South Allegheny was 9-0 and on the verge of its first undefeated regular season in school history. In the hours leading into the finale at Gladiator Stadium two weeks ago, the anticipation was palpable.

The ensuing result — a 33-12 loss to Steel Valley — was undeniably deflating.

“We talked about getting that bad taste out of our mouth all week,” South Allegheny coach Brian Hanson said.

If No. 4-seeded South Allegheny’s 61-13 playoff-opening win against No. 13 Waynesburg Central showed anything last Friday, it’s that the Gladiators (10-1) had no trouble rebounding. They continue their WPIAL postseason journey this Friday night against No. 5 Washington (9-2) at Charleroi High School.

They’re more like the new kids on the block in this quarterfinal clash. South Allegheny had one of its b

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