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Upper St. Clair head coach Jim Render has picked up a lot of wins in his career and No. 399 came in the closest of margins you can get.

The Panthers stopped a go-ahead 2-point conversion attempt by visiting South Fayette to hang onto a 34-33 win in Week Zero. USC will be competing in Class 5A and South Fayette, who snapped a 57-game regular season winning streak, will be one of the top contenders in Class 4A.

The Panthers allowed what looked to be the game-tying touchdown with 3:04 remaining in the game, but the Lions elected to go for the lead with a 2-point conversion, but the Panthers brought the pressure and was able to hold on for the win.

The Panthers offensive stars included senior quarterback Jason Sweeney, senior wide receiver Chris Pantellis and sophomore David Pantellis, and senior running back Antonio Orsini.

Sweeney finished the game 14 of 20 with 284 yards and four touchdowns, all in the first half. The elder Pantellis finished with six catches for 131 yards and three touchdowns. His brother, David, finished with six catches for 132 yards and a score. Orsini finished with 15 carries for 163 yards, including an 80-yard score on the first play of the second half.

Upper St. Clair (1-0) will look to earn Render his 400th win at home next week when they host Peters Township (1-0) in the section opener. The game will serve as Youth Night for the Panthers.