NEW CASTLE — Knoch has officially arrived at the “must win” portion of its schedule.

As far as the WPIAL playoffs are concerned, at least.

The Knights (2-5, 2-4) travel to New Castle (3-4, 1-3) for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday at Taggart Stadium. If they lose, the Knights are out of the playoff picture.

“If we win, we have to play the waiting game. Hopefully, we'll be doing that,” Knoch coach Frank Whalen said.

Knoch grabs a playoff spot out of the Northwest 8 Conference with a win over New Castle, a Beaver loss and Highlands losses to New Castle and South Fayette.

“None of the other stuff means anything if we don't take care of our own business,” Whalen noted.

Both teams are coming off losses. Knoch dropped a 35-14 decision to South Fayette while New Castle was upended 42-17 by Blackhawk.

The 17 points were the most the Red Hurricane scored in a game since a season-opening 34-21 loss to Shaler. But New Castle's offense has received a positive jolt of late.

“I feel like we've found our quarterback,” seventh-year New Castle coach Joe Cowart said. “Since we put Demetrius McKnight behind center the last couple of games, our offense has run more smoothly.

“As he gets more experience there, Demetrius will get better and so will we.”

McKnight has thrown for 196 yards and two interceptions, run for 162 yards and four touchdowns in the 'Canes' last two games. Running back Josh Thomason has rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns for New Castle.

“That quarterback is freaky athletic,” Whalen said. “I think he's very good and they've got some big linemen up front. We're playing them up there ... This is going to be a challenge.”

Whalen was encouraged by the play of his team against South Fayette. The Knights controlled the football for 10-plus minutes in the first quarter, but couldn't score.

Matt Goodlin rushed for 101 yards in that game and Whalen lauded the play of his offensive line: center Jarrett Bricker, guards Emmett Fry and Cole Lassinger, tackles Dalton Reed and Hunter Roenigk.

“And those tackles are sophomores,” Whalen said. “That game was 0-0 with six minutes left in the second quarter. By halftime, it was 28-0. That's how fast that (South Fayette) team can score.

“The triple option is the ultimate team offense. Everyone has to do his part. Our receivers, Jared Schrecengost and Scott Fraser, block well on the outside. Our wingbacks, Noah Cetnar, James Johnston and Kam Grassi, also blocked well.”

Cowart readily admitted he'd rather play Knoch in the first half of the season.

“Once they get that offense down, look out, and it's rolling right now,” Cowart said. “It's so hard to defend that thing. You have to do the bulk of the work with film study, show the kids what it looks like.

“There's no way you can emulate the speed and execution of it in practice.”

Defensively, New Castle is led by lineman Rocco Robinson and linebacker Devin Sams. Whalen said Johnston “had a fantastic game” at defensive back last week, “making all kinds of tackles and pass break-ups.”

While Friday marks the end of conference play for Knoch, New Castle has two league games left after this week.

“It's as strange quirk in the schedule, one we're hoping to take advantage of,” Cowart said.

New Castle is 4-1 all-time against Knoch, including wins of 42-21 and 42-14 the last two years. The Knights' lone win in the series was a 42-24 triumph in the 2007 playoffs.