Westinghouse reloads to defend City League title

By: Greg Macafee
Friday, August 22, 2025 | 6:01 AM

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The Westinghouse Bulldogs may have lost starting quarterback Khalil Green and a talented senior class that helped them capture their 40th City League title and fifth in the past six seasons, but don’t expect them to take a step backward.

The Bulldogs have reloaded and are preparing to put together another successful season.

“The guys have been working really hard during the offseason conditioning, and I’m really excited about the season,” coach Donta Green said. “The team has really started to jell really well, and I’m really excited to coach these kids.”

The Bulldogs (9-2, 4-0) saw their season end last year with a 56-15 loss to Bishop Guilfoyle in the PIAA Class A quarterfinals. To that point, they had won nine straight games after losing to Beaver, 28-26, in their season opener. However, they produced three straight shutouts against Linsly School (W.Va.), Brashear and Perry Traditional Academy and averaged 47 points per game throughout the season while allowing 11.7.

Replacing that type of production can be difficult, but Green and the Bulldogs have the pieces in place as their Aug. 23 matchup against Steel Valley awaits. Green said he’s returning about seven starters on offense and nine on defense, but is most excited about how the offensive line has come together this offseason.

It starts at the guard positions with two returning starters — junior Romeo Price, an All-City League selection last year, on the right and Khalil Thomas on the left. Sophomore Kimere Mack will slot in at left tackle and Alijah Smith will handle the right side while Eugene Jackson flips over from the defensive line to handle center duties.

Green said the linemen started working out as a group on Saturdays beginning in January.

“Everything starts up front,” Green said. “If we can’t take care of the guys up front, we could have all the time in the world on the perimeter and it wouldn’t matter. So that was a big focus of ours.”

And for good reason. With Khalil Green, the City League’s Offensive Player of the Year last year, graduating, the Bulldogs will look to provide extra protection for sophomore quarterback Zahir Ismaeli and a talented stable of running backs.

Ismaeli transferred to Westinghouse after playing his freshman year at West Mifflin. Green has high expectations for his young signal caller and is giving him the keys to the offense.

“I think he has the potential to be one of the best at that position with his dual-threat capabilities, being able to throw the ball and then being really dangerous with his feet,” Green said. “So, I’m really excited to see how he pans out this year.”

Behind Ismaeli will be a trio of backs in juniors Dameon Hill, Omar Pack and John Bailey, who will also see time at receiver. Green described Pack as the bruiser of the group, while Bailey is a speed guy. However, Hill may be the most talented of the three.

“He has really come into his own,” Green said. “He’s probably operating as one of the best we’ve had in the last several years at running back. He’s just seeing holes that the average person doesn’t see, and he’s really playing at a high level.”

Defensively, the Bulldogs will feature several familiar players who had an impact last season. Senior defensive tackle Josiah Collins, senior linebacker/safety Dejheerit Mellix and junior cornerback Jordan Reid were all named to the All-City League team last year.

The talent on the field will do wonders for the Bulldogs, but Green still places a focus on the process. From the players’ day-to-day responsibilities in practice to making sure they are bringing the “best version” of themselves every day, he’s emphasized the small details.

“That’s our focus. If we continue to focus on that on a daily basis, our desired outcomes will find us,” Green said. “Just taking it one day at a time, really embracing the process and just staying locked in.”

Westinghouse

Coach: Donta Green

2024 record: 9-2, 4-0 in City League

All-time record: 632-337-40

SCHEDULE

Date, Opponent, Time

8.23 at Steel Valley, 3-a

8.30 at Linsly School, 7

9.5 at Brashear*, 7

9.19 Butler, 7

9.25 Allderdice*, 7

10.3 Karns City, 7

10.10 at University Prep*, 7:30

a-KDKA Classic at Wolvarena

*City League game

FAST FACTS

• Westinghouse has won 18 consecutive games against City League opponents.

• After allowing 28 points in their season-opening loss, the Bulldogs allowed 29 points in their final eight regular-season games.

• The Bulldogs are seeking their fourth straight City League title and sixth in seven years.

Greg Macafee is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Greg by email at gmacafee@triblive.com or via Twitter .

Tags: Westinghouse