Bolstered by returning starters, University Prep eyes more City League success

By: Greg Macafee
Friday, August 22, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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The University Prep Panthers felt like they were on the verge of accomplishing something special a year ago.

They put together a 4-6 overall record and went 3-1 in City League play. However, an unfortunate incident in their final regular season game against Westinghouse, which resulted in several University Prep players being suspended for their first round matchup against Allderdice in the City League playoffs, derailed their league championship aspirations.

Still, the Panthers made the most of their PIAA playoff opportunity, beating Punxsutawney, 38-26, in the PIAA regional semifinals before falling to Clearfield, 34-24, in the regional championship.

“I feel like the kids really enjoyed that experience and were able to prove, not only to others, but to themselves, that they can play at the state level and stack some Ws,” coach Lou Berry said. “So that has really provided us with a lot of momentum going into this season where kids were a lot more self-motivated to sacrifice for one another and put in the work this offseason.”

Berry’s players have also vowed to put the team above themselves in order to prevent a repeat of last year.

“A number of these kids were juniors last season,” Berry said. “Some had to sit out of that particular playoff game. Others saw the pain that it brought our graduating class last year and they vowed to make amends for that and also not put themselves in a position to experience that same type of fate.”

The Panthers lost a small but talented group of seniors and have a crop of rising seniors looking to leave their stamp on the program. They’ll be senior-laden with players such as wide receivers Zion Hauser and Micah Saunders, two All-City League selections, leading the way.

Sophomore quarterback Daimere Adair returns under center. He started as a freshman and exceeded expectations that Berry had for him. He completed 18 of his 20 passes for nearly 350 yards and three touchdowns in University Prep’s season-ending loss to Clearfield.

“When you provide a performance such as that, the bar is now set really high,” Berry said. “Considering that he’s only a sophomore, we’re excited about what he’s capable of but we fully understand that this is a new year, with a new team, so, as a result, we are starting from ground zero once again.”

During that game, Adair completed nine passes to Hauser for 220 yards and Saunders caught another seven for 123. Berry is expecting big things out of both receivers this year, along with slot receiver Brayden Clark.

“Those two guys should add some big-play abilities to our offense this year,” Berry said. “We hope to complement it with stellar run play from individuals that will get a chance to step up this year.”

Me’Laun Stampler and Amir Pollard, who were involved in the running game last year, will take over in the backfield and run behind a talented offensive line.

That group is led by center Dre’Quan McClain-Street, who is transitioning from tight end. Berry also said that he has high hopes for returning guard Dion Williams, who Berry said stands around 6-foot-6, 380 pounds.

“He moves like a deer for his size,” Berry said. “We’re expecting some huge things from him this year. He’s a lot more assertive and a lot more confident in himself.”

Nahayo Clavel, a three-year starter and four-year player, is also back at tackle. Berry said he’s the “elder statesman” of the group and is the one everyone looks to when it comes to blitz pickups and audibles at the line of scrimmage, when blocking assignments may change.

The same group will be featured along the defensive line, but Berry said Demari Christmas will also work into the mix after a strong offseason.

Linebacker Taishaun Brown and safety Damondtae Stevenson, an All-City League selection, will play big roles defensively. But for the Panthers to have success this season, it all comes back to one thing for Berry.

“I think it all starts within our program, just respecting the game in and of itself,” he said. “By that I mean loving your teammates, sacrificing for one another, doing the little things to make one another better on a daily basis. Just carrying yourself the right way, whether it’s in the classroom or on the football field. We really feel like if you do the little things and pay attention to the small details, all of that will add up to an athlete that doesn’t shoot himself in the foot, which in and of itself, sets us back. We’re just looking for individual growth where everyone benefits.”

The Panthers start their season by hosting Hampton at Cupples Stadium on Aug. 22 before hosting Hickory the following week. Both matchups resulted in losses last season, which the Panthers are hoping to avenge.

University Prep

Coach: Lou Berry

2024 record: 4-6, 3-1 in the City League

All-time record: 77-62-0

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.22 Hampton, 7

8.29 Hickory, 7

9.5 at Carrick, 3:30

9.19 Perry Traditional Academy*, 7

9.26 at Brashear*, 7

10.3 at Allderdice*, 3:30

10.10 Westinghouse*, 7:30

*City League game

FAST FACTS

• The Panthers lost their first three games last season by a combined score of 100-40 to Hampton, Hickory and Steubenville. All three games were on the road. They won their next two games by a combined score of 122-6.

• The University Prep team consists of students from University Prep, Pittsburgh Science and Technology and Obama Academy.

• The Panthers won City League titles in 2011, 2013 and 2016.

• The University Prep program started in 2011.

Greg Macafee is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Greg by email at gmacafee@triblive.com or via Twitter .

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