After his team played McKeesport in the regular-season finale three weeks ago, Gateway coach Terry Smith put on his prognosticator's hat and said the game was a preview of the WPIAL championship game.

Smith was half right. From Gateway's standpoint, he got the important part correct.

Gateway, the Post-Gazette's No. 1-ranked team in the state, defeated Penn Hills, 38-23, in a WPIAL Class AAAA semifinal last night at West Mifflin. Gateway's multitalented offense rolled for 357 yards as the Gators earned a trip to the title game Saturday at Heinz Field.

But the opponent won't be McKeesport. Bethel Park saw to that when it knocked off McKeesport, 20-13, in the other semifinal last night.

"We took care of our business, and that's all we care about," Smith said, when reminded of his prediction a few weeks ago.

Unbeaten Gateway (12-0) is in the championship game for the second year in a row and third time in Smith's seven years as coach. Smith had no problem saying the Gators are exactly where they expected to be.

"When I saw the playoff brackets come out, I didn't foresee a team that was going to beat us [before the championship]," Smith said. "We're confident in our abilities."

For Penn Hills (8-4), the season did a 360-degree turn. The Indians ended where they started -- with a loss to Gateway. Penn Hills was defeated by Gateway, 45-17, in the opener. The second loss ended Penn Hills' seven-game winning streak.

"Obviously, we're a little better [than the season opener], but not enough to beat them," said Penn Hills coach Ron Graham. "They have an excellent team and they made a lot of plays. They're dominant."

Penn Hills showed some offensive efficiency as running back Ted Blakeman rushed 16 times for 125 yards, and Tom Fulton threw for 110 yards. But Penn Hills had no answer for Gateway's offense.

Gateway has firepower at every offensive skill position and a formidable offensive line. Last night, the player known more for his defense provided a big spark running the ball.

Senior Dorian Bell, an Ohio State recruit ranked among the top 10 linebackers in the country, rushed for 121 yards on 13 attempts.

But maybe no one should be surprised by Bell's offensive performance. He came into the game with 723 yards rushing and an 11.9 yards-per-carry average.

Bell took his offensive performance in stride, preferring to talk more about the team.

"I'd just say we know how to win," Bell said.

But Smith had high praise for the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Bell, who also had nine tackles on defense.

"Dorian Bell is one of the top five players in the country," Smith said. "He just does whatever we want from him. Hands down, he's the best player in the state."

Penn Hills also showed off some individual talent. Linebacker Dan Mason and defensive lineman Aaron Donald were exceptional. But it apparently takes more than two excellent players to slow down Gateway's offense.

Gateway receiver Corey Brown, another Ohio State recruit, caught four passes for 83 yards and had two touchdown receptions to give him 15 for the season. Quarterback Rob Kalkstein was 8 of 15 for 150 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Brian Williams went over 1,500 yards rushing for the season with 85 yards on 28 carries.

"We have a lot of great athletes," Smith said. "We have a lot of great athletes waiting their turn, too. You'll see them next year."

Gateway led, 14-6, after the first quarter. The Gators scored on their first possession (Williams' 11-yard run) and Brown made a leaping touchdown catch on a 32-yard pass from Kalkstein. Sandwiched in between those scores was a 56-yard interception return for a touchdown by Penn Hills' Stephon Thompson.

Penn Hills got a 14-yard scoring pass from Fulton to Tyler Berryman in the fourth quarter, and Gateway's Ryan Lichtenstein closed out the scoring with a 34-yard field goal.

When asked what it would take to beat Gateway, Graham said, "Them to drop the ball.' "