Tradition runs deep at Upper St. Clair, a team that has made the playoffs each of the last 23 years.
But there's a new tradition forming within the Panthers program, and it doesn't have much to do with the X's and O's.
“I'm hoping some guys next year will be able to continue it,” says Peter Engel, a senior football player for the Panthers.
They're tackling a major issue in our area: food insecurity
“We live in a community, we're really fortunate to not have to worry about our next meal,” says teammate Marshall Howe.
Last year, the two seniors organized a food drive with organization Feed Our Students as part of a capstone project,
This year, Peter and Marshall decided to do the same, and carry the torch even further.
They raised money in the rain at local community day, then used it to buy over 1000 meals for local kids.
But they didn't have to pack them alone...it was a big team effort.
“Them deciding to help us out was just really cool to see and they seemed really happy too,” says Peter. “I think it was fulfilling for them as well.”
Peter and Marshall didn't want the impact of their efforts to stop there.
They recorded the entire process and sent a video to other South Hills football teams. All in the hopes of starting a chain reaction.
“To kind of just inspire them to create a similar project,” says Marshall. “Doesn't have to be food insecurity, it’s just to kind of bring their team together and do good for the community”
As the panthers find fulfilment in giving back together, it should be a smooth handoff to next year's seniors and the team around them.
“This is a great group of guys,” adds Marshall. “They're my best friends. To see them really take this serious and kind of step up for the team and for us really just meant the world.
“They decided to help because it's what we do here.”