Invictus

[Captain Canada]

Defense wins the day for Upper St. Clair over rival Mt. Lebanon, Jones plays versatile superstar

By Andy Villamarzo
October 31, 2025

The Upper St. Clair Panthers will officially end their season atop the conference after a 12-1 finish after dropping off the Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils 24-21 thanks to an impressive defensive effort led from the unlikeliest of sources. The Panthers will finish undefeated in both WPIAL AAAAA Allegheny Six Conference and PA Class AAAAA play with their only lost coming from an out-of-state matchup against DeMatha Catholic.

Middle linebacker Luke Russell led the way with his typical play-style of seismic tackling and high football IQ, finishing the game with 16 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and a integral forced fumble that the Panthers managed to recover. The senior linebacker is still weighing his collegiate options between Pittsburgh, Rutgers, and Boston College, but this game and the looming playoff run may bring even more suitors to his door.

The Panthers suffered numerous losses in their backfield, with sophomore cornerback Nick Halton going down with an lower-body injury early in the game. Soon after, both junior free safety Taylor Monfort and backup cornerback, junior Stefano Fortino both also went down with different injuries. With depth an issue, the Panthers took some of their best athletes and plugged them in, with top receivers Zane Jones and Cameron Wilson stepping in and playing both ways.

Quarterback Malik Richards had a rare off day, throwing for only 195 passing yards against a stifling Blue Devils' defense. He managed to connect twice with wide receiver Zane Jones, but also threw two uncharacteristic interceptions that nearly cost the Panthers the game. "It wasn't my best effort," said Richards after the game. "I didn't put my best foot forward, but I'm glad my guys were able to dig deep and pull this win out."

With the Blue Devils' offense pressing forward, an errant attempt to go up with time ticking down in the fourth quarter finished with Jones coming down with a 50/50 ball for his first (and so far, only) interception of the season to clinch the victory for the Panthers. The three-star recruit with offers from Pittsburgh, Maryland, and most recently, Michigan, has seen his stock go up astronomically this season and only continues to rise. He finishes the game with his ninth 100+ yard game of the season.

The Panthers will get a bye to the quarterfinal round of the 2025 WPIAL State Football Championship as they begin their trip towards the Pennsylvania State tournament. They will play the winner of the Woodland Hills/Plum matchup.

[Caesar]

We need to hear from W.C.W. on what she thinks about Zane getting an offer from Michigan.

With him starting to play both ways, I'm starting to get some Travis Hunter vibes from him.

[Captain Canada]

We need to hear from W.C.W. on what she thinks about Zane getting an offer from Michigan.

With him starting to play both ways, I'm starting to get some Travis Hunter vibes from him.

Won't lie to you, I don't think I'm picking up on the W.C.W. reference (other than Woman Crush Wednesday, but I doubt your heinous ass means that).

My boy's position is ATH

[redsox907]

Won't lie to you, I don't think I'm picking up on the W.C.W. reference (other than Woman Crush Wednesday, but I doubt your heinous ass means that).

wealthy coke whore

like Caes said, going to be interesting what Bianca says bout it

digging the athlete vibes doe

[Caesar]

We need to hear from W.C.W. on what she thinks about Zane getting an offer from Michigan.

With him starting to play both ways, I'm starting to get some Travis Hunter vibes from him.

Won't lie to you, I don't think I'm picking up on the W.C.W. reference (other than Woman Crush Wednesday, but I doubt your heinous ass means that).

My boy's position is ATH

You didn’t get either reference apparently

[Captain Canada]

Won't lie to you, I don't think I'm picking up on the W.C.W. reference (other than Woman Crush Wednesday, but I doubt your heinous ass means that).

wealthy coke whore

like Caes said, going to be interesting what Bianca says bout it

digging the athlete vibes doe

Bianca getting labelled WCW even after 1) Only doing cocaine once and 2) only sleeping with one man is insane when we consider the other females characters on this board but alas.

We need to hear from W.C.W. on what she thinks about Zane getting an offer from Michigan.

With him starting to play both ways, I'm starting to get some Travis Hunter vibes from him.

Won't lie to you, I don't think I'm picking up on the W.C.W. reference (other than Woman Crush Wednesday, but I doubt your heinous ass means that).

