The Big 30 has begun unveiling the names of players who have committed to participating in the upcoming 2026 Charities Classic. The following is the fifth full release sent out by the selection committee:
Evan Anderson
Kane Area High School
Height: 6’2″ – Weight: 220 lbs.
Offense: RB – Defense: S
Evan wants to join the Electrical Union after graduation. He lists his honors as Region 3 All Star, and Kane Defensive Player of the Year 2024. He wants to play in the Big 30 game to be able to play football one last time. Evan’s best memory while playing football was hanging with the team and making new friends. His hobbies are fishing and working out. His favorite football team is the Las Vegas Raiders and his favorite player is Bo Jackson.
Thomas Shrubb
Kane Area High School
Height:5’9″ – Weight: 170 lbs.
Offense: C – Defense: LB
Thomas plans to attend Slippery Rock University and major in Exercise Science. He wants to then go on to get his Doctorate in PT or go to Palmer Chiropractic College and get a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine. He lists his honors as Honorable Mention in District 9 Region 3, Historian of NHS, 4.21 GPA, and Football and Track Letter winner. Thomas wants to play in the Big 30 game because he loves football, and this will give him a chance to play one more game. He is excited to represent his town and his family in this football game. Thomas’s best memory was on 9-5-25 in Ridgway endzone. The ball was snapped and he came through to block the punt, which allowed his team to eventually win the game. Thomas’s hobbies are lifting, throwing shot put, playing video games, hanging out with friends and family, and playing football. His favorite football team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Clayton Kiser
Smethport Area Jr.-Sr. High School
Height: 5’11” – Weight: 205 lbs.
Offense: TE/FB – Defense: DE/ML
Clayton ‘s plans after graduation are to join the Marines and then go to college. He wants to play in the Big 30 game because he feels that it is a great honor to be chosen to represent his school and state. Clayton’s best memory while playing football was the comradery of his team. His hobbies include sports and video games. The Pittsburgh Steelers are his favorite team, and his favorite player is Lamar Jackson.
Tommaso Clemente
Warren Area High School
Height: 5’10” – Weight: 155 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: DB
Tommaso plans to attend college, continue to play sports, and get a great job. He lists his honors as Team Captain (Senior Year), Varsity Starter, and Most Kick Return Yards in State. Tommaso wants to play in the Big 30 game as it will be his last time playing football. His best memory while playing football was getting a kick return touchdown. His hobbies are snowboarding, track, football, and gaming. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Josh Allen.
Gavin Lindemuth
Eisenhower Middle/Senior High School
Height: 6′ 5″ – Weight: 190 lbs.
Offense: TE/WR – Defense: DE/LB
Gavin plans to attend Edinboro University in the fall seeking a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Business. He will also continue his athletic career at the collegiate level as he has earned a spot on the Edinboro football team. After college Gavin is looking forward to finding a great job within the sports world, getting married to his high school sweetheart and having kids in a warm location. His honors are listed as 2x as the District 10 Defensive End of the Year. He feels this was truly an honor as the selection votes were from all coaches within the district, 2x Defensive Lineman of the Year voted by his teammates and staff, and 2x Ironman Award winner. Gavin wants to play in the Big 30 game, looking forward to showcasing his skills, as well as representing his state and school within the district while having the opportunity to play with some amazing athletes as well as his teammates one more time. His best memory of playing football was in his freshman year playing with a very talented team which took us to the playoffs. Also, the past season was special because their county consolidated schools, and he was able to play with some new athletes who have become very close friends. Gavin’s hobbies are spending time with family and friends, as well as going to the gym, playing basketball, traveling, and trying lots of amazing food. His favorite football team is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Preston Ayers
Coudersport High School
Height: 5’8″ – Weight: 165 lbs.
