{"id":270816,"date":"2026-08-23T18:32:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T18:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/270816\/"},"modified":"2026-08-23T18:32:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T18:32:10","slug":"bus-mishap-gives-defending-pittsburgh-city-champion-an-early-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/270816\/","title":{"rendered":"Bus Mishap Gives Defending Pittsburgh City Champion an Early Test"},"content":{"rendered":"

PENN HILLS, Pa. – USO<\/a> head football coach Lou Berry anticipated challenges when his team scrimmaged Penn Hills<\/a> Saturday afternoon at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium. The program\u2019s need for problem solving started about a block away from University Prep High School.<\/p>\n

Mechanical Issue Delayed USO’s Arrival<\/p>\n

The Wildcats’ bus developed a mechanical problem ith the loss of power steering fluid, forcing the team to scramble for another ride.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was no fault of the bus driver, but it started leaking and next thing we know we couldn\u2019t move,\u201d Berry said.<\/p>\n

For a team Berry knows will have to grow up quickly if it wants to repeat as City League champion, the afternoon provided an unexpected early lesson in responding to adversity. After a shortened warmup period, the Indians pounced on the Wildcats, producing a 65-yard touchdown run from Doryan Peay on their first play from scrimmage.<\/p>\n

USO settled in from there, keeping a young Penn Hills team out of the end zone. Wildcats linebacker Me\u2019laun Stamper, who has offers from Western Carolina, Ball State and Slippery Rock, was proud of how they rallied.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a slow start,\u201d Stamper said. \u201cThe bus situation was some adversity we came back from. After that one little messed up play, it skyrocketed from there. We just did our jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n

USO is eager for its season opener next Friday when it hosts Bishop Canevin at the Wolvarena.<\/p>\n

\"Penn<\/p>\n

USO’s Me’laun Stamper wraps up a Penn Hills running back during a scrimmage on Aug. 22, 2026 at Yuhas-McGinley Stadium. | Josh Rizzo<\/p>\n

USO Goes From Hunter to Hunted<\/p>\n

The Wildcats, who finished 7-3 last season, won their first City League championship since 2016 and fourth overall by halting Westinghouse\u2019s three-year reign last fall. When USO beat the Bulldogs to end the regular season, it snapped Westinghouse\u2019s 27-game winning streak against City opponents.<\/p>\n

The Wildcats will benefit by having an experienced quarterback, Dai\u2019Mere Adair, return. He will be in his third season under center.<\/p>\n

During the Wildcats\u2019 34-24 loss to Clearfield in the PIAA Class 4A regional playoffs in 2024, Adair passed for 349 yards and threw two touchdowns. Clearfield also knocked USO out of the regional playoffs last season, picking up a 14-0 win at Brookville.<\/p>\n

Adair said entering the season as defending City League champions has given the Wildcats confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a young team, so we have to work hard to get back to where we were. Our line is very young, so we need a lot of confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n

Playmakers Surround Veteran QB Dai’Mere Adair<\/p>\n

Brayden Clark, who has an offer from Western Carolina, caught a touchdown pass and intercepted another against Penn Hills. USO leaned on its defense in City League play last season.<\/p>\n

In six games against City League opponents, including the playoffs, the Wildcats allowed 33 points, including shutouts of Perry and Westinghouse.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur coaches helped us a lot,\u201d Clark said. \u201cWe just have to keep working harder.\u201d<\/p>\n

Amir Pollard, who has offers from Florida State, Hawaii, Ball State and California among others, will play defensive back for the Wildcats.<\/p>\n

Pollard said he started speed training three years ago to make improvements. He just started playing 7-on-7 during the past season.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like (speed training) helped me a lot,\u201d Pollard said. \u201cIt makes you faster and it helps you mentally when you want to stop, it helps you keep going. It\u2019s all a mental thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

A 40-Player Roster Creates Challenges<\/p>\n

Berry said the Wildcats have 40 players out for the program. He said while many of USO\u2019s players will go both ways, the Wildcats are attempting to lay the foundation for the future.<\/p>\n

The Wildcats will have stiff competition from Westinghouse to try and stay on top in the City League.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was a positive experience for a lot of our kids because a number of them played sandlot football last year,\u201d Berry said. \u201cTheir first taste of competition at the high school level occurred earlier today and I thought for the most part they were able to hold their own.\u201d<\/p>\n

– Josh Rizzo | rizzo42789@gmail.com| @J_oshrizzo<\/p>\n

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