JEFFERSON TWP — At long last, Knoch football is playing a home game.

Unfortunately, a number of Knights won't get on the field for it.

“Injuries have been our No. 1 problem,” coach Frank Whalen said. “We're not real deep in some spots, but the young kids we're putting out there are giving us everything they have.

“As coaches, that's all we can ask.”

Knoch (0-3, 0-2) hosts Highlands (0-3, 0-1) at 7 p.m. Friday. The Knights own a 17-16 advantage in what has been a highly competitive series through the years.

Highlands claimed a 24-16 win over the Knights last season. Knoch took a 21-14 triumph over the Rams in 2017.

“The only game we weren't in this year was Blackhawk and they are very good,” Whalen said. “We trailed Hampton 14-8 entering the fourth quarter and we were tied with Beaver in the second half.

“I believe we can play with the teams on our schedule.”

The Knights have been playing without running back-defensive lineman Saavon Mosby, senior tackle-defensive end Tanner Grassi and junior receiver-cornerback Joey Wojciechowski. All are likely out for the year with ACL injuries.

Junior running back Jim Johnston had a solid first half against Beaver last week. He did not play in the second half because of a concussion.

“That was a shame because Jimmy was having a great game,” Whalen said. “He won't be available this week.”

Quarterback Chase Mullen was banged up last week as well, but figures to play Friday. He has thrown for 264 yards and rushed for 177 this far.

Running back Matt Goodlin leads the Knights with 215 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Highlands has dropped decisions of 32-14 to Plum, 49-42 to Keystone Oaks and 34-13 to Blackhawk. Dom Girardi is in his first year as Rams coach.

Highlands quarterback Seth Cohen has thrown for 535 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Receiver Johnny Crise, at 6-foot-7, has 15 catches for 360 yards and five TDs.

Cohen leads the Rams in rushing with 198 yards.

“Highlands has tremendous athletes, especially the quarterback and that 6-7 receiver,” Whalen said. “Like us, their 0-3 record is misleading.”

Eliz. Forward (2-0, 2-0) at Freeport (0-2, 0-2)

7 p.m., Friday

The Yellowjackets play their third straight Big East Conference playoff contender in the first football meeting ever between the two schools.

Austin Romanchak has thrown for 126 yards and run for 177 for a Freeport offense missing standout RB Conor Selinger. The latter was hurt early in the season opener against Derry and did not play in last week's 40-8 loss to North Catholic. Linebacker Garrett Ben leads Freeport with 18 tackles.

Elizabeth Forward shared the Intersate Conference title last year, marking only the third section championship in the program's history. The Warriors averaged 37.8 ppg. last year and average 38 through their first two games this year, wins of 33-14 over Deer Lakes and 43-14 over Burrell. QB Zack Benedek threw for 1,500 yards and 22 TDs last season. He has scored six of his team's 10 TDs so far this year.

North Catholic (3-0)

at Central Valley (0-3)

7 p.m., Friday

North Catholic routed Freeport last week, 40-8, while Central Valley dropped a 41-7 decision to Beaver Falls.

Trojans' RB Eamon Straub rushed for 73 yards and two TDs on just four carries vs. Freeport. ... QB Zack Rocco has passed for 639 yards, 11 TDs and no INTs this season. His top target is Tyree Brown (10-198-3).

Central Valley began play in 2010 after the consolidation of Center and Monaca high schools. From 2010-17, the program never had a losing season, going 80-21 in that span. ... QB Ameer Dudley has passed for 240 yards, no TDs and 4 INTs this season.

Union/A-C Valley (1-2)

at Otto-Eldred (2-1)

7 p.m., Friday

Union/A-C Valley lost to Curwensville last week, 14-13. Otto-Eldred scored a 55-0 shutout of Cameron County.

Falcon Knights' QB Luke Bowser passed for 132 yards and had two passes intercepted last week. ... Nolan Cumberland leads U/ACV's ground game with 144 yards and three TDs this season.

Otto-Eldred's runaway win last week was spurred by brothers Cole and Chase Sebastian, who combined for 323 yards passing and six TDs.