INDIANA — Indiana has a new head football coach.

The Little Indians' rivalry with Knoch is very much the same, however.

The Knights (1-4, 1-3) travel to Indiana (2-3, 1-3) for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday in a critical Northwest Nine game.

“There always seems to be something on the line when we play these guys,” Knoch coach Mike King said.

The loser Friday will likely be out of the WPIAL playoff chase.

“This game is always a physical dogfight,” first-year Indiana coach JohnAllen Snyder said. “Knoch has big, athletic, physical kids and we feel like we have the same.

“In terms of the WPIAL schedule this weekend, this game is under the radar. But it will be a fun football game to be at. Whatever team brings the fight, that wants it more, will probably be the winner.”

King doesn't mind such a thought at all.

“If it comes down to a battle of will, I like our chances,” the Knights coach said. “I like our mind-set that way.”

Knoch is coming off its second tough home loss of the season. After losing 28-27 in overtime to Blackhawk to start the season, the Knights lost a two-touchdown lead in dropping a 34-21 decision to Montour last week.

“We made some mistakes and Montour took advantage of them,” King said. “But we didn't play a bad game overall and our kids are resilient.”

Mac Christy continues to be the hub of the Knights' attack. He has thrown for 388 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, and leads Knoch's rushing attack with 516 yards and five TDs.

Jayden Renfrew is a versatile back with 233 yards and four TDs rushing, along with seven catches for 138 yards.

“It's hard not to notice the big kid at quarterback,” Snyder said. “We struggled with him last year. He's a hard-nosed player.”

King admires Christy's decision-making behind center.

“He's a veteran player, but a first-year starter at quarterback,” the coach said. “He makes good reads and smart decisions with the ball.”

Snyder said that play up front could decide this game and King agreed.

“Mark Kroneberg and Zach Curry had strong games for us last week up front,” King said. “Our line is the most experienced part of our team. We challenge those guys to lead the way — this week will be no exception — and they embrace that.”

Luke Thomas, a sophomore, leads Indiana at quarterback and has thrown for 337 yards. Ryan Hoff is his lesding receiver with six catches for 162 yards.

Running back Noah Skeasman has rushed for 400 yards, including 126 last week against Ambridge. He has emerged as the starter in what has been a running back by committee situation.

“Nick is the guy back there right now. Hoff is the unquestioned leader of this team,” Snyder said. Luke got thrown into the fire as a freshman last year when our regular quarterback got hurt.

“He took a pounding, but he showed his toughness and he's all the better for it now.”

The all-time series between the teams is even at eight wins each. Indiana has won the last three meetings by scores of 21-12, 28-25 and 28-7.

“We seem to exchange going on little streaks afgainst each other,” King said. “Hopefully, we can get one going our way Friday.”