USO looks to dethrone 3-time defending City League champion Westinghouse
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Friday, October 24, 2025 | 12:13 PM
University Prep’s Zion Hauser during practice Aug. 20, 2025 at University Prep Field.
University Prep quarterback Dai’Mere Adair throws during practice Aug. 20, 2025 at University Prep Field.
Westinghouse head coach Donta Green during practice Aug. 20, 2025 at Westinghouse High School.
Westinghouse quarterback Zaire Ismaeli looks to throw during practice Aug. 20, 2025 at Westinghouse High School.
USO football coach Lou Berry knows his team is capable of toppling three-time defending City League champion Westinghouse.
USO proved it on the field two weeks ago when USO beat the Bulldogs, 20-14. But Berry knows doing it at 3 p.m. Saturday at Cupples Stadium in the City League championship game is a different hurdle to clear.
USO (6-2) hasn’t won the City League since 2018. Westinghouse has won the last three City League titles and finished as PIAA runner-up in 2022 and 2023.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how our team responds to the big stage,” Berry said. “Reaching the championship game is a confidence builder. This is the kind of game where we sacrifice so much of our personal time and spend time away from family.”
Westinghouse (6-3) has had a rough final few weeks to the regular season. The Bulldogs lost to Karns City and USO after opening the season with six consecutive wins.
Westinghouse beat Butler on the field, but later had to forfeit a game for using an ineligible player.
“We are excited to have another chance to compete,” Bulldogs coach Donta Green said. “The kids, my staff and I all love football.”
Westinghouse is led by sophomore quarterback Zahir Isameli. K’Shawn Hawkins has a team-high seven touchdowns for the Bulldogs.
Westinghouse has a strong defense led by defensive lineman Josiah Collins, who missed the first matchup with USO due to injury. Dar Saun Blanchard will also fill out a key role on defense.
“We want to fix our mistakes,” Green said. “We had several the last few weeks we weren’t able to fix.”
USO, a co-op of University Prep, Science and Technology Academy and Obama Academy, has picked up steam after opening the season with losses to Hampton and Hickory. A key to the turnaround was developing a strong running game to complement the passing attack.
Nahayo Clavel, a 5-foot-11, 240 pound lineman, has been a three-year starter, while Shawn Scott and Demari Christmas also have key roles.
Deon Williams, a 6-7, 380-pound lineman, also gave USO another big body to run behind. Dre-Quan McClain-Street has excelled at center after moving from tight end.
“Our line coach has done a great job,” Berry said. “We have been able to balance out our offense by running to complement our passing.”
Zion Hauser is USO’s top target for receiving. USO also has a sophomore quarterback in Dai’Mere Adair.
USO hopes that everything can come together, and it can end the Bulldogs’ reign over the City League. Berry felt USO’s performance in their first meeting will serve as an inspiration.
“It was a situation where we were on a roll,” Berry said. “We drew upon the experience of our core players and played the best game of our season.”
Tags: University Prep, Westinghouse
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