MONTOUR, Pa. — No. 3 Steel Valley defeated No. 7 Freedom 40-0 Friday night at Montour to advance to the WPIAL Championship next Saturday at Robert Morris.
The Ironmen scores two defensive touchdowns and forced five turnovers in the win.
Steel Valley took the opening kickoff and marched it 60 yards on seven plays capped by a 17-yard run by quarterback Ronnell Lawrence.
On Freedom’s first offensive snap, the Bulldogs tried a half back pass back to the quarterback that was quickly diagnosed and intercepted by Dionte Williams who returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.
The junior finished with three sacks to go along with the interception.
Steel Valley scores on its next offensive possession when Kam Williams found the end zone from one-yard out to put the Ironmen up 20-0.
Freedom committee three turnovers on three consecutive possessions in the second quarter highlighted by a 40-yard fumble recovery by Nahki Johnson for a touchdown.
The Ironmen rushes for 215 yards in the win led by fullback Todd Hill.
The senior Howard commit rushed for 113 yards on 12 attempts and two scores, both in the second half.
Friday marked the fourth consecutive trip to the semifinals and the win marks the team’s third straight trip to the finals.
Steel Valley won a WPIAL and PIAA Championship in 2016.
The clock struck midnight for a Freedom team that defeated No. 2 Burgettstown to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2003.
The Bulldogs have never played in a WPIAL Championship.
Freedom underwent a coaching change after coach Russell Barley was arrested in child pornography charges.
Athletic Director John Rosa took over coaching duties and led the Bulldogs to the semifinals.
POSTGAME INTERVIEWS
Hear from running back Todd Hill and Freedom head coach John Rosa:
