Barksdale’s three-touchdown performance lifts Ironmen past Gladiators
Tagged under: District 7, Game Photos-Videos, Gameday Hub, News, pfn
Kyler Cecil | October 25, 2025
The Gladiators of South Allegheny hosted the Ironmen of Steel Valley with a chance to make school history by completing their first-ever undefeated regular season. However, the Ironmen had other plans, defeating the Gladiators 33-12 to hand them their first loss of the year.
South Allegheny won the toss and elected to receive, opening the night with a 41-yard rushing touchdown from Joey Gamret to take an early lead. Steel Valley responded immediately on its first possession, as Da’ron Barksdale capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown run.
After forcing a punt, the Ironmen took over at the South Allegheny 11-yard line and capitalized once again with another touchdown from Barksdale, this time from 19 yards out. Later in the second quarter, Ashad Dye intercepted a pass at the Gladiators’ 10-yard line and returned it 90 yards for a pick-six, extending Steel Valley’s lead.
In the third quarter, Alijah Cook connected with Kymair Brown for a 46-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21-12 after a failed two-point conversion. A strong return gave the Ironmen great field position at the Gladiators’ 14-yard line, but penalties stalled the drive, resulting in a turnover on downs. However, Steel Valley quickly regained momentum, forcing a three-and-out and blocking the ensuing punt to set up shop at the Gladiators’ 12-yard line. Barksdale punched in his third touchdown of the night on a 3-yard run.
South Allegheny turned the ball over on downs on its next possession, and after a Steel Valley punt, a high snap over Cook’s head led to a defensive recovery and a 60-yard scoop-and-score. On the Gladiators’ final drive, Cook was intercepted by Barksdale, allowing Steel Valley to run out the clock and seal the victory.
Steel Valley finishes the regular season at 7-3 (5-1), while South Allegheny closes out at 9-1 (5-1).
Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews
You must be logged in to post a comment.