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Gators prepare for rematch
By Michael Love, Sports Editor
Wednesday, November 8, 2006 The first meeting with Penn Hills -- a 41-7 loss on Oct. 13 -- was one the Gateway varsity football team would like to forget.
Since finding out they would face the Indians again this Friday in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Quad A playoffs, the Gators have been using that tough loss to Penn Hills as motivation.
"In the first game, Penn Hills capitalized on our mistakes and put us away quickly," said Terry Smith, Gateway head coach.
"It will be a tough battle this week."
Gateway has won three games in a row since the Penn Hills loss, dispatching Fox Chapel and Kiski to close out the conference schedule and downing Shaler on the road last Friday in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs.
Smith said a number of factors have contributed to the recent winning streak, including the elimination of costly turnovers.
"The kids are excited," Smith said.
"They understand what's in front of them. All any team wants is a chance and that's what they have."
Friday's game will be at Norwin High School, the scene of the last playoff game between Gateway and Penn Hills.
The WPIAL semifinal matchup featured a first-half touchdown by Penn Hills' Kenny Lewis and a field goal from Gateway kicker Matt Lichtenstein.
Justin King was the difference, rambling more than 50 yards for the game-winning score in the final minutes.
Smith thought the game would be played at Norwin or Plum.
"Norwin Stadium is a great venue for high school football," Smith said.
Against Shaler, Gateway jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter on touchdown runs of 1 and 76 yards from Cameron Saddler.
"We came out and set the tone early against Shaler," Smith said.
"That gave the kids the confidence and momentum to put the game away."
Saddler, who is gaining more and more Division I attention, including interest from Big Ten power Michigan, finished the game 228 yards on 31 carries and three touchdowns.
He totalled 229 yards and scored the only touchdown in the first meeting with Penn Hills.
"Cameron is the lifeline of this team," Smith said.
"He was voted captain this year as a junior. It's only the second time in the program's history that that has happened. He's a vocal and emotional kid. The team follows him."
Ryan Lichtenstein added a 32-yard field goal.
Freshman quarterback Rob Kalkstein completed four of 10 passes for 40 yards against Shaler.
Jonathan Pryor, Corey Brown, Mike Manso and Brian Williams each caught a pass.
"Everyone is stepping up and making plays," Kalkstein said.
"This is an exciting time for everyone."
The defense has surrendered just 13 points the past two games.
"You have to have all 11 clicking on defense," said Shayne Hale, Gator junior linebacker.
"We have to stay focused and play hard. You can throw the records out in the playoffs. Nothing is guaranteed."
Penn Hills overcame nine turnovers (seven fumbles and two interceptions) in their 34-6, first-round victory over Latrobe.
The Indians produced three defensive touchdowns against the Wildcats, a 50-yard interception by Eric Taylor, a 21-yard fumble return by Aaron Williams and an eight-yard interception return by Teddy Blakeman.
Aaron Williams led the way with seven carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Friday's game will be broadcast by FSN Pittsburgh as part of McDonald's High School Football.
The game will be on same day delay at 10:30 p.m., following the Pittsburgh Pen- guins postgame edition of Pittsburgh Sports Tonight.
Paul Alexander will call the action with Craig Wolfley.
The first meeting with Penn Hills -- a 41-7 loss on Oct. 13 -- was one the Gateway varsity football team would like to forget.
Since finding out they would face the Indians again this Friday in the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Quad A playoffs, the Gators have been using that tough loss to Penn Hills as motivation.
"In the first game, Penn Hills capitalized on our mistakes and put us away quickly," said Terry Smith, Gateway head coach.
"It will be a tough battle this week."
Gateway has won three games in a row since the Penn Hills loss, dispatching Fox Chapel and Kiski to close out the conference schedule and downing Shaler on the road last Friday in the first round of the WPIAL playoffs.
Smith said a number of factors have contributed to the recent winning streak, including the elimination of costly turnovers.
"The kids are excited," Smith said.
"They understand what's in front of them. All any team wants is a chance and that's what they have."
Friday's game will be at Norwin High School, the scene of the last playoff game between Gateway and Penn Hills.
The WPIAL semifinal matchup featured a first-half touchdown by Penn Hills' Kenny Lewis and a field goal from Gateway kicker Matt Lichtenstein.
Justin King was the difference, rambling more than 50 yards for the game-winning score in the final minutes.
Smith thought the game would be played at Norwin or Plum.
"Norwin Stadium is a great venue for high school football," Smith said.
Against Shaler, Gateway jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter on touchdown runs of 1 and 76 yards from Cameron Saddler.
"We came out and set the tone early against Shaler," Smith said.
"That gave the kids the confidence and momentum to put the game away."
Saddler, who is gaining more and more Division I attention, including interest from Big Ten power Michigan, finished the game 228 yards on 31 carries and three touchdowns.
He totalled 229 yards and scored the only touchdown in the first meeting with Penn Hills.
"Cameron is the lifeline of this team," Smith said.
"He was voted captain this year as a junior. It's only the second time in the program's history that that has happened. He's a vocal and emotional kid. The team follows him."
Ryan Lichtenstein added a 32-yard field goal.
Freshman quarterback Rob Kalkstein completed four of 10 passes for 40 yards against Shaler.
Jonathan Pryor, Corey Brown, Mike Manso and Brian Williams each caught a pass.
"Everyone is stepping up and making plays," Kalkstein said.
"This is an exciting time for everyone."
The defense has surrendered just 13 points the past two games.
"You have to have all 11 clicking on defense," said Shayne Hale, Gator junior linebacker.
"We have to stay focused and play hard. You can throw the records out in the playoffs. Nothing is guaranteed."
Penn Hills overcame nine turnovers (seven fumbles and two interceptions) in their 34-6, first-round victory over Latrobe.
The Indians produced three defensive touchdowns against the Wildcats, a 50-yard interception by Eric Taylor, a 21-yard fumble return by Aaron Williams and an eight-yard interception return by Teddy Blakeman.
Aaron Williams led the way with seven carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Friday's game will be broadcast by FSN Pittsburgh as part of McDonald's High School Football.
The game will be on same day delay at 10:30 p.m., following the Pittsburgh Pen- guins postgame edition of Pittsburgh Sports Tonight.
Paul Alexander will call the action with Craig Wolfley.
