Knoch coach Mike King remembers the school's football rivalry with Freeport.

Just don't blame him if he doesn't remember it well.

"I think I was a sophomore when we last played each other," King said. "It's been 25 years or so since we've played them.

"I'm big on local rivalries, Butler-New Castle, Mars-Knoch, matchups like that. The WPIAL has to do what it has to do, but they seem to be going away from backyard rivalries, and I'd like to see them return. That's why we scrimmaged Mars and we're playing Freeport.

"This will be more than just a non-section opener. I don't know if the intensity of a local rivalry will be there, but it's important to kids to win this kind of game for bragging rights," King added.

The Knights have two starters sidelined with knee injuries - tight end-defensive end Steve Yamnitsky and wide receiver-defensive back Kory Bottles. King hopes to have both back next week.

While the Knights have two starters returning in fullback Jamison Dohn and halfback David Bergamasco, they might get more ground production from the quarterback spot.

Converted receiver Jordan Shoop is behind center this year, and King wants to take advantage of his running ability.

"We're not going to rely on a pound it up the middle ground game, though Jamison and David would probably both like that," King said. "We didn't run the quarterback enough last year and I'd like to see us do that more often.

"We've always had the option as part of our offensive package. It gives us more diversity."

Freeport coach Bill Dillen knows the offensive threats the Knights can employ.

"I think Jordan is an excellent athlete," said Dillen, who is in his first season with the Yellowjackets. "He's quick, he's strong and he throws the ball well.

"David Bergamasco is a good running back. We have to look at defending him and Jordan. They can give you problems," Dillen added.

King said Freeport is "similar to us in their offensive schemes and they always play tough defense."

The Yellowjackets haven't been shy about throwing the football in recent years.

"They haven't shown that in their scrimmages, but that doesn't mean they won't do it," King said. "Our defensive backs will be ready for the challenge.

"This isn't a league game and you do want to use games like this to find out who can do what under game conditions, but you want to get off to a good start, too," he added.

Dillen has been impressed with how the Knights have been successful running the option.

"Jordan's an excellent athlete and we'll look at thing he does and try to adjust. Knoch is a good football team," Dillen said.

Like Knoch, the Yellowjackets are trying to replace their long-time quarterback Luke Westerman, who is now at Slippery Rock University.

He expects the Knights defense to pose a stiff challenge.

"They play very good defense," said Dillen. "It'll come down to who makes the least amount of mistakes."

Receiver Kiel Conjack moved to quarterback in hopes of keeping Freeport in the playoff chase.

"I've been pretty pleased," said Dillen. "Our kids are working hard. … We hope to build on what we've learned. That's how we're approaching that."

Freeport at Knoch

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7:30 p.m. Friday

Streaks:

This marks the first contest between these two squads in 25 years.

Stat:

Knoch returns its top two rushers, David Bergamasco and Jamison Dohn, who combined for 806 yards on 170 carries in 2003.

Strategy:

Knoch hopes to take advantage of the running ability of Jordan Shoop.

Speaking:

"It's always a good test to play against a bigger school, absolutely. That's what you look at. You hope to play and get better." - Freeport coach Bill Dillen.