A potent offense can carry a football team during the regular season.

But when a team moves into postseason play, defense becomes even more important.

"Defense is the most important thing when you get to the playoffs," McKeesport coach George Smith said. "You can't win a WPIAL title without a good defense."

And Smith is a coach who would know that. He's led the Tigers to 11 consecutive WPIAL Class AAAA playoff appearances. The Tigers have advanced to the semifinals four times during that stretch, and made it to the title game twice, winning the championship in 2005. They also won the WPIAL title in 1994.

"It's hard to go far in the playoffs without a strong effort from your defense," Smith said. "All coaches who have been in the playoffs before will tell you that."

McKeesport will make its second consecutive appearance in the semifinals tomorrow against Bethel Park. The game will be played at North Allegheny High School's Newman Stadium.

Bethel Park (11-0), the No. 2 seed, is one of two remaining unbeaten teams in the WPIAL Class AAAA bracket. The Black Hawks earned their semifinal berth with playoff wins against Hempfield Area, 42-20, and North Allegheny, 42-21.

McKeesport (9-2) is the No. 3 seed. The Tigers advanced to the semifinals with wins against Upper St. Clair, 34-28, and Central Catholic, 28-6.

"We are better known for our offense," said Smith, referring to the fact that McKeesport's flexbone offense ranks among the best in the WPIAL with its 40.5-points-per-game average. "But defense has also played a big part in our success."

McKeesport's defense has allowed 146 points in 11 games, which averages to 13.3 per game. The Tigers have held opponents to 908 rushing yards (82.5 per game) and 1,137 passing yards (103.4 per game).

"We've been solid in every phase of defense," Smith said. "We're going to need another solid effort to beat Bethel Park."

McKeesport's defense is led by senior tackle Dana Brown and senior inside linebacker Nico Price.

"Dana is the best defensive lineman in Quad-A," Smith said. "Kent State, Ohio University, Buffalo, Delaware and Temple have offered him a scholarship. The same schools have made offers to Nico. Some want him as a linebacker, while the others want him to play fullback."

Brown is joined on the defensive line by senior tackle Da'Jaur White and senior ends Darnell Harding and Edward Gooden. Senior tackle Michael Tutko has also seen significant playing time on the line.

Price is joined at inside linebacker by junior Carlos Brown. The outside linebackers are: Zack Blacka, Carlos Acie and Darien Robinson. The cornerbacks are senior Parris Perdue and junior Richard Cleveland. Senior free safety JaWan Bryant rounds out the Tigers defense.

Perdue, Robinson and Bryant have each recorded two interceptions. Dana Brown and Harding share the team lead with three fumble recoveries.

"Our defense faces a huge challenge in trying to slow down Bethel Park's offense," Smith said. "I watched last week's game on tape and Bethel Park beat the tar out of North Allegheny."

Smith and his squad are familiar with Bethel Park.

"We played them in the regular season [last year] and the game went to double overtime," Smith said. "They went for two in the second overtime and didn't get it. All the skilled people from that team are back."

Bethel Park has a veteran quarterback in senior Erik Olson, who has thrown for 1,121 yards and 13 touchdowns. Tailbacks Lyle Marsh and Bre' Ford have combined to rush for 1,591 yards and 25 touchdowns.

"Their skilled people are even better than they were last year," Smith said. "[Olson] is an excellent player. He's big and strong, and can throw well. His favorite target is [John] Schademan."

Schademan has caught 32 passes for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns.