Karns City's football team took down one team ahead of it in the standings with last Friday's 22-9 win at Kane.

The Gremlins (5-2) are aiming to do it for a second straight week when Ridgway (6-1) visits Diehl Stadium Friday night.

The Elkers fired a shot heard throughout District 9 last week when they trounced previously unbeaten Clarion, 42-0.

“They are a very well-coached team and probably have the most balance on offense we'll face this year,” said KC coach Joe Sherwin. “It's a big test for us.”

But thanks to the win at Kane, KC enters Friday with a renewed confidence. The Gremlins were down 9-0 in the fourth quarter before a blocked punt by Riley Davis and rushing touchdowns from Hunter Rowe, Luke Garing and Anthony Kamenski did in the Wolves.

“The blocked punt (which Davis recovered at Kane's 3-yard line) was a big swing for us,” said Sherwin. “We caught fire in the fourth quarter and fortunately, it was enough to pull it out.”

Ridgway, the defending District 9 Class 2A champion, now sits atop the Large School Division. Its only defeat this season is a 25-21 setback to Kane Aug. 30.

“That was a humbling moment,” said Ridgway coach Mark Heindl. “We practiced on Labor Day for the first time in five or six years. From that day on, the kids have been on a mission.”

Ridgway senior quarterback Paul Gresco has passed for 1,073 yards, 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions.

“He's a two-year starter and beginning last year, has progressed every game,” said Heindl.

The Elkers' ground game features four players with at least 278 yards. Gabe Watts, Matt Dush, Jake Wickett and Tyler Watts have combined for 1,316 yards and 19 touchdowns.

“We gave up a couple of long runs against Clarion, but other than that, I think we've done well versus the run,” said Sherwin.

Ridgway's defense will also be put to the test when it comes to stopping the run. Kamenski, KC's quarterback, leads the way with 761 yards and seven scores while Rowe (466-6) and Garing (352-7) have contributed to a ground attack that's averaging 287 yards per contest.

“They don't throw the ball a lot,” Heindl said of the Gremlins, “but they'll pound it down your throat. Their backs are patient and their guys up front do a good job of opening up holes.

“Karns City is a tough football team,” Heindl added. “I think Coach Sherwin has done a fantastic job with those guys.”

Gabe Watts, a defensive end, has eight quarterback sacks for Ridgway.

Junior linebacker Nathan Waltman leads KC with 51 tackles.

The Elkers defeated the Gremlins last year, 28-6.