WPIAL Class 5A final notebook: Gateway breaks Heinz Field jinx
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Saturday, November 18, 2017 | 9:03 PM
After winning five WPIAL titles in an 18-year span between 1969-86, WPIAL gold has returned to Monroeville and Pitcairn.
WPIAL Hall of Fame coach Walter “Pete” Antimarino was at the helm for the five championships. Antimarino died earlier this year.
The Gators defeated Altoona in 1969, Jeannette in '72, tied Upper St. Clair in 1974 and North Hills in '85 before defeating North Hills in '86.
It's the third venue where Gateway has won a title. The Gators won at Pitt Stadium and Three Rivers Stadium before finally winning one at Heinz Field on Saturday.
Gateway had lost four title games at Heinz Field before Saturday's breakthrough.
Walker on the move
Gateway quarterback Brady Walker is now the No. 3 passer in WPIAL history. He threw for 203 yards Saturday, giving him 7,735 yards for his career. During the first half, he passed Pine-Richland's Ben DiNucci, who finished his career with 7,619 yards.
Gators take lead
Saturday's victory gave Gateway a 10-9 lead in the all-time series against Penn-Trafford.
In an earlier era, two predecessor schools — Pitcairn and Trafford — had a neighboring rivalry.
Pitcairn had a 17-13-2 advantage over the Tomahawks.
It was Penn-Trafford's third WPIAL championship game defeat, losing in 1997 to Upper St. Clair and in 2015 to Central Catholic.
The area now serviced by Penn-Trafford is still looking for its first WPIAL title.
Before the merger that formed Penn-Trafford in 1972, Penn Joint qualified for the 1961 Class AA title game, losing to Albert Gallatin, 19-6. Trafford made the WPIAL final in 1949, but it wasn't a pleasant experience as Bridgeville pounded the Tomahawks, 64-0.
Trafford also had undefeated seasons in 1960 and '68 but lacked enough ratings points under the Gardner Point System to qualify for the WPIAL title game.
Up next
Gateway will play Hollidaysburg in the PIAA Class 5A playoffs Friday or Saturday at a site and time to be determined.
The Golden Tigers edged Grove City, 30-27, Friday night.
George Guido is a freelance writer.
Tags: Gateway, Penn-Trafford
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