When you think Gateway Gators, you think speed. And with good reason, what with all the talent the PIAA's No. 1-ranked Class AAAA team has.

But what you might overlook is the talent on the offensive and defensive lines. As you might expect from a team that has made it through its first 12 games undefeated, almost by definition it is strong from tackle to tackle in the trenches.

"The offensive and defensive lines deserve some publicity," Gateway coach Terry Smith said. "They're always the forgotten guys. The skill guys score the touchdowns and make the big plays, so they get all the ink. But the linemen, that's the foundation of our team. Without them, we would not be having the success we're having right now.

"They're the anchor of our team. They've played really good football for 12 weeks."

The Gators likely wouldn't be about to play in the WPIAL Class AAAA championship game 7:30 p.m. Saturday against Bethel Park (12-0) at Heinz Field if not for a group of linemen who might have even more talent.

"They understand [lack of publicity] is part of the territory of playing on the line," Smith said. "One thing that they also know and understand is every time the skill guys get in the paper, that's a compliment to them. Without them, Dorian Bell, Corey Brown, Brian Williams or [quarterback] Robert Kalkstein would not be in the paper."

Then again, many of the players on the Gateway offensive and defensive lines have either had or will have their names in the paper soon ... for making commitments to playing in college.

According to Smith, at least four Gators linemen will play Division I-A football, with a handful of others having a chance to play Division I-AA , II or III ball. That kind of skill level is just one indication of how big and quick this line is.

"They're a little bit of both," Smith said. "We're big up front, and these guys are pretty athletic and they're strong. I think they're best asset is their ability to finish and stay on blocks and finish the block. They get great joy out of seeing Brain Williams [1,608 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns] or Dorian Bell [849 yards, 15 touchdowns] run past them or protecting Robert [1,661 passing yards, 21 touchdowns] so he can get the ball to those wide receivers."

Brown, like Bell an Ohio State recruit, has 39 catches for 688 yards and a school-record 15 receiving touchdowns. Seniors Jeff Parrish, Josh Vermeulen and Andrew Blackmon and junior Steve Vranka have combined for 59 receptions for 900 yards and five touchdowns.

Of the nine players who garner most of the playing time on either line, seven are seniors and six have started for at least two seasons. Senior left tackle Colin Rodkey has made a commitment to play at Indiana, and senior tight end B.J. Stevens will play at Miami University of Ohio. Center Chris Lammie and right guard Jack Charles are getting Division I-AA and II interest as their senior seasons wind down, Smith said.

Senior Justin Custer (left guard) has multiple years of starting experience, and senior Devin Hale started eight games this season at different positions. Each has potential to play small-college football, as does junior right tackle Tyler Coles.

Smith predicts junior defensive tackle Mitch DeVall and sophomore Sascha Craig each will be heavily recruited by Division I schools as their careers progress. Stevens, Lammie and Charles each are significant contributors on both sides of the ball. Lammie is a two-year captain who has been named all-conference twice.

The play of the line might become even more important this week what with the games on the natural surface at Heinz Field and snow coming this week. The playing surface had already showed signs of wear and mud during Sunday's Steelers game, and the Steelers will play there again tonight. The Class AAAA title game is the last of four to be played on it Saturday.

"Were expecting the field to be a little bit chewed up, but we're going to play our game," Smith said. "We've played on grass once this year, so we're a little accustomed to it. I don't think the field will slow us down because we're very good up front. I think those guys take pride in performing in those kinds of conditions.

"This is our second year in a row playing at Heinz Field. They know what to expect down there now, and they want to get there and finish it this time."Class AAAA final

• What: Gateway (12-0) vs. Bethel Park (12-0).

• When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

• Where: Heinz Field.

• TV: FSN Pittsburgh.

• The skinny: Bethel Park has not appeared in a WPIAL football title game since 1980.