My boy's position is ATH

You didn’t get either reference apparently

No, that one was I caught onto. Y'all hoes.

The plot thickens.

[Captain Canada]

Season III | Chapter XIX - Uncertainty

The plane hadn’t even left the ground yet, and Zane already felt exhausted. This exhaustion wasn’t service level - it lived in his bones.

He leaned back into the stiff seat, adjusting slightly before immediately regretting it. His back tightened, a dull ache shooting up through his shoulders. His legs stretched out as far as the cramped space would allow, but they still felt heavy - like cinderblocks.

Mount Lebanon had taken their shots. He had the scars and bruising to prove it.

He closed his eyes for a second, exhaling slowly through his nose, replaying flashes from the night before. The collisions, the routes over the middle, the hits that lingered just a little longer than they should have.

It was worth it. They had won. Another step closer to state. He rolled his shoulder, wincing slightly.

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath, a hoarse breath escaping him. A couple of rows up, Cam glanced back, grinning. “You look like you got jumped, big dawg.”

Zane smirked faintly. “Got my shit pistol-whipped and all that.”

“Shit,” Cam shrugged, “that’s what winning feels like.”

Zane shrugged, immediately regretting it. He took a deep breath, feeling the deep bruise in his ribs before trying - and failing - to settle into his seat.

The plane began to taxi, engines humming louder as Zane pulled his phone back out, his thumb tapping the screen to bring up the itinerary again.

Everything was laid out cleanly. Almost to an impressive degree. It laid out a pristine timeline of their arrival, meeting with the recruiting staff. It included a condensed campus tour on account of his and Cam’s late arrival. The penultimate event at the end was Michigan’s game against Purdue this evening.

Most of the other recruits had gotten in yesterday and would be leaving tomorrow morning. They would be getting in late on account of their own late matchup. Had gotten time to bond and belong. Settle into things. Cam and Zane would be behind the 8-ball.

He locked his phone for a second, staring out the window as the runway blurred slightly beneath them.

Michigan was coming off a win over Michigan State - a significant one - but the season hadn’t been perfect. Integral losses to USC and Oklahoma. They were clawing to stay relevant. Making sure they were set up for their inevitable collision with Ohio State.

Zane could already picture it. The Big House packed with 110,000 people. All of them watching. Judging. Evaluating.

He swallowed slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. It was a worthwhile experience. But not one that didn’t come without complications.

He had told Bianca about the offer. She was happy. Thrilled even. He could hear it in her voice in a way she couldn’t hide.

But he couldn’t help but interpret what was underneath. Or at least try to. He couldn’t quite name it. Things had certainly been off since their Detroit incident, but Zane hadn’t taken things too seriously. He knew she was upset - he knew why she was upset. He thought that was enough.

He exhaled, jaw tightening as the memory crept back in. The argument, the look on her face over the phone. He knew he had disappointed her. But, what he wouldn’t understand was this grudge she maintained.

She didn’t see it that way. That was the problem.

The plane began its ascent, the force pressing him back into his seat as the ground slowly fell away beneath them. Zane glanced out the window again, watching as Pittsburgh shrank into something smaller. Small enough to leave behind - however temporary it may be.

He wondered, not for the first time, how he would be able to leave it behind again in only a few months' time. Would he be going further? Would he not be leaving at all?

He tried to shake the thoughts that continuously crept into the corners of his mind. Thoughts of doubt. Uncertainty. Trouble. He knew they would get past this. It was just a small lull. They were actively getting to a place they had been working towards for almost a year now.

Michigan would be good for them. Zane had to keep telling himself that. He settled into his seat, sifted through his phone for a song, and tried to nod off.

***

The store still smelled like latex and cheap fabric. Half-off signs were already slapped crookedly across racks of costumes, the aftermath of Halloween hanging in the air like a party that refused to end.

Bianca dragged her fingers across a row of hangers, flipping through sequins, mesh, and plastic wings that crinkled every time she touched them. The place was still buzzing - clusters of students picking through whatever was left, already planning for the next round of parties.

Partying never ended at Michigan and Halloween was its latest excuse. Not to mention Michigan football had a home game that night. Conference game, to boot.

Campus was ready to explode the second the fourth quarter ended and they would have beaten Purdue.

