After three successful seasons, Phil Sams has stepped down as Saucon Valley’s head football coach.
Monday after classes, Phil Sams announced to his team that it was time for him to move on from being the head football coach for Saucon Valley High School. “Samsy”, a very popular coach with a great sense of humor, is well-respected throughout the entire Lehigh Valley and beyond. He is truly a players-coach and an all-around great guy.
Samsy was truly a players’ coach.
Coach Sams took over for Matt Evancho in 2016 and compiled a 27-10 overall record while winning a Colonial League Championship in 2016. Samsy guided the Panthers to three straight District XI silver medals losing to Bethlehem Catholic each of those years in the championship final. Coach Sams spent twelve memorable seasons on the Panther sidelines, including 2015 when the Panthers fell to Imhotep Charter in the PIAA state semifinals.
After much thought, Coach Sams said he realized that he needed to step away from his head coaching duties at Saucon Valley in order to spend more time with his wife Lori and their four children.
Coach’s Quote:“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as the head football coach at Saucon Valley. I was lucky enough to get my start at Saucon when Matt Evancho hired me in 2007 and I am extremely thankful. People do not realize how passionate this community is about football. All you have to do is watch Main Street in Hellertown on an away game during the playoffs and you will understand it. There are so many people to thank, especially Bob Frey and the Administration who gave me my opportunity to be a head coach. I would also like to thank the players I coached and all the great assistant coaches I had the opportunity to work with.”Former Saucon Valley head football coach, Phil Sams
Coach Sams hard at work.
Thanks for all the great memories, Coach. You will be missed!……the Source is with you!
