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MONROEVILLE: Quad South Conference fans were expecting a classic when first-place Gateway played host to second-place Kiski Area Friday night.

That is just what they got - a classic blowout.

Gateway, which had already clinched a playoff spot, showed why it is the No. 1 team in the Valley News Dispatch Class AAAA Coaches Poll and No. 3 in the

state by Pennsylvania Football News. The Gators scored on their first four possessions before brushing aside the Cavaliers, 38-12, at Gateway Stadium.

Gateway (5-0, 7-1) denied the Cavaliers (3-2, 5-3) a shot at the conference crown for the second year in a row. The Gators took a 35-0 lead into halftime to activate the mercy-rule and keep the clock running in the second half.

With the win, Gateway clinches its second consecutive conference title.

Despite the loss, Kiski Area clinches a playoff berth since Indiana defeated Penn-Trafford, 9-7.

Penn-Trafford also is in, with Indiana and Latrobe fighting for the final spot.

Gateway amassed 370 yards of total offense to Kiski's 137.

"That is a good football team we played tonight," said Kiski Area coach Dave Grimm. "We prepared hard this week and the game came down to some personal battles. You just have to take away some lessons."

Gators junior Justin King, the WPIAL's leading rusher, ran for 102 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns. Quarterback Mortty Ivy ran for 84 yards and was 9-of-14 passing for 184 yards and two scores.

Ivy connected with Corey Sattler for a 15-yard scoring strike and found Jai Wilson from 40 yards out for a 28-0 lead, and King's 1-yard run made it 35-0 with 13 seconds left in the first half.

Gateway wasn't completely pleased with its performance. The Gators raised the bar recently by scoring at least 42 points in five straight games.

"We didn't finish it the way we wanted to," said Gateway coach Terry Smith. "We're trying to prepare for the playoffs and games like this don't help. But we came out and made a statement early and that was big for us."

Kiski Area looked nervous early and struggled to generate any offense. They had 18 total yards and two first downs in the first half.

"You can't spot a team like Gateway 35 points," Grimm said. "They are good in every dimension of the game."

Gateway took away the Cavaliers passing game until late in the fourth quarter when Gunn found Luke Duriancik for a 36-yard gain to the Gators 3. Gunn scored on a keeper and the two-point try failed with 27 seconds left.

"We didn't get a whole lot accomplished until the second half," Grimm said.

Gunn completed 2 of 9 passes for 46 yards -- all to Duriancik. He also rushed for 22 yards despite tallying minus-25 yards on the ground early.

Kiski Area looked more confident after halftime, moving the ball on their second drive of the third quarter. Gunn ran five yards on first down, Scott

McKillop gained 10 yards and Gunn rambled 12 yards up the middle to the Gateway 12.

Justin Wray scored from the 12 but the extra-point failed with 4:12 left in the third.

"We tried to emphasize the fact that (Gateway) had the pressure on it, not us," Grimm said.

But Kiski felt pressure early and often.

The Gators had a 14-0 lead before the Senior Night crowd could settle into their seats.

It took them three plays to score on their opening drive. Ivy hit freshman Jon Ditto for a 16-yard gain, and found the 6-3 wideout again for a 31-yard scoring pass.

Kiski Area fumbled on its fifth play of the game when Gunn was nailed after taking a pitch back on an attempted flea-flicker.

Frank Green caused the fumble and Mark Ciufo recovered at the Kiski Area 30-yard line.

Eight second later, King ripped through the Cavaliers defense for a 30-yard score and a 14-0 lead with 8:07 left.

Kiski Area now can use its final game against Plum as a tune-up for its 14th WPIAL playoff appearance and third straight under Grimm.

Top performers

Rushing: KA: Justin Wray 10 carries, 50 yards, TD.

Passing: KA: Adam Gunn 2 of 9, 46 yards.

Receiving: KA: Luke Duriancik, 2 receptions, 46 yards.

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