Westinghouse dominates Steel Valley 22-12 in season-opener

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Annabelle Aquino | August 23, 2025

The Westinghouse Bulldogs almost pulled off a shutout victory, but Steel Valley’s late-game comeback attempt stopped that dream from becoming a reality. Westinghouse (1-0) defeated the Steel Valley Ironmen (0-1) in a defensive battle, ultimately ending in a score of 22-12.

The Bulldogs, led by senior quarterback Zahir Ismaeli, earned a 22-0 lead heading into the final quarter. With just over five minutes remaining, Steel Valley put up its first points of the game, but it was too little, too late.

A Steel Valley touchdown pass thrown by senior quarterback Da’Ron Barksdale to Torian Barnett put the Ironmen’s first six points up with 5:03 remaining. On the final play of the game, Barksdale then rushed 14 yards to score another touchdown.

The Westinghouse Bulldogs celebrate after scoring a touchdown against Steel Valley on August 23. The Bulldogs won 22-12 at the Wolvarena.

“We kind of let up at the back end of this game, which is going to be a key component this week… We have to be able to finish a game,” Westinghouse coach Donta Green said.

Neither team scored in the first or third quarter, but Westinghouse came alive in the second quarter, scoring 14 points.

Ismaeli threw the ball to junior Dameon Hill, who weaved his way through defenders to the endzone with 4:41 remaining in the first half. After an unsuccessful 2-point conversion, Westinghouse kicked off to the Ironmen, but Steel Valley failed to respond to the 6-0 deficit.

Junior K-Shawn Hawkins took over as quarterback for the Bulldogs, proving his ability by rushing 78 yards for another Westinghouse touchdown with 2:06 left in the first half.

After a defensive battle in the third quarter, resulting in no score on either end, the Bulldogs hit the gas one more time.

On 4th and 11, Steel Valley pushed its luck but failed to execute, turning the ball over with 8:21 left in the game. Hill then ran the ball 80 yards down the field to the endzone, boosting the Bulldogs’ lead to the largest of the game at 22-0 following a successful 2-point conversion.

Damien Hill with an 80 yard TD run. Run is good. Westinghouse leads Steel Valley, 22-0 with 7;16 left in the game. @PaFootballNews @WHCoachGreen @Dshiftyyy_ pic.twitter.com/LXtKHO7Hyf

— Sykotyk (@Sykotyk) August 23, 2025

“I’m back in my number. This has been my number my whole life,” Hill said, pointing to his No. 4 jersey. “I’m back in my number, I’m back in what I used to do.”

Steel Valley’s Da’Ron Barksdale rushes past Westinghouse defenders. Barksdale passed and rushed for two touchdowns on August 23.

The Ironmen turned on the jets for the final few minutes. Barksdale hit Tyrell Breland for a 40-yard gain before throwing another pass to Barrett for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, making the score 22-6, still in favor of Westinghouse.

Steel Valley gets some points on the board with a 29 yard TD pass caught by Torian Barnett thrown by @DaronBarksdale
Westinghouse is up 22-6 with 5:03 remaining in the 4th quarter @SteelValleyHSFB @PaFootballNews @PFNBackyard @AnnabelleA_PT @CCHastings1863 @KAR120C6 pic.twitter.com/ItXBx7evnC

— Mia Williams (@Mia_WilliamsPT) August 23, 2025

Barksdale scored once more, making a 14-yard rush the final play of the game.

“It’s always good to start the season off with a win. Although we have a lot to work to do, so I’m excited to get back, break the film down and get back next week to do better,” Green said. “We want to get our guys used to winning and actually learning how to win.”

Featured photo by Deacon Blues.

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