MUNHALL, Pa. — It did not take long for the matchup between Steel Valley (3-0) and Imani Christian Academy (2-2) to turn into a highlight tape for the Ironmen star quarterback Cruce Brookins. Brookins put up four touchdowns on four rushes in the first half, and Steel Valley dominated Imani 56-6.
On the second play of the game, the Steel Valley defense swarmed David Davis, who fumbled. Steel Valley took over, and 13 yards later Brookins was in the end zone for the first touchdown of the game on his first rush attempt of the game.
Imani responded with a strong kick return, but the Ironmen turned them over on downs. JeSean Wright had a 16-yard rush, then Brookins capped off the two-play drive with a 66-yard rush, where he weaved in and out of defenders after a zone read had them frozen from the snap.
Steel Valley turned Imani over on downs once again, and once again Brookins went for 66-yards and a touchdown. Three possessions into the game Steel Valley had three turnovers on defense, and Brookins had three rushing touchdowns, two from 66-yards.
Up 21-0, Donald Barksdale started to flex his muscle. He started things with a short touchdown from three yards out, then had a 44-yard run in which he stepped out at the two. He finished it off with his second touchdown, though.
The defense added into the mix with their own touchdown. A screen pass was batted at the line, Makhai Velentine nabbed it out of the air and went 56 yards for the touchdown.
Brookins had a fourth touchdown from 16 yards out, Quaron Pearce had a 24-yard rushing, and that was just the first half. David Davis had a kick return for a touchdown on the Imani side, but that only spoiled the shutout and broke up the domination that Steel Valley had.
Leading 56-6 with their star quarterback having four touchdowns, the defense adding one, and three from other rushers, it was a second half that had the mercy rule in effect.
Steel Valley will look to continue its undefeated season next week at Ligonier Valley. Meanwhile, Imani Christian will look to rebound against Serra Catholic.
