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Upper St. Clair focused on task at hand

By Eleanor Bailey almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.Net 4 min read
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Ethan Dahlem eludes a tackler on his way into the end zone. The senior signal caller rushed for two touchdowns and threw for 154 yards to lead Upper St. Clair to a 34-7 victory over Bethel Park.

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David Pantelis 

Football may be different in the coronavirus era, but some fundamental rules remain the same. Don’t underestimate an opponent and focus on the task at hand are examples of some steadfast adages.

Upper St. Clair head coach Mike Junko reminds his players of both as he prepared them for their trip to Latrobe Sept. 25.

The Wildcats are a replacement for Penn Hills. The Indians were originally on the schedule, but they must make up a conference game with Kiski Area.

The Wildcats were supposed to play Peters Township, but that game was canceled because the Indians had to reschedule their conference opener with South Fayette.

“It’s a crazy year and you have to be ready for anything,” Junko said of the changes.

Meanwhile, USC returns to Allegheny Six Conference play after playing Latrobe. The Panthers will travel to Peters Township for a 7 p.m. kickoff Oct. 1. The Indians beat USC for the first time in program history 29-21 last October on their way to a conference championship.

“Our message to our players is to not look ahead and stay focused on our non-conference opponents,” Junko said. “5A is extremely balanced this year and you can’t get caught peeking ahead in the schedule.”

For Junko, all eyes are on the travel aspect to Latrobe. The 60-mile journey takes approximately an hour and 20 minutes on most days, but not necessarily on Friday nights during rush hour.

“It will be our first road contest so that offers new challenges with COVID protocols and logistics,” he said.

Then there is the game. Despite a 48-14 season-opening loss to Penn-Trafford, the Wildcats are a concern for the Panthers.

“They made the playoffs last year and they have been making positive progress as a program,” Junko said.

Unsung heroes

Even before Upper St. Clair tackled Pine-Richland Sept. 18, the Panthers showed progress in their development as a team.

In a 34-7 victory over rival Bethel Park Sept. 11, the Panthers showed they are more than just the Ethan Dahlem and David Pantelis show.

Both played roles in USC’s triumph over the Hawks. Dahlem had 154 yards passing and two scoring runs. Pantelis had seven catches for 50 yards.

However, a plethora of other Panthers carried the load against BP.

Ethan Hiester led all rushers with 93 yards. He had a 15-yard touchdown run.

Jaden Keating finished with 57 yards on 12 carries and two first half touchdowns.

Aidan Conn and Jamaal Brown also contributed to the ground game, which rolled up 226 yards and five scores on 37 carries.

Additionally, Abelardo Sobrarzo kicked a 21-yard field goal

Mateo Cepullio hauled in four passes for 53 yards. He also intercepted a pass on defense.

Aidan Besslman also pulled in a 36-yard pass to set up USC’s final score.

Luke Banbury forced a fumble and led in tackles.

“Bethel was a game of the unsung heroes,” said Mike Junko. “That was our hope. Some of our other kids contributed and we showed that we were a little more balanced.

“We talk a lot about making sure Ethan (Dahlem) is using all of his weapons and we’ve taken steps forward in that process. No doubt this bodes well for the future.”

Pantelis to Yale

The 6-1, 185-pound senior recently committed to Yale after weighing options from other Ivy League schools such as Columbia and Dartmouth. Albany and Army also recruited the wide receiver.

According to Junko, the match is a good one.

“Yale’s offensive system is a perfect fit for David’s game,” he said. “David is a versatile kid. He will be a weapon that Yale can use in multiple ways. He possesses the combination of speed, ball skills and route running that will make him very successful in the Ivy League.”

Pantelis, who led the WPIAL with 77 receptions for 1,169 yards in 2019, is not just talented. He is driven.

“He possesses a great work ethic that will serve him well at the next level,” Junko said.

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