Player Of The Week: USC's Mike Wilcox

The second ranked USC Panthers have a huge football contest at the third ranked North Allegheny on Friday. Senior wide receiver/defensive back Mike Wilcox may very well be a key component to victory.

"We've been preparing for N.A., we'll be ready," Wilcox said after USC recorded their versus Norwin.

Against North Allegheny, the Panthers will need the speed of Wilcox on the offensive side and defensive side of the ball.

USC hasn't passed the ball very often this season. Wilcox leads the team with his two receptions, both for touchdowns. Last week against Norwin he continued to be the necessary deep threat nearly coming down with what would have been a 50-yard reception from the arm of Dakota Conwell.

Last season Wilcox hauled in 12 passes for 231 yards and one touchdown for the Panthers.

"Wilcox can stretch the field, that will send a message," head coach Jim Render said.

He will also be tested on the defensive side of the ball as North Allegheny has a much more agressive passing attack than previous opponents Shaler and Norwin.

Wilcox is the rare two-sport star the contributes in a big way on both teams. As a junior for USC's baseball team that made it to the Class AAAA quarterfinals last year, he had the team's second highest batting average.

He also plays two key positions for the Panther baseball team roaming center field when he is not on the mound pitching and thanks to his speed on the basepaths, he scored 21 runs.

Correction: This article previously stated Mike Wilcox led the Upper St. Clair High School's baseball team in batting average and runs. It has been corrected that Wilcox had the team's second highest batting average and scored a total of 21 runs, which was not the team's highest.