SLIPPERY ROCK — The Grove City High offense gets a lot of attention.

And for good reason.

Senior quarterback Brady Callahan has thrown just 10 incomplete passes this season. As a team, the Eagles have rushed for 1,117 yards in four games and have punted the ball just twice.

But Slippery Rock High coach Larry Wendereusz is more concerned about the Eagles defense as the two teams clash in a key region battle at 7 p.m. Friday at Slippery Rock.

“They've been good at getting turnovers and capitalizing on those mistakes,” Wendereusz said. “We have to make them grind it out on offense and be sound in what we do.

“I think the biggest piece is we can't give them extra opportunities,” Wendereusz added. “A play here or there and you're suddenly down by 14. And another piece is getting them to punt a time or two.”

That's been easier said than done for the Eagles' four opponents this season, who have been outscored 203-44.

Brashear put up 31 points on Grove City last week, but that was long after the starters had departed with a 47-0 lead.

In fact, Grove City coach Sam Mowrey said last week was the best his team has played all season coming off a sloppy (but still a 48-0 win) over Corry.

“Against Corry, we had a few turnovers and a few miscues,” Mowrey said. “We focused on the little things, paid attention to details, and played the best half we've played all year.”

Callahan is 45-of-55 passing for 651 yards and eight touchdowns this season for the Eagles. He has a career completion percentage of 74.5.

Grove City may have lost leading rusher Trey Adams from a year ago when the Eagles went 11-1 and came a whisker away from beating Hollidaysburg in the PIAA 5A playoffs, but they got junior Colby Nelson back from injury.

All Nelson has done this season is rush for 342 yards on just 41 carries and score a team-leading eight touchdowns.

Nelson missed most of last season with a severe ankle injury. He saw some action late in the season.

“He was never full-Colby,” Mowrey said. “He's back and had a great summer.”

Slippery Rock is coming off a disappointing 30-27 loss to Sharon.

The Rockets launched a late comeback that fell short.

Wendereusz, though, was pleased his team responded well to its first real taste of adversity.

“That's a testament to our coaching staff and seniors, when you have an opportunity to fold a little bit and don't,” Wendereusz said. “You can't live in the past or the future. You have to live where your feet are at and I think the kids are starting to get it.”

Vito Pilosi has settled in to the quarterback role for the Rockets.

The junior threw three touchdown passes last week against the Tigers and has thrown for 352 yards and four scores this season with only one interception.

He's also a dangerous runner.

“(Pilosi) does a very good job at quarterback,” Mowrey said. “He makes plays out of nothing sometimes.”

Kaleb Kamerer was shut down a bit last week by Sharon, but the senior still made an impact, returning a kick 65 yards for a score.

“(Kamerer) is definitely a difference-maker,” Mowrey said. “He's made some big plays for them.”

Both coaches, though, said this game may be won where many games are: in the trenches.

Grove City's offensive line vs. Slippery Rock's defensive line may be the marque matchup.

“That stands out on film right away. They've always had a very good defensive line and that holds true again this year,” Mowrey said. “That's a key battle.”

“I think you always look for a challenge,” Wendereusz said. “You always want to see where you match up.”