KARNS CITY — No one appreciates the Clarion-Karns City football rivalry more than Larry Wiser.

The Gremlins lead the series between the teams 26-20-1, though the Bobcats hung a 44-17 loss on KC last season.

“I've probably been around for 40 of those games,” said Wiser, the veteran Clarion coach. “This is simply two hard-nosed, proud football programs going at each other.

“We had an edge in line play last year and that dictated our win. Those linemen have since graduated, so I'm not asure what to expect this time. But I'll say this ... play at the line of scrimmage usually decides these games between us.”

Clarion (2-0) visits Diehl Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday against the Gremlins (1-1).

“This series has gone back and forth several times,” Karns City coach Joe Sherwin said. “We're going to learn a lot about our team this week. The team that blocks better, tackles better, does the basics better is the team that will win.”

Both squads have plenty of weapons, particularly at quarterback. Clarion's Archer Mills threw for 179 yards and four touchdowns in last week's 34-14 win at Moniteau. KC's Anthony Kamenski threw for 150 yards and a touchdown, also rushed for 50 yards and a score in the Gremlins' 42-22 win at Punxsutawney.

Karns City had 14 different players rush the ball last week, though Sherwin acknowledged that a few of them were JV players late in the game.

“Our philosophy has always been to spread the ball around, run players in and out, keep everybody fresh,” Sherwin said.

Wiser said he “expects a typical Karns City team, though this one may throw the ball a little more.”

Hunter Jones led the Karns City ground game with six carries for 73 yards and two touchdowns last week. Cameron Blair and Devin Ryan also rushed for scores.

Defensively, Sherwin praised the work of linebackers Cole Coon, Nathan Waltman and Trey Albert.

“They were our top tacklers and they will have to be active that way again if we're going to slow this Clarion team down,” Sherwin said.

Sam Minich paces the Bobcats with four catches for 91 yards and three TDs, five carries for 127 yards and two more scores. Cutter Boggess had 15 carries for 103 yards last week.

“Minich is a versatile player who can hurt you on counters and screen plays,” Sherwin said.

Clarion expects to get his brother, Logan Minich, back this week. He had been battling an injury.

“As well as Boggess has been playing, we may concentrate Logan more on the defensive side,” Wiser said. “He's one of our stronger linebackers.

“But he'll probably see some time on offense, too.”

Wiser said he's always had respect for Karns City.

“They have tough kids down there and that's a tough place to play,” he said.

“Two quality programs going after each other,” Sherwin said. “We'll see who gets the better of it Friday night.”