Katie held up a pair of glittery white wings, turning slightly to inspect them in the mirror. “I’m thinking this,” she said, tilting her head. “Angel. Simple. Clean. Maybe a little crop top action, maybe something sheer-”

Bianca snorted, not even looking up. “You? Angel? You don’t see the blasphemy there?”

Katie shot her a look through the mirror, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Okay, fair. Devil’s probably more on brand.”

“Probably?”

Katie shrugged, unbothered. “Devil’s definitely more fun. But, it just felt all too obvious. ‘Oh, look at me, I’m sexy and horny so obviously I’m the devil’. How on the nose can I be?”

Bianca hummed faintly, pulling a black-and-gold costume from the rack, barely processing it. Her mind was somewhere else. It had been all morning.

She paused, then glanced over at Katie, brows furrowing. “Why do we hang out with Darius,” she asked, “if it’s so clear he wants to fuck every woman that moves his way?”

Katie didn’t even hesitate. “Because how good of a friend he is severely outweighs how horny he is. Plus, he’s harmless.”

Bianca blinked, angling herself towards Katie, who was weighing the pros and cons of a Black Widow costume she ended up putting down. “Harmless?”

“Yeah,” Katie said, like it was obvious. “He shoots his shot, sure - but he listens. You say no, he moves on. Doesn’t get weird. Doesn’t push it. Honestly, as far as guys go - that’s not a bad deal.”

Bianca considered that, her fingers stilling on the rack. “I suppose so.”

Katie glanced over, reading her face. “What, you thought he was secretly plotting something?”

Bianca shook her head slightly. “No, he hasn’t came through with that kind of energy since we met, but it’s blatant that he would if given the opportunity.”

“Who amongst us?” Katie began.

Bianca sorted through more costumes, grimacing at what was remaining of the selection before her next question spiked into her mind. “Have you ever fucked Darius?”

Katie nodded like she was confirming the weather. “Oh yeah. A couple times freshman year. Frosh week if I remember correctly.”

Bianca’s head snapped up. “Seriously?”

Katie shrugged. “That’s kind of what you do Frosh Week, B. It’s your first selection of new guys like, ever. And you’re finally on your own. And let’s not act like Darius isn’t fine.”

Bianca stared at her for a second longer than necessary, then looked back at the rack. “What about the other girls on the team?”

Katie paused a moment, thinking. “Mm, I think Emma might’ve. I think she actually blew him in a coat closet at a hockey party.”

Bianca blinked slowly. “A coat closet.”

Katie smiled to herself. “Again, who amongst us?”

Bianca shook her head, letting out a quiet breath. “So, we’re just going to act like coat closet blow jobs are just regular activities?”

“It’s college,” she said simply. “Everyone’s out from under their parents’ roof for the first time, making their own decisions during the horniest phase of their lives.”

She gestured loosely around the store. “In the OnlyFans era, a little suck in a coat closet isn’t the worst thing anyone on campus is doing right now.”

Bianca let out a soft exhale, absorbing it. She just watched Katie continue flipping through costumes, angel wings gripped in her unoccupied hand.

Without looking over, Katie smirked slightly. “You know what’s a more pressing conversation over Darius fucking whoever he feels like and Emma sucking dick in a coat closet?”

Bianca didn’t look up. “Oh god, what?”

“Why you’re not literally bouncing in happiness with your boyfriend currently on a plane to be on your campus in a matter of hours?”

Bianca’s expression softened, her eyes going to a place off in the distance in a way Katie hadn’t expected.

“Don’t fucking tell me.”

“What?”

“You’re still upset about the Detroit thing.”

Bianca hesitated, then sighed. No point in denying it. “I’m not going to lie and act like things haven’t been eating at me for a little bit.”

“You’ve got to get over it, girl.” Katie said bluntly, rolling her eyes as she began walking towards the cash register. Bianca looked back at the rack in a small panic, clocking that she’ll just recycle last night’s outfit, and following after her.

“Get over it?” What are you talking about?”

“Let’s do the Math,” Katie said, snapping off some packaged sequins from off the shelf as she continued to strut down the aisle. “You’re mad at your superstar boyfriend for almost getting into a fight to protect his inebriated, dumbass best friend. Am I getting the gist of that?”

