Vandergrift's Pat Dawson plays for Toledo

Pitt’s game at Heinz Field against Toledo on September 30 could feature several Alle-Kiski childhood buddies facing each other. Vandergrift’s Pat Dawson, a 6’4”, 310lb center for Toledo, grew up with Pitt’s Scott and Chris McKillop and Adam Gunn. All four played on an undefeated Kiski Area middle school football team coached by Jim Scott a few years ago. They played football together since seventh grade, and Dawson and the McKillops played baseball together since they were about six years old. Dave Dawson, Pat’s dad and a Vandergrift barber, remembers the McKillops hanging out at his house when Pat was younger. “Scott and Chris used to go up to camp with us all the time,” Dave says. “They were almost like adopted sons.”

Pat Dawson, an ‘03 Greensburg Central Catholic all-state offensive tackle, played offensive guard for Toledo before the move to center. He’s majoring in Elementary Education. A redshirt sophomore on full scholarship, he looks to get playing time this year, even though a backup behind a senior. The McKillops and Gunn, Kiski Area grads, should see a lot of game time on Pitt’s defense as well, with Chris a probable starter. The odds are likely that they will see a few plays with some or all of them lined up against each other. Being the same ages, they will likely all face each other the next 2-3 years, should Pitt continue its Toledo matchups.