Canon-McMillan looks to regroup, not rebuild in Class 6A

By: Don Rebel
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | 6:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

The current senior class at Canon-McMillan has an overall football record of 15-18 in the last three seasons.

While that doesn’t scream district elite, these seniors have never missed the WPIAL playoffs, which speak volumes over where this program was more than a decade ago when the Big Macs won only two games in four seasons from 2010-14.

A year ago, a talented group of seniors led the Big Macs back to the postseason with a final record of 6-5.

It was the first winning season since Canon-McMillan finished 6-4 in 2008.

“We did some good things,” Canon-McMillan coach Mike Evans said. “We got banged up in the late middle of the season which hurt us. Dealing with injuries and having the next guys ready to step up is something we have to keep improving on. We had some nice wins, competed hard, but in the end, struggled with top two teams in our league. We had been closing the gap, had a winning season, but the championships go through them.”

While the program has improved since Evans took over nearly a decade ago, they want to take the next step toward being a contender in Class 6A.

“That’s always the goal,” he said. “The last two senior classes were very good. If we had a football Hall of Fame, at least eight, maybe 10 players from those classes would be in. We have come a long way, but we want to be in the serious championship discussion. Just being a solid program was never our goal. The community comes out in droves to support us, the district has constantly improved our stadium facility and weight room. Expectations heighten with those upgrades. We want to give them a championship.”

Evans was asked if it will be strange coaching without his son Michael Evans, a four-year starter at quarterback for the Big Macs.

“It won’t be strange,” he said. “We have to replace an experienced QB that owns a bunch of records. He was good for us, and I probably didn’t take enough enjoyment away from coaching him. To me he was just another player who just slept over the house a bunch.”

Only six starters are back for Canon-McMillan, but Evans doesn’t want to hear about rebuilding.

“This will not be a rebuild,” he said. “I think our young kids are talented. They are gritty and determined.”

Some of the players to watch with a comment from Evans include:

Senior lineman Matt McMahon: “He is our rock. He has started 30-plus games for us.”

Senior lineman Jayden Boeltz: “After starting 11 games, we expect him to be even better and take another step.”

Senior lineman Daisean Lacks: “He had a very good junior year, and we are looking for him to dominate on the d-line this season.”

Sophomore quarterback Ty Jansma: “I guess you could say he has been groomed for years to take over the program. His mentality has shifted and I like where he is at. I trust him.”

Junior running back/defensive back Marco Faieta: “He has started 20-plus games and looks to expand his role this year.”

Junior wide receiver/defensive back Ethan Campoli: “He’s a very hard worker who is becoming a leader.”

Senior running back/safety Evan Morris: “He is our returning starter at safety. We are expecting big things, and we know he is as well.”

Sophomore running back/defensive back Troy Stimpson: “He will likely replace Zach Welsh as our starting running back. He is young, talented, intelligent and has all the ingredients.”

Junior running back/linebacker Ryan Blynn: “He’s a longtime role player with an opportunity for him to play this season.”

Sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Braelon Wingfield: “His mentality has shifted, and I’m excited to see him grow.”

Sophomore wide receiver/defensive back Roman Cimarolli: “He may be pressed into significant playing time as a sophomore.”

Junior tight end/defensive end T.J. Sabatucci: “He is a dominant defensive end and very good tight end.”

Junior wide receiver/defensive back Gio Pucillo: “He has the potential to be a very good cornerback as he returns from injury.”

Junior lineman Ben Gottschalk: “He will likely step into a tackle spot if the summer means anything. Outstanding young man we trust and believe in.”

Sophomore tight end/linebacker Brayden Collins: “He’s a great looking young player who will be on the field a bunch as a sophomore.”

Even though the class has expanded, Evans realizes not much has changed and let the grind begin.

“Same as it was a few seasons ago,” he said. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter. We will just play the schedule.”

Canon-McMillan

Coach: Mike Evans

2023 record: 6-5, 2-2 in Class 6A

All-time record: 398-539-43

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 Peters Township, 7

8.30 Upper St. Clair, 7

9.6 at South Fayette, 7

9.13 at Armstrong, 7

9.20 at Mt. Lebanon*, 7

9.27 Hempfield*, 7

10.4 at Seneca Valley*, 7

10.11 North Allegheny*, 7

10.18 Norwin*, 7

10.25 at Central Catholic*, 7

* Conference game

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing: Michael Evans*

102-198, 1,118 yards, 5 TDs

Rushing: Zach Walsh*

220-1,334 yards, 10 TDs

Receiving: Zyan Howard*

31-395 yards, 2 TDs

* Graduated

FAST FACTS

• Mike Evans begins his 10th season as head coach at Canon-McMillan after assistant coaching stints at Saginaw Valley State University and Cal (Pa.).

• Since the expansion to six classifications in 2016, Canon-McMillan is a combined 12-27 against the other Class 6A teams in both regular and postseason games. The Big Macs are 2-7 against Mt. Lebanon and 2-4 when they have played Seneca Valley. Canon-McMillan is a perfect 8-0 in 6A conference games against Norwin (4-0) and Hempfield (4-0). However, there has been zero success against the big two as the Big Macs are 0-6 facing Central Catholic and 0-10 going up against North Allegheny.

• After losing to North Allegheny in the 6A semifinals last year, 49-7, Canon-McMillan’s all-time WPIAL playoff record dropped to 1-13-1. The program’s only district postseason victory came 20 years ago when the Big Macs blanked Belle Vernon in a 2004 Class 3A first round game. They have lost eight in a row since. The lone tie came in the very first playoff game and the school’s lone football championship. Canonsburg and New Brighton played to a tie, 12-12, in the 1950 Class AA finals. In the days before overtime, both schools were declared co-champions.

• This is the 118th season of Canon-McMillan football, including preceding schools in the district. The Big Macs have an all-time record of 398-539-43 and are two wins away from victory No. 400.

Tags: Canon-McMillan