Bianca shook her head. “Katie, you’re not getting it. He has so much to lose. And to do it in a bar setting, just like his Dad-”

Katie cut her off. “But, he didn’t. He did what 9 out 10 men wouldn’t dream of doing and risked looking soft in front of his knockout of a girlfriend and opted out. No fists were thrown.”

Bianca faltered slightly. Katie stopped rummaging on the shelf for a moment and looked at her. “I know we’re two very different people - I was kind of looking forward to watching Zane beat that dude’s fucking ass - but you hold yourself and him to such an high standard, sometimes I don’t know for what.”

Bianca exhaled slowly. “I don’t know why it’s still bothering me to tell the truth. I know he did the right thing.”

Katie considered it a moment, before turning and continuing down the aisle. “Then, maybe it’s not the fight that’s bothering you. Maybe it’s not even Zane.”

Bianca followed, hanging on Katie’s every word. “What do you mean?”

“I promise I’m not pocket-watching on your man,” Katie began, “but Zane is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. He’s fucking beautiful, a superstar athlete which means money is well on its way, and he’s even got some tragic backstory? He’s everything you could ask for.”

“Okay, go on.”

“Well, that’s hard to measure up to. Maybe, you were kind of waiting for the perfect streak to break? Maybe for Wonder Boy to - I don’t know - not be so wonderful. It would be one hell of a red flag if Mr. Perfect had a mean streak or something.”

Bianca didn’t respond, couldn’t find the words to articulate a response. Katie gave a thoughtful look, gave a small shrug, and led the two of them to the cash register.

The store noise buzzed softly around them, the door at the front ringing as a group of college students walked through the door.

***

The garage had gone quiet. Not completely - never completely being in the heart of Pittsburgh - but quiet enough that Felix could hear the small things. The faint ticking of a cooling engine. The soft hum of the overhead lights. The distant whoosh of a car passing by on the main road.

He stood near the workbench, a rag in his hand, slowly wiping grease from a wrench that didn’t really need cleaning anymore. More out of habit rather than a need for cleanliness at this point.

The day had been good. Good enough. A couple of oil changes. A few cares in sore need to brake pads before the first snow fall. One bigger job that took most of the afternoon, but paid decent.

Steady. He could work with steady.

Felix tossed the rag over his shoulder, and leaned against the counter, letting out a long breath. His back protested immediately, that same dull ache settling in like an old friend that overstayed its welcome.

“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered under his breath, shifting slightly. His body had been talking to him more lately.

Knees that didn’t bend the way they used to. Fingers that stiffened up if he held a tool too long. He reached up, adjusting his glasses, squinting slightly at the stack of papers sitting off to the side.

Invoices. Receipts. Numbers. Too much for him 10 years ago. A kick in the teeth now.

Mary’s voice echoed faintly in the back of his mind. ”Everything ain’t always about what’s going wrong, Felix. You gotta let yourself see what’s still going right.”

He exhaled slowly through his nose, shifting his weight again. “Yeah, baby,” he muttered. “I’m workin’ on it.”

He started toward his truck when headlights flooded the lot. Bright and sudden. He squinted, raising a hand to shield his eyes as the car rolled in slow, tires crunching lightly against the gravel.

He paused. The engine cut and the lights dimmed.’

The driver’s door opened, recognition clicking instantly.

“Well, I’ll be damned.”

Mariah stepped out. She didn’t look like the same girl who had stood in his shop weeks ago, eyes red, voice shaking, hands gripping that purse like it was the only thing holding her together.

Tonight, she looked different. A smidge uncertain on her feet, sure. But, standing taller. Dressed in business casual - a simple blouse, slacks - but it fit her in a way that made it clear she had somewhere to be now.

“Hey,” she said, a little breathless, like she had been holding that moment in.

Felix nodded once, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Hey yourself.”

She walked up to him, a little quicker now, energy practically spilling out of her. “I got it,” she said, almost immediately. “The job. I got it.”

Felix let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “I figured as much.”

She laughed lightly. “I’ve been working all week. It’s - it’s good. It’s really good.”

He nodded again, slower this time. “Yeah,” he said. “I can see that.”

She reached into her bag, pulling out an envelope and holding it out toward him. “I wanted to come back sooner,” she said quickly. “But everything’s been kind of crazy, getting settled and all that - but - this is what I owe you.”

