Upper St. Clutch
Upper St. Clair's football team has simply been clutch this season. It all started when Upper St. Clair (USC) defeated the South Fayette Lions 34-33 in their home opener. The fact that USC handed South Fayette an "L" after the Lions won 57 regular season games in a row is simply unbelievable. The win that USC had over South Fayette is a big reason why USC's confidence is so high and they are doing so well this season. USC's record this season is 8-1 as their record in their section is 5-1.
Some people from the media might not have Upper St. Clair as 5A favorites because of the other teams that get more attention like Penn Hills, Gateway and McKeesport; but, I promise you that we should all really give USC more credit. Yeah, I understand that might not be able to beat teams by a score of 76-0 like Gateway did against Connellsville; but, this team knows how to battle back when they are losing.
One of USC's players that has really impressed me is their senior running back, Antonio Orsini. This season, Antonio has rushed for a total of 927 yards. He is 73 rushing yards away from having 1,000 rushing yards on the season. Some of the games Antonio played well against were against South Fayette, Baldwin, Chartiers Valley and Mt. Lebanon. I feel that if Antonio wasn't playing in those games, then I do not think USC would have the record that they would have. Antonio should be receiving some football offers in the future, of he has not received any already.
Another player that has done well for USC is their senior quarterback, Jason Sweeney. Sweeney played a good amount as a defensive back, last season. This year Sweeney starts at both quarterback and a defensive back. Sweeney has thrown for 1,312 yards and has thrown for 13 touchdowns, so far.
Have you heard of the name, Jake Slinger? You might know Jake as one of the stud WPIAL wrestlers that has 99 total career wrestling wins, so far. Jake committed to George Mason University as he is going to wrestle at the school. What you might not know about Jake is the fact that he is an offensive lineman and a defensive lineman for USC's football team. Slinger has made an impact for the team. If you have to go up against Slinger on the line and block him. Let me tell you, that would be tough and you might be scared.
Upper St. Clair is trying to secure a section championship with a win over Bethel Park at Bethel Park on Friday. That game will be Bethel Park's senior night.