7. Gateway (Monroeville, Pa.) Last season’s record: 11-2, WPIAL Class 4A runner-up
Coach: Terry Smith
Key players: LB Dorian Bell (6-1, 225, Sr.), DB/WR Corey Brown (6-0, 185, Sr.), OL Colin Rodkey (6-4, 270, Sr.), DE B.J. Stevens (6-2, 232, Sr.), QB Rob Kalkstein (5-10, 175, Jr.), LB/RB Delbert Tyler (6-0, 205, Jr.), DB/WR Brian Williams (5-7, 180, Sr.), WR Andrew Blackmon (6-1, 170, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Offensive line, linebackers
Question mark: Depth
Outlook: Gateway has produced 18 Division I or IAA college players and won 75 percent of its games since 2002, but still seeks its first WPIAL championship since the mid-80s. This could finally be the year of the Gators, who return 15 starters including three already committed to Big Ten universities. The defense features a pair of Ohio State recruits in Bell and Brown. Bell might be the best athlete to ever play at Gateway. As a junior, he had 131 tackles, including 25 for losses, and 11 sacks. Brown, who runs a sub-11.00 100-meter time, had four interceptions and 23 passes defended. He also caught 20 passes for 470 yards and three touchdowns. Indiana commit Rodkey is one of four starters on the offensive line. He has good feet and long arms. A fourth early Division I commit is Stevens (Miami-OH), who had 23 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Only a junior, Kalkstein already has two years of starting experience under his belt at quarterback. He is a smart player who threw for over 1,000 yards and 12-plus touchdowns each of the last two seasons. Another junior who has already made a huge impact is Tyler. He will see time at linebacker and running back and should become the next in a long line of blue chip recruits at Gateway.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 vs. NE No. 14 Penn Hills, Oct. 23 vs. NE No. 13 McKeesport
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