Felix didn’t take it. She pushed it a little closer. “It’s all there,” she added. “Plus a little extra. For, you know, everything.”

Felix looked down at the envelope. Then back at her. Then back at the envelope.

He let out a quiet breath and shook his head, gently pushing her hand back toward her. “Nah,” he said.

Mariah blinked. “What?”

“Keep it.”

Her brow furrowed. “No, I - I can’t do that. You helped me out, I said I’d pay you back-”


“And you did,” Felix cut in, his tone calm but firm.

She stared at him, confused. “You got the job,” he continued. “You got yourself on your feet. That’s the payment.”

Mariah shook her head, a little more insistent now. “That’s not the same thing-”

Felix gave her a small look, something almost amused in his eyes. “You can shake that envelope all you want, I’m not taking your money, lady,” he said. “Might help my odds gettin’ into heaven one day.”

She let out a soft, disbelieving laugh, lowering the envelope slowly.

“You’re serious.”

“Dead serious.”

She hesitated. Then, reluctantly, she pulled it back.

“Okay,” she said quietly. “But… thank you. Really.”

Felix nodded once, like it didn’t need to be said.

She turned slightly, like she was about to head back to her car but stopped.

Spun back around. There was a different kind of nervousness on her face now. The kind that came with asking for something.

“Um…” she started, shifting her weight. “Do you… need any help around here?”

Felix raised an eyebrow.

“Help?” he repeated.

She nodded quickly. “Yeah, like - I don’t know - anything. Cleaning, organizing, paperwork - whatever.”

Felix looked her up and down, not unkindly, but with a hint of skepticism. “You don’t exactly strike me as someone who knows their way around a wrench.”

Mariah let out a small laugh. “I don’t.”

A beat.
“But I’m good with numbers.”

She stepped a bit closer, more earnest now.

“I just… I could use another job,” she admitted. “Save some money. Get ahead a little.”

Felix’s expression shifted slightly. “Why?” he asked.

She hesitated.

Then answered.

“I’m getting out of a situation,” she said carefully. “Bad relationship.”

Felix didn’t interrupt.

“Guy liked to use his fists when he got mad,” she added, quieter now. “I left. Been… staying wherever I can since.”

The pause got her talking again, but Felix was just analyzing. Processing.

“But it’s not a problem,” she said quickly, almost defensively. “I’m not bringing any drama here. I just need… something steady.”

Silence settled between them for a moment.

Felix studied her. He scratched at his jaw, glancing back toward the shop for a moment.

“You serious about the numbers thing?” he asked.

Mariah nodded immediately. “Yeah. That’s actually what the job is - admin work. Scheduling, accounts, all that.”

Felix exhaled slowly. Mary’s voice crept back in again.

“…Alright,” he said.

Mariah blinked. “Wait - really?”

He nodded once. “Couple days a week to start. We’ll see how it goes.”

Her face lit up instantly, relief washing over her. “Thank you,” she said quickly. “Seriously, I won’t-”

“Don’t make me regret it,” Felix cut in, though there was no real edge to it.

She smiled. “I won’t.”

Felix gave a small nod, turning back toward the shop door. “Be here early,” he added. “I don’t wait on nobody.”

“Yes, sir,” she said, a hint of laughter in her voice. He paused at the door, glancing back at her one more time.

She looked lighter.

Felix opened the door, flicking the lights back on inside.

[redsox907]

Bianca subconsciously plotting on her own man, while Zane trying to convince himself Michigan is the right thing.

Shit gonna be unresolved while he at Michigan and she gonna get frisky with Darius. Groundwork been laid

[Caesar]

W.C.W. just fishing for reasons to let Darius punch dick in her. Stand up Zane.

[Captain Canada]

Bianca subconsciously plotting on her own man, while Zane trying to convince himself Michigan is the right thing.

Shit gonna be unresolved while he at Michigan and she gonna get frisky with Darius. Groundwork been laid

Men and women can just be friends, ladies and gentlemen.

W.C.W. just fishing for reasons to let Darius punch dick in her. Stand up Zane.

I know Mireya sucking dick for internal validation got the game fucked up, but Bianca ain't plotting on no Darius