Upper St. Clair 2023 Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upper St. Clair enters the '23 football season with a commendable 10-3 record from 2022. The Panthers achieved a notable 3-1 standing in conference play and an impressive 5-0 performance on away games. One of the season's highlights was USC's redemption with a victory over Bethel Park, a team that had previously defeated them early in 2022. Unfortunately, the Panthers' journey came to an end in the third round of the playoffs when they were defeated by Pine-Richland. As they head into the new season, Upper St. Clair welcomes back key players such as [player_tooltip player_id='855520' first='Marco' last='Carone'], [player_tooltip player_id='386102' first='Nate' last='Stohl'], Mason Chambers, [player_tooltip player_id='386110' first='Michael' last='Albert'], [player_tooltip player_id='598910' first='Van' last='Hellmann'], [player_tooltip player_id='647587' first='Ethan' last='Hellmann'], [player_tooltip player_id='263047' first='Julian' last='Dahlem'], and [player_tooltip player_id='567010' first='Brock' last='Gillespie'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='855520' first='Marco' last='Carone'] </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mason Chambers </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='386102' first='Nate' last='Stohl'] </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='386110' first='Michael' last='Albert'] </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='598910' first='Van' last='Hellmann']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='263047' first='Julian' last='Dahlem']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='647587' first='Ethan' last='Hellmann']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='567010' first='Brock' last='Gillespie']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/marcocarone4/status/1668021309182300160?s=46u0026amp;t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/marcocarone4/status/1668021309182300160?s=46&amp;t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["855520"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022s1u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='855520' first='Marco' last='Carone'] is a college prospect with D1 offers from Navy, Maine, UPenn, Sacred Heart, and Davidson College. His solid base and stout presence make him a formidable opponent, even when facing multiple blockers. His agility is displayed in his pursuit of ball carriers and he's talented at rotating his hips while engaging offensive linemen. He excels in disengaging from blocks and demonstrates a high level of hand violence. As an offensive tackle, Marco's mobility shines through in his execution of run blocks on all levels, using his leverage to get pancake blocks. His agility is also good for protecting the QB against quick-twitched pass rushers.u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64af58155454c"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/mason_chambers0/status/1663618526106492937?s=46u0026amp;t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/mason_chambers0/status/1663618526106492937?s=46&amp;t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Mason Chambers","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Upper St. Clair","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mason is a versatile player with a significant amount of potential and ability. He demonstrates good patience and vision when carrying the football. Mason is a strong and compactly built back, standing at 5'10, 195 lbs, with impressive balance. He excels as an inside-the-tackles running back, showcasing the strength to break tackles. On the defensive side, he proves to be a reliable blitzer, capable of delivering impactful hits. Mason consistently exhibits tremendous effort and possesses sound tackling technique. His skillset makes him a valuable asset for special teams at the collegiate level. Currently, he has received an offer from Wheeling in the Mountain East Conference, with some interest from D1 FCS programs as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64af581554690"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/natestohl/status/1658514143685509127?s=46u0026amp;t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/natestohl/status/1658514143685509127?s=46&amp;t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386102"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022s1u0022u003eNate showcases a strong initial burst off the line of scrimmage and consistently maintains proper pad level, regardless of whether he is on offense or defense. Nate uses his low center of gravity to drive DL out of the box as a OL. He has the ideal size to excel as either a 5 technique or defensive tackle at the collegiate level. Stohl displays strength disengaging OL in pursuit. His motor is constant and he's a punishing, reliable tackler. If his frame continues to increase he's very capable of being an effective interior lineman. Stohl has an FCS offer from UPenn to date. u003c/spanu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64af581554727"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/michaelalbert__/status/1678179386690883586?s=46u0026amp;t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/michaelalbert__/status/1678179386690883586?s=46&amp;t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["386110"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Michael is undoubtedly a college prospect with significant potential. He exhibits a high level of physicality on both offense and defense. I particularly admire his abilities as a tight end/h-back. He excels as a physical run-blocking tight end, capable of delivering powerful collisions. Michael demonstrates good quickness off the line of scrimmage and maintains relentless effort until the whistle blows. I observed an impressive play where he showcased his receiving skills and promptly advanced north-south after the catch. On the defensive side, he thrives as a physical linebacker, effectively engaging and disengaging from blockers. He consistently displays a strong work ethic and excels as a physical tackler overall. Presently, Michael has garnered attention from some FCS programs, and he will undoubtedly be a player to watch closely this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64af5815547cd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["598910"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Van Hellman is a dominant presence on both sides of the ball for USC. He has athleticism and boasts a favorable size of 6'2, 195 lbs, which is more than sufficient for a junior linebacker. He showcases remarkable versatility, as I have witnessed him in various positions such as MLB, WLB, OLB, and H-back. Van is a physically imposing player on both offense and defense, particularly excelling at rerouting slot receivers when playing OLB. He has sufficient lateral movement and consistently plays effectively while disengaging from blockers. Van has range, covering ground from sideline to sideline, and displays a natural talent for blitzing. As an H-back, he‘a a physical blocker and has shown the capacity to make catches and gain yards after the reception. Hellman will be one of the top returning players for USC this year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64af581554882"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["263047"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"You can tell Julian is a fierce competitor who leaves everything on the field. He has mobility that can punish defenses for not properly tracking him. Julian shows anticipation when throwing and delivers a catchable pass. His athleticism makes him a threat on rollouts and improvised plays. As an agile athlete, he has showcased the ability to effectively rush the ball on keepers and zone reads. Julian posseses speed and is capable of inflicting damage on defenses once he escapes containment.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64af581554911"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["647587"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Hellman is a tough quarterback from the 2026 class, with significant big game experience. He throws swiftly off play-action and demonstrates poise in the pocket. He consistently makes sound decisions and releases the ball relatively quickly. While he possesses enough mobility to extend plays, currently his main focus is buying more time to throw. He exhibits strong progression reading skills with precision. Hellman has proven himself to be a competitive and talented QB, fully capable of leading the offense. In 2022, Ethan did an impressive job of distributing the ball evenly among his targets.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64af5815549a0"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["567010"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Brock will serve as one of USC's trenchmen, contributing to both the offensive and defensive lines. He excels as a physical run blocker, consistently exerting strong effort until the conclusion of each play. When playing on the D line, Brock displays an adequate motor and the ability to make impactful plays. He has a nose for the ball and has the capability to deliver big collisions. I'm intrigued to witness his progress on the field, considering the added strength and bulk he has developed. In the 2023 season, Brock will provide valuable depth within the trenches for Upper St. Clair.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64af581554a28"} /-->