Union's football team has already cemented its place in the program's long history.

But the Golden Knights are looking for more.

Last Friday's 18-14 win over Ridgway was the first postseason victory in school history. It also marked the first time that a No. 8 seed defeated a No. 1 in the annals of the District 9 Class A football playoffs.

“We made a point to tell them what they had accomplished,” said Union coach Dave Louder. “They did something that nobody can take away from them and we want them to be proud of that.”

The victory has landed the Knights (6-5) in a semifinal bout against fifth-seeded Brockway (6-5), scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at DuBois Area's E.J. Mansell Stadium.

Union's playoff victory against Ridgway came on muddy natural grass on the Elkers' home field. The Knights' potent passing attack was held to just 63 yards, but the ground game responded with 133 yards and three touchdowns, each one credited to junior halfback Dugan Gallagher.

This week's game will be played on an artificial surface, though both teams will be dealing with windy conditions with the temperature dropping into the mid-30s.

“We hope to get our passing game going,” said Louder. “But the fact that we showed we can run the ball last week, hopefully that will put Brockway on its heels.”

Senior quarterback Lane Cicciarelli has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes this season (116 of 194) for 1,931 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Junior wideout Cole Morris paces the receiving corps with a school-record 52 receptions for 875 yards and six touchdowns, but Chet Carmichael (36-644-7) and tight end Tyler Wiser (21-363-4) also have done their part.

For Louder, the leadership Cicciarelli, a two-year starter, brings to the field is invaluable.

“He makes great audibles at the line,” Louder said, “but he's also a calming leader. He doesn't belittle the other kids for making a mistake because he's been there.”

Gallagher, who also starts at cornerback on defense, has rushed for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing three games with a shoulder injury.

With the passing and rushing attacks figuring to play key roles in the outcome of Saturday's game, Brockway coach Frank Zocco knows his team has to be prepared for anything.

“They have athletes,” he said. “They are on a four-game winning streak and they're a hot team. It will be a challenge.”

While Union hasn't lost since early October, the Rovers have struggled in the second half of the season. They won their first four games before losing five of their last six regular-season contests. However, a strong showing in a 28-14 first-round victory at Redbank Valley last week has Zocco hoping his team is primed to make a run to the district final.

The Rovers have now reached the semifinals four straight seasons.

“Our mindset is that we want to be in the playoffs every year,” he said. “You would hope that standard has an effect on kids, but kids are kids. You just have to find athletes and build around them.”

Louder is preparing his defense for a formidable task.

“Brockway's offense is kind of a Spread/Wing-T hybrid,” he said. “They run the ball very well, especially with that inside trap.”

The Rovers' running game is led by senior Anthony Benson, who has totaled over 800 yards and double-digit touchdowns, including three scores last week.

Junior Braden Martini and sophomore Hunter Miller have split time at quarterback for Brockway this season, but Zocco said he will start Miller against Union. Miller completed 8-of-10 passes for 85 yards and an interception in last week's win.

The Union/Brockway winner will face the survivor of the Kane/Clarion semifinal game in the District 9 Class A title game at a date, site and time to be determined.