George Smith and Terry Smith have different philosophies when it comes to big games.

McKeesport's Smith said he does not want to add any drama to an already important game.

"We'll probably just treat it as another game," he said.

The Tigers will practice and prepare for Gateway the same way it does for any opponent.

"I think it's better like that," he said.

But Gateway's Smith said he has a "head-on" mentality.

"My coaching philosophy is to tell the kids in the program the truth and the reality of the situation," he said. "Our kids know and understand we're playing for a conference title against a rival."

Gateway, the Post-Gazette's No. 1 team in WPIAL Class AAAA, and No. 2 McKeesport will square off tonight; the victor wins the Foothills Conference title.

"It's a self-motivating game for our players," Terry Smith said.

Both teams are ranked among the top five teams in the state by the Post-Gazette and the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

"They know," George Smith said. "They know who they're playing."

McKeesport is playing one of the most complete teams in the state.

Gateway has the No. 1 scoring offense in WPIAL Class AAAA and the second-best offense in the entire league. Its defense allows fewer points than any WPIAL Class AAAA team and the third fewest of any WPIAL team.

"It's tough to pass on Gateway because they've got four guys in the secondary," George Smith said.

McKeesport's not too far behind the Gateway offense or defense.

Scoring an average of 43.9 points per game, McKeesport has the second highest-scoring offense in Class AAAA, third-highest overall.

Terry Smith compared Mc­Keesport's offense to option-heavy college teams such as Georgia Tech and Navy.

"No one can play those guys because it's hard to prepare for those types of offenses," he said.

The McKeesport defense allows fewer points than any Class AAAA team besides Gateway and is No. 7 in the WPIAL for fewest points allowed.

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