PRZPA Team Preview, Canon-McMillan Part 2

<p>Competing at the 6A level is no easy feat, and Canon Mac will need all the talent they can muster. Players like [player_tooltip player_id='914463' first='Ty' last='Jansma'], [player_tooltip player_id='1181781' first='Troy' last='Stimpson'], [player_tooltip player_id='522449' first='Ethan' last='Campoli'], Ryan Blynn, [player_tooltip player_id='647663' first='Ben' last='Gottschalk'], [player_tooltip player_id='1623749' first='Caleb' last='Anderson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1623525' first='Brayden' last='Collins'] have all shown a mix of talent and promise in offseason workouts and prospect camps this summer. The Big Macs are primed and ready to take on the toughest competition in western Pennsylvania once again this season. 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. 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/tjansma_1/status/1817686046735565137?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Jansma steps into the starting quarterback role this year, taking over for former standout Mikey Evans, who signed to play at Cal (Pa). Ty showed poise in his limited opportunities last season and is ready for an expanded role in 2024. He's a solid athlete with a quick release and a strong arm. His ability to throw accurately on the move, especially on naked and bootleg plays, bodes well for Canon-Mac's passing game. Jansma is also effective at executing three-step drops and delivering crisp intermediate passes from the pocket. Head Coach Mike Evans believes Ty is poised for a breakout season with the Big Macs.</p>    <p>Troy is a player eager to expand his role on both offense and defense. After starting four games as a freshman, he's set to take on a full-time starting position this year. Stimpson will step in for RB Zach Welsh, who signed with Division II Wheeling University. He's fast, hits the hole quickly, and is always looking to break off big runs. On defense, Troy is a physical player, demonstrating his ability as a stout tackler from the OLB position. Last season, he made his mark with an interception and finished with 23 total tackles, including 20 solo. With the lion's share of carries this year, his RB production is expected to grow significantly.</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/ethan_campoli/status/1817702250963235135?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Ethan is a versatile player who thrives on both sides of the football and isn't afraid to compete. Defensively, he's highly active in two-high safety coverages and excels when playing strong safety in single-high schemes. Ethan reacts quickly in run support, aggressively attacking the alley and delivering hard-hitting, reliable tackles. His fluid hips allow him to break on deep throws effectively, particularly when covering fades off the hash. Offensively, he runs sharp routes with good speed from the wide receiver position, consistently creating separation. Ethan also showcases strong ball skills on both offense and defense, regularly securing passes at their highest point. I expect him to see even more production in 2024 on both sides of the ball.</p>    <p>Ryan is a tough, physical prospect who isn't afraid to mix it up on the gridiron. His intelligence on the field allows him to react quickly to both run and pass plays. Ryan moves well laterally and is a solid hitter, whether inside or outside of the box. Standing at 6'0 and 195 lbs as a junior, he has good size for a linebacker prospect. Blynn is an active player who makes plays all over the field, displaying impressive effort from sideline to sideline. He's a reliable open-field tackler who excels at defeating blockers in pursuit of the ball carrier. Ryan also possesses the skillset to be a standout special teams performer for Head Coach Mike Evans this season.</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/bengottschalkcm/status/1802108614326309091?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='647663' first='Ben' last='Gottschalk'] is a 6'3, 270-pound offensive tackle with the footwork and strength needed to be an effective starter. His hand placement on blocks shows his potential to consistently dominate the line of scrimmage. Ben impressed at FBS Buffalo's camp a couple of months ago, looking sharp and skilled. After putting in significant offseason work, Coach Evans believes Ben is ready to make a major impact on the offense. His solid build will be a crucial asset for RB [player_tooltip player_id='1181781' first='Troy' last='Stimpson'] and new QB1 [player_tooltip player_id='914463' first='Ty' last='Jansma'] this season. I believe Gottschalk has the potential to develop into a scholarship-level athlete.</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/calebanderson78/status/1812651797481205845?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1623749' first='Caleb' last='Anderson'] is another player with significant potential. He showed coachability at Buffalo's prospect camp in June and competed hard at the 2Tenths Top 150 camp. Standing at 6'1 and 270 pounds, Anderson has the size and transferable weight room strength that will benefit him on both the offensive and defensive lines this season. Caleb appears eager for action and will be competing for reps in 2024. With Head Coach Mike Evans known for developing top-notch linemen, Anderson looks to be his next standout project.</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/braycollins_39/status/1802535874548142219?s=46&t=Z9HVsIfxlYpUmBtFJHGC4g </div></figure>   <p>Another underclassman aiming to compete for more opportunities is [player_tooltip player_id='1623525' first='Brayden' last='Collins']. A two-sport athlete with room for development, Collins contributed on special teams last season and will be looking to earn more reps in 2024. Though inexperienced, he brings transferable toughness from his success in wrestling. Standing at 6'2 and 190 pounds, Collins offers quality depth at both the TE/H-back and DE positions. While he's still developing athletically and physically, his trajectory as a prospect is on the upswing. Brayden's natural catch-and-run abilities will be a valuable asset for first-year starting QB [player_tooltip player_id='914463' first='Ty' last='Jansma'].</p>

Competing at the 6A level is no easy feat, and Canon Mac will need all the talent they can muster. Players like Ty Jansma Ty Jansma 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Canon-McMillan | 2027 State PA , Troy Stimpson Troy Stimpson 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Canon-McMillan | 2027 PA , Ethan Campoli Ethan Campoli 6'1" | 170 lbs | ATH Canon McMillian | 2026 State PA , Ryan Blynn, Ben Gottschalk Ben Gottschalk 6'3" | 270 lbs | OL Canon McMillan | 2026 State PA , Caleb Anderson Caleb Anderson 6'2" | 275 lbs | OL Canon-McMillan | 2027 State PA , and Brayden Collins Brayden Collins 6'2" | 210 lbs | LB Canon-McMillan | 2027 State PA have all shown a mix of talent and promise in offseason workouts and prospect camps this summer. The Big Macs are primed and ready to take on the toughest competition in western Pennsylvania once again this season. 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. 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.