League of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite for the third straight year.

 

2020

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Berks County Raptors, Columbia County Kings, and Capital City Gorillas leave the league.

 

Carbon County Savages, Hazleton Mustangs, Bloomsburg Buccaneers, Flood City Thunder, Brackenridge Berserkers, and Coal County Nightmare join the league.

 

Benton Maniacs become the Columbia Maniacs.

 

01/12/20

The league owners conduct their first meeting via Zoom.

 

03/14/20

The league moves the Kickoff Classic from Selinsgrove High School to the Benton Rodeo due to the Covid-19 Virus outbreak.

 

03/16/2020

League President, James Simerson decides to postpone the season until August 1st due to the Covid-19 Virus outbreak.

 

08/01/2020

League resumes after a five month lay off due to the Covid-19 Virus outbreak.

 

09/08/20

Due to covid restrictions, the owners voted against having an All Star game. It's the first time in league history there won't be an All Star game.

 

09/27/20

Brent Melhorn of the Cyclones passes Bill Clark for most playoff wins defeating the Shock in the Valley Conference Championship, 52-40.

 

10/03/20

Lancaster County Cyclones defeat the Upper Dauphin Comanche, 36-28 in Keystone Bowl XVI! This game was played in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. Roger Jayne of the Cyclones is named Keystone Bowl MVP.

 

11/01/2020

League does its first ever award ceremony through zoom, live on the GEFA 360 page.

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Lancaster County Cyclones end the season 7-0 and number 1 in the National Rankings according to Semi Pro Elite for the third straight year.

 

James Simerson of the NEPA Shock wins National Person of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite for the fourth straight year.

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The Great Eastern Football Association wins National 8-Man Semi Pro League of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite for the fourth straight year.

 

2021

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Brackenridge Berserkers leave the league.

 

Snyder County Spartans join the league.

 

Jefferson County Jaguars and NCP Mtn Lions merge.

 

Cumberland Valley Hitmen return to the league.

 

06/26/21

Cumberland Valley Hitmen defeat the Lancaster County Cyclones, 60-58 in Keystone Bowl X-7. This game was played in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Hassan Brockman of the Hitmen is named Keystone Bowl MVP.  This is the broadcast of the newly formed GEFA Network and it’s the first time there was a 6th ref in the booth.

 

07/10/21

Mountain Conference All Stars defeat the Valley Conference All Stars. The game was played in Linglestown, Pennsylvania. Jimmy Werner of the Jaguars is named All Star game MVP.

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08/14/21

James Simerson is elected President for a record 4th straight term.

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President James Simerson wins "Mr. 8 Man" according to Semi Pro Elite.

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Greg Medina of the Cyclones wins National Most Valuable Player according to Semi Pro Elite.

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Evan Morrill of the Hitmen wins National Offensive Rookie of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite.

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Ron Kerr of the Hitmen wins National Coach of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite.

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The Cumberland Valley Hitmen win National Organization of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite.

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The Great Eastern Football Association wins National 8-Man Semi Pro League of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite for the fifth straight year.

 

2022

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Columbia County Maniacs, Monmouth Rage, and Jefferson County Jaguars leave the league.

 

Bedford County Buffaloes and Washington Mountainmen join the league.

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4/2/22

Coral Bloom becomes the first female referee in GEFA history.

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4/29/22

Moshannon Valley win by the largest margin in league history destroying the Washington Mountainmen, 110-0 (110).

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06/18/22

Moshannon Valley Vikings defeat the Dauphin County Comanche, 26-18.  The game was played in Kutztown, Pennsylvania at Kutztown University.  Robert Albro of the Vikings is named Keystone Bowl MVP.  The game was also broadcasted by HSG Network.

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06/25/22

Mountain Conference All Stars defeat the Valley Conference All Stars. The game was played in Linglestown, Pennsylvania. Levi Cook of the Buffaloes is named All Star game MVP.

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08/13/22

James Simerson is elected President for a fifth term.

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The Great Eastern Football Association wins National 8-Man Semi Pro League of the Year according to Semi Pro Elite for the sixth straight year.

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2023

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Cumberland Valley Hitmen, Flood City Thunder, Washington Mountainmen, and Coal County Nightmare leave the league.

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Somerset Miners and Susquehanna Valley Bolts join the league.

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Berks County Raptors return to the league.

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NEPA Shock become the Electric City Skyhawks.

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03/18/23

Cyclones win their 100th game in franchise history defeating the Susquehanna Valley Bolts, 82-6.

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04/05/23

Savages co-owner, Chris Styers announces that the Savages will be closing team operations mid season amidst a controversy involving fellow co-owner Kevin Kline.

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5/12/23

Bolts owner, Nathaniel Simmons announces the Bolts will no longer be involved with the league the night before they were to play the Vikings.

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6/18/23

Aaron Stoner, Head Coach of the Williamsport Wildcats becomes the youngest Head Coach, 24, to make it to the Keystone Bowl.  The Williamsport Wildcats also become the lowest seed to ever make it to the Keystone Bowl after defeating the defending champions, Moshannon Valley Vikings, 44-38.

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06/24/23

Lancaster County Cyclones defeat the Williamsport Wildcats, 34-27 to win their seventh championship in team history.  The game was played in Kutztown, Pennsylvania at Kutztown University.  Gabe George of the Cyclones is named Keystone Bowl MVP. 

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07/08/23

Valley Conference All Stars defeat the Mountain Conference All Stars. The game was played in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Greg Medina of the Cyclones is named All Star game MVP.

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08/13/23

James Simerson is elected President for a sixth term.

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8/31/23

Lancaster County Cyclones owner, Brent Melhorn, announces he is retiring from the GEFA and will not be able to find an owner to replace him, folding the team.

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Lancaster County Cyclones end the season 12-1 and number 1 in the National Rankings according to Semi Pro Elite for the fourth time.

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2024

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Mifflin County Tomahawks, Electric City Skyhawks, Lancaster County Cyclones and Snyder County Spartans leave the league.

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Indiana County Crusaders and Monroeville Titans join the league.

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Coal County Nightmare return to the league.

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