News

Gateway remains in the driver seat for the Class 5A Big East Conference, but McKeesport remained in the passenger seat with a chance to claim at least a share of a section title next week when the two teams face off.

The Tigers gave themselves a shot at that with a 36-16 at home against Franklin Regional on Friday night. McKeesport jumped out to a 36-0 lead through three quarters.

In the first quarter, the Tigers led 15-0 on a 1-yard run by senior Konota Gaskins. Gaskins ran in the 2-point conversion as well. McKeesport’s defense made themselves known later in the quarter with a fumble recovery in the end zone by senior Devin Sims.

The Tigers erupted for three touchdowns in the second quarter, that accounted for the rest of their points in the game. Gaskins rushed for his second touchdown of the game from three yards out before throwing two more touchdowns in the quarter, both going to junior Deamontae Diggs from 41 yards and 35 yards, respectively. Gaskins finished the game 3 of 6 for 133 yards.

Franklin Regional scored all its points in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late.

McKeesport improves to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the conference. They will travel to Gateway (9-0, 6-0) next week for the conference championship game at 7 p.m.

Franklin Regional drops to 6-2 overall and are in fourth place in the conference with a 4-2 record. The Panthers will travel to Penn-Trafford in the regular season finale at 7:30 p.m.