Westinghouse looking to make history, Steel Valley hopes to repeat history

Tagged under: District 7, News, Playoffs

Billy Splain | December 2, 2022

Cruce Brookins and Khalil Taylor 

The Bulldogs have never been to the state title game. Actually, they’ve never been to the quarterfinal round. They’re looking to become the first District 8 team to play in a state title game since 1997 when Perry Traditional Academy played Berwick. For the first time in two decades, the Pittsburgh City League) will have a school in the semifinals. The last time it happened was also Perry Traditional Academy, who lost 20-3 to Hopewell in 2002.

Steel Valley has been here before. In 2016 they were the last team to defeat Southern Columbia before the Tigers went on their 5 year title run. But that was six years ago. Different team, coach, opponent, stadium. So you can pretty much sum this game up as both teams are looking to make history. These teams are mirror images of each other.

For #2 ranked Westinghouse, the Bulldogs average 45 ppg offensively and, as Keyshawn Morsillo goes, so go the Bulldogs. Morsillo is likely the most under the radar recruit in Pennsylvania. Every time he touches the ball he has the skill and ability to make something happen, either through the air or on his feet. Khalil Taylor ran for over 100 yards and two touchdowns in last weeks dominant win over Farrell. When he’s looking to throw, Morsillo has several targets he likes. Sincere Smith is one of them. Smith is a fast, shifty receiver that can get open. He’s been open enough to have over 1000 yards in receptions. Receiver Davon Jone and back Roderick Jeter are also players the Ironmen will have to keep an eye on.

Defensively, the Bulldogs are not held on a short leash. This is a defense that comes at you from all angles. Deshaun Blackwell, DB, Jeter at linebacker and Zechariah Hines come at your hard and fast and from all angles. They know how to get the stops and put the ball back in the hands of their big play offense. They’ve only given up double digits three times this year, and one of those times was a 39-18 shellacking of #1 ranked 1A team Steelton Highspire.

Steel Valley, ranked #2 by PFN, counters with some tough guys of their own. It all starts with Cruce Brookins. He’s a bruising, accurate quarterback with speed. A dangerous combination. Brookins is the Iroman’s answer to Morsillo. He’s the guy. As he goes, so go the Ironmen. He’s thrown for over 800 and run for nearly 2,000 yards. Running back Donal Barksdale has carried for nearly 1000 yards and 17 scores. Quaron Pierce and Jesean Wright will also see time with the ball out of the backfield. This is a high powered, explosive offense that averages 44 points per game.

On defense, Brookins is the leader at the DB spot. He’s the qb of a defense that isn’t very forgiving. Wright at linebacker leads the team in tackles and is no stranger to offensive backfields but it’s linemen Brendan Snyder and D1 recruit Greg Smith who live in the opponents backfield. Smith plays angry with control and usually has to beat a double team. That leaves Snyder open to attack. Between them they have nearly 30 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. Linebacker Angel Herrera is also very distruptive.

My take: This has the potential to be the best game of the weekend. If the defenses take control, low scoring game. But if those offenses get rolling with their big play ability, I’d put the over at 80. Strap in gang, gonna be a crazy one!

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