The rivalry between Gateway and McKeesport dates back to 1975, resulting in 37 meetings between the schools. Gateway leads the series 24-13. McKeesport defeated Gateway, 41-38, in last year’s WPIAL semifinals, turning a long pass and a lateral into a touchdown on thelast play of the game, leaving Gateway ready for redemption at its home field.

MVP

Cortney Jackson

Gateway

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Zach Storch

Gateway

Zach is a two-year letterman on the varsity football team and a two-year letterman in lacrosse. He plays the offensive and defensive line for the Gateway Gators. Zach used to play percussion in the concert band for six years. In his spare time, he volunteers at the North American Martyrs Church.

De'Mere Johnson

McKeesport

De’mere is a two-year member of the National Honor Society, and has been selected to the honor roll for three consecutive years. While sporting a 3.6 GPA, De’Mere is a member of the varsity football and baseball team. He plans on attending college and majoring in business to become an accountant.

HALL OF FAME

Shayne Hale

Gateway

Shayne played in the McKeesport-Gateway rivalry all four years. In his Senior year, Shayne had 114 tackles, 25 for loss, 9 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. He was chosen to the Pittsburgh Post- Gazette Fab 22 team his junior and senior years. He was a two-time all-state player in Pennsylvania. In 2007 Shayne was first team all linebacker for the USA Today All-USA Team. Shayne continued his athletic career at the University of Pittsburgh.

Anthony Leonard

McKeesport

Anthony graduated from McKeesport in 2006, where he was tabbed First Team All-State, and All-WPIAL player as he helped lead the Tigers to a the Quad A WPIAL and PIAA Championships in 2005. Anthony went on to continue his athletic career at West Virginia University, and spent time with the New England Patriots.

GAME SUMMARY

Highlighted as the “Game of the Week,” the Gateway and McKeesport matchup did not disappoint. As the playoffs approach, a spot for second place in the Big East 5A conference was up for grabs between the schools as they both came into the game with (5-1) records. The boxing match between the schools lasted until the final play of the game. It all came down to the last play of the game as the Gateway defense was able to come up with an interception in the end zone as time expired. Gateway came away with the victory of a score of 21-18.