PRZPA Team Preview, Canon-McMillan Part 1

<p>Head Coach Mike Evans saw a significant amount of scholarship-level talent graduate, including standout players like Kaeden Singleton, Gene Calgaro, Liam Reamer, Mike Evans, and Zach Welsh. Despite these losses, the Big Macs return several key contributors from last year, including Division I-caliber athletes. Canon-McMillan made notable strides in the 6A division in 2023, securing a playoff berth with a 6-5 overall record, a solid 55% winning percentage. The Big Macs' proven Division I caliber players, [player_tooltip player_id='599302' first='Matt' last='McMahon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='402467' first='TJ' last='Sabatucci'], will have all eyes on them this year, while returning lettermen [player_tooltip player_id='1552432' first='Daisean' last='Lacks'], Evan Morris, [player_tooltip player_id='1131702' first='Jayden' last='Boeltz'], [player_tooltip player_id='1398124' first='Braelon' last='Wingfield'], and [player_tooltip player_id='647204' first='Marco' last='Faieta'] will be looking to elevate their play in 2024. As they aim for another postseason run, they'll face tough competition from teams like Peters Township, Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, and North Allegheny. The Big Macs open their season against state runner-up Peters Township at 7 p.m. on August 23.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/mattmcmahon55/status/1770257561477947481?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='599302' first='Matt' last='McMahon'] is one of Canon-Mac's most experienced and influential returning leaders. An FBS-caliber lineman, he's committed to Navy for his collegiate career, allowing him to play with confidence in 2024 now that his future is secure. McMahon brings a blend of size, quickness, toughness, and agility, making him a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing either center or guard for the Midshipmen. He's a powerful, fundamentally sound player who competes with a low pad level on both sides of the ball. On defense, Matt is a formidable force, redirecting quickly and operating with next-level effort. His punch is violent, and his pass protection is next-level on the interior line. While McMahon has the potential to excel at Navy, his current focus is on making Canon-McMillan a formidable contender in 6A this year.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/daiseanlacks1/status/1813076066476650982?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Lacks is a returning starter who made significant contributions for Canon-Mac last season. He's quick off the ball and plays with a high level of physicality. Daisean showcases strength by holding his ground against single or double teams in run support. His motor is relentless, allowing him to chase down plays from behind, and he consistently provides effective interior pass-rushing pressure. Lacks is also a reliable tackler, whether on inside runs or in space after shedding offensive linemen. As one of the key players in the trenches this season, Daisean has already earned recognition, being voted DL MVP by future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald at the 2tenths Top 150 camp this summer—a testament to his talent. Having witnessed his skills firsthand, I believe Daisean is a scholarship-level defensive lineman.</p>    <p>Evan is another key leader from last season who will look to reprise his role in 2024. He's an intelligent, aggressive, and competitive athlete, making him a valuable asset for the Big Macs. Playing at free safety, Morris displays excellent range on the backend, with a controlled backpedal and smooth hip transitions when reacting to deep throws. His playmaking ability stands out, as he consistently forces fumbles and contests passes on defense. A skilled solo tackler, Evan reacts quickly once he reads the play. He's also a dynamic punt returner with the potential to flip field position with a single return. Evan's athleticism shines through as a three-sport standout for Canon-McMillan, and he's the top returning DB who will help lead the defense this season.</p>    <p>Boeltz is another talented offensive lineman that Head Coach Mike Evans can rely on. With his 6'1, 260 lb frame, he has the size to excel at the 6A level. Jayden brings valuable game experience and talent, making him a key leader on the O-line. A scholarship-level prospect, he plays with explosive power from a low center of gravity. He's particularly good at pulling, man, and combo blocking, and consistently reaches the second level to secure blocks. Boeltz's violent and powerful punch allows him to win his matchups in pass protection. He is one of several offensive linemen for the Big Macs capable of opening up big running lanes on offense.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/sabatuccitj2026/status/1823349679251222623?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>TJ is a standout prospect with two more seasons to leave his mark on the WPIAL. At 6'2 and 225 pounds, he already possesses collegiate size and matching strength. Sabatucci is effortlessly physical, excelling at engaging and disengaging from the DE position. His athleticism is evident, particularly in his ability to change directions in run pursuit. A next-level tackler, TJ consistently makes plays behind the line of scrimmage, recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss. With his nearly 6'3 frame, he's also skilled at getting into passing lanes and batting down throws. Offensively, as a tight end, he's a stout blocker who drives defenders off the ball and a legitimate receiving threat, particularly in the red zone, where he caught multiple touchdowns in 2023. Sabatucci recently received his first FBS scholarship offer from Miami (Ohio) in the MAC.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/braelon32/status/1792747746144993440?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Winfield is a returning underclassman who will continue to be a key contributor this season. He has strong instincts at the safety position, with solid fundamentals and reliable open-field tackling. Winfield excels at reading run-to-pass plays from a two-high safety look and consistently puts in maximum effort. His athleticism also shines at the wide receiver position, where he brings physicality to the field. Additionally, he plays a significant role on special teams. I believe Braelon will take a big step forward on both sides of the football in 2024.</p>    <p>Marco has been one of the top-producing players in the class of 2026 over the past couple of seasons. As a returning 2nd Team All-Conference player, he'll be looking to maintain his high standard of play. Faieta has led the Big Macs' 2026 class in tackles for the past two seasons. He's an excellent blitzer who consistently generates sacks and hurries when rushing the passer. A versatile player, Marco is capable of excelling at both linebacker and strong safety. He gives maximum effort, excels at shedding stalk blockers, and is highly effective at making plays in the flat. Also, his above-average zone drops and ball skills make him a threat to intercept passes.</p>

Head Coach Mike Evans saw a significant amount of scholarship-level talent graduate, including standout players like Kaeden Singleton, Gene Calgaro, Liam Reamer, Mike Evans, and Zach Welsh. Despite these losses, the Big Macs return several key contributors from last year, including Division I-caliber athletes. Canon-McMillan made notable strides in the 6A division in 2023, securing a playoff berth with a 6-5 overall record, a solid 55% winning percentage. The Big Macs' proven Division I caliber players, Matt McMahon Matt McMahon 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Canon McMillan | 2025 State PA and TJ Sabatucci TJ Sabatucci 6'2" | 225 lbs | EDGE Canon McMillan | 2026 State PA , will have all eyes on them this year, while returning lettermen Daisean Lacks Daisean Lacks 6'0" | 240 lbs | DL Canon-McMillon | 2025 State PA , Evan Morris, Jayden Boeltz Jayden Boeltz 6'2" | 260 lbs | OL Canon-McMillan | 2025 State PA , Braelon Wingfield Braelon Wingfield 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB/WR Canon-McMillan | 2027 State PA , and Marco Faieta Marco Faieta 5'9" | 180 lbs | DB Canon McMillan | 2026 State PA will be looking to elevate their play in 2024. As they aim for another postseason run, they'll face tough competition from teams like Peters Township, Mt. Lebanon, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, and North Allegheny. The Big Macs open their season against state runner-up Peters Township at 7 p.m. on August 23.