U.S.-Canada border policy impacts Week Zero schedule for Upper St. Clair, Greensburg Central Catholic

By: Chris Harlan
Friday, August 13, 2021 | 11:01 AM

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In any other year, facing an international opponent would bring some excitement to Week Zero of football season.

This year, it was reason for worry.

Upper St. Clair was scheduled to host West Toronto Prep in Week Zero, but there were growing doubts the Canadian team would be let into the country, so the Panthers found a new opponent closer to home. USC instead will host Greensburg Central Catholic, a Class A team not afraid of a big-school challenge under first-year coach Marko Thomas.

The game is 7 p.m. Aug. 27.

“If the borders haven’t been opened yet, I don’t think they’re going to open before the 27th,” USC athletic director Kevin Dietrick said. “I didn’t want to be stuck without a game, and I certainly didn’t want to hold Greensburg Central back either.”

The U.S. government for months has banned Canadian tourists from entering the country by land as a covid-19 mitigation policy. Canada recently opened its borders to fully vaccinated Americans for the first time in 16 months, but it remains unclear when the U.S. will follow suit.

The current U.S. restrictions last until Aug. 21, if not extended.

“With the numbers going up and this new variant, I think we’re moving in the wrong direction right now,” Dietrick said.

GCC was left without a game when Beth-Center backed out of their Week Zero matchup. Thomas and GCC athletic director Dan Mahoney began scouring the state — and other states — for an opponent.

After a few nibbles on the line, there was a breakthrough late Thursday when Upper St. Clair came calling. USC plays in Class 5A.

“I ran it by my coaches and they all agreed it would be a great challenge,” Thomas said. “We were open to playing anyone, really. We just wanted a game. When they offered, we jumped at it.

“They are a great team with a proud history. I am sure our players will be excited.”

Staff writer Bill Beckner Jr. contributed.

Chris Harlan is a TribLive reporter covering sports. He joined the Trib in 2009 after seven years as a reporter at the Beaver County Times. He can be reached at charlan@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg C.C., Upper St. Clair