After breakout season, Westinghouse embraces heightened expectations

By: Andrew John
Friday, August 25, 2023 | 1:45 AM

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Last season, Westinghouse had a fairy tale season that ended at the doorstep of a state championship. However, the Bulldogs have turned the page as they head into a new season with a new cast.

The Bulldogs (14-1, 4-0) were the first City League school to reach the state finals in 25 years. Westinghouse lost to Southern Columbia, 37-22, in the PIAA Class 2A championship game. Before that, the Bulldogs held 11 opponents to a touchdown or less with two shutouts.

The previous City League team to reach the state finals was Perry, which lost in Class 3A in 1997. The only City League team crowned state champions was Perry in 1989.

“It was extremely emotional for everybody,” coach Donta Green said. “We won 14 straight and lost in the last game. We didn’t play our best. We didn’t coach our best game. Our guys are just itching for another shot and another opportunity to do that.”

On the road to the state championship game, the Bulldogs were led by their senior class. On offense, the Bulldogs, who averaged 42.7 points per game last season, will look to replace quarterback Keyshawn Morsillo, running back Khalil Taylor and receivers Sincere Smith and Davon Jones. On defense, Westinghouse was led by linebacker Roderick Jeter and linebacker/safety Khalil Taylor and cornerback Deshaun Blackwell.

“That senior class spearheaded that state run last year just reestablished the standard,” Green said. “It moved the goalposts. It’s not that we are overlooking the City League, but our ultimate goal is to get back where we were and finish.”

Even with the departure of the senior class, the Bulldogs still have the talent to make another run in the state playoffs.

The offensive and defensive lines will return senior center Raymon Poindexter, defensive tackle Sincere Shannon and defensive end Mike Richardson, who were all-city selections last season.

Sophomore Kyshawn Robinson, a Trib HSSN preseason all-star team selection, will have an expanded role this season. After starting as a freshman at corner, Robinson will play both ways as he will be the starting running back.

Senior Taymir O’Neal and junior receiver Lloyd Penn will return at receiver and in the defensive backfield for the Bulldogs.

Senior Michael Harvey will return on the line with Poindexter. Senior TyJuane Abram will return at middle linebacker.

After backing up Morsillo the last two seasons, junior Khalil Green will take over at quarterback.

The Bulldogs will start their season as they travel to face Clairton in a nonconference matchup. Westinghouse will also have nonconference matchups against Hollidaysburg and Butler this season.

“I think the teams in the City are pretty evenly matched. Every team has good players and every team has a history of winning,” Green said.

“It’s all about us playing our best version of football every single night. We aren’t trying to look too far ahead. We are trying to make the day we are in the best day possible.”

Westinghouse

Coach: Donta Green

2022 record: 15-1, 4-0 in City League

All-time record: 610-334-40

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.26 at Clairton, 7

9.7 Perry Traditional Academy*, 7

9.14 Univeristy Prep*, 7

9.21 Allderdice*, 7

9.29 at Hollidaysburg, 7

10.6 at Butler, 7

10.12 at Brashear*, 7

*City League game

FAST FACTS

• Westinghouse won its 38th City League title and third in four seasons last year after a 40-8 win over Allderdice.

• The Westinghouse football program received a $75,000 grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods as part of the company’s 75 for 75 program, which will be used to fund a new postsecondary education program for Westinghouse alumni.

• The Bulldogs unveiled a new state-of-the art weight room facility this offseason.

• Dayon Hayes, a Westinghouse alum, was named to the 2023 Preseason All-ACC Team and is poised for a breakout season at Pitt.

Tags: Westinghouse