Offense: RB/WR – Defense: LB
Preston plans to attend Penn West Edinboro. He will major in Business Management. Later on he hopes to succeed in Real Estate. He lists his honors Offensive and Defensive MVP for the Coudersport Falcons, the 12th Man Award in 2025 from Big 30, and Distinguished Honor Roll. Preston wants to play in the Big 30 game because he loves football and this is an opportunity to play. His best memory while playing football was seeing how proud friends, family, and community can be. His hobbies are football, working out, fishing, and spending time with his girlfriend. Preston’s favorite football team is the Philadelphia Eagles, and his favorite player is Antonio Brown.
Payton Bradley
Salamanca High School
Height: 6’5″ – Weight: 210 lbs.
Offense: QB – Defensive: S
Payton plans to attend college to achieve a degree in Physical Education and become a teacher/coach. His honors include Scholar Athletel0x, High Honor Roll 10x, (first in Class Academics), basketball 1x 1st team all-star, 2nd team all-star, baseball 2x, 1st team all-star, 1x 2nd team all-star, baseball 2x 1st team all-star, 2x 2nd team all-star, lx WNY 2nd team. He wants to play in the Big 30 game to represent his state and play one final football game in my career. His best memory while playing football was catching the game winning touchdown pass his sophomore year vs. Leroy to send us to the state final four. Payton lists his hobbies as football, basketball, baseball, video games, and working out. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Lukas Barrett
Gowanda High School
Height: 5’8″ – Weight: 150 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: S
Lukas plans to join the work force after high school His honors are Honor Roll, MVP , and Honorable Mention for Wide Receiver. Lukas wants to play in the Big 30 game because it will be his last chance to play his favorite game that he grew up with. His best memory while playing football was playing quarterback his junior year and leading his team to a winning record. He lists his hobbies as listening to music and hanging out with friends. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills.
Gavin Larson
Randolph Central School
Height: 5’11” – Weight: 140 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: CB
After graduation Gavin wants to continue bis football career in college and also major in criminal justice. His honors are Honorable Mention All-Conference in Football. He wants to play in the Big 30 game to have fun before going to college. He also had previous family members in this game, and so he wanted to be a part of it also. His best memory playing football was his week 1 game winning interception. Gavin lists his hobbies as fishing, riding four wheelers with friends, being outdoors, and spending time with family. His favorite football team is the San Francisco 49ers, and his favorite players are George Kittle and Jalen Ramsey.
Christopher Forney
Allegany-Limestone Central School (Hinsdale)
Height: 5’7″ – Weight: 150 lbs.
Offense: WR – Defense: CB
Christopher plans to attend Niagara University for Sports Management and Business. His honors are receiving the Coaches Award 3 times and Exceptional Senior Game for Basketball. He wants to play in the Big 30 game for the great experience. Christopher’s best memory while playing football was the bus rides home from games and the locker room before games. He lists his hobbies as playing basketball and working out. Christopher’s favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills, and his favorite player is Randy Moss.
Calym Weatherley
Allegany-Limestone High School
Height: 5’6″ – Weight: 150 lbs.
Offense: RB – Defense: DE
Calym’s future plans are to join the workforce. His honors are Rookie of the Year and Honor Rolls. Calym wants to play in the Big 30 game to represent his school and team the best way he can. His best memory while playing football was just being with the boys for one more game. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills.
Trent Lewis
Southwestern (Frewsburg) High School
Height: 5′ 11″ – Weight: 180 lbs.
Offense: WR/QB – Defense: S
Trent plans to go to college after graduation to study Criminal Justice. His honors include 1st team All-State (2024), Team MVP (2024), 2nd Team All-State (2025), Team MVP (2025), 2nd Team All-State (2025), Team MVP (2025), Class C Player of the Year (2025), and Team Captain Jr./Sr. Years. Trent wants to play in the Big 30 game to be able to play high school ball one last time with his boys. His best memory while playing football was all the bus rides his sophomore year with Harrison Eckert. His hobbies include being outdoors and hanging out with friends and family. His favorite football team is the Buffalo Bills.
