Look at Redbank Valley and you'll see a very strong defense. Returning nine starters back on that side of the ball will do that.

That's what a young Karns City team will see when it hosts the Bulldogs at 7 p.m. Friday.

Redbank Valley has allowed just 33 points in three contests, but are 1-2 overall after falling to Clarion 13-6 on Sunday.

"Redbank Valley has some good hitters," said Karns City coach Ed Conto. "They play real tight defense. It looks like a tight man-to-man defense, but they've been exploited."

Leading the defensive charge, according to Conto, is middle linebacker Brock Shaffer.

"He's a tough hitter," said Conto. "They only lost two hitters that started and when you have that, it means less mistakes," Conto added.

Redbank Valley (1-2, 1-1) will try to slow down a Gremlins offense that shined last Saturday against Keystone.

Karns City rushed for 348 yards, including 181 yards and three scores from Josh Fiscus.

Steve Black passed for 184 yards and one touchdown to David Black. He also rushed for another score as did Kyle Texter.

The Bulldogs offense is trying to replace key losses on offense last year. Gone are quarterback Shane Reed and wide receiver Tyson Truitt.

"They have a returning running back who's a stud. He's tremendous," said Conto on Skylar Smith, who was limited to 42 yards on 11 carries last week against the Bobcats.

"They don't give it to Smith enough. They try and spread it around. And they have Brandon Johnston back, who's running better than last year and have three or four receivers back.

Quarterback Jason Smith has taken the signal-caller duties for the Bulldogs.

"Jason Smith is more of a runner," said Conto. "I saw him with some nice runs against Clarion.

"They are about as dangerous as they were last year," Conto added.

The Gremlins eked out a 7-6 overtime win last season against the Bulldogs.

Despite the win last week against Keystone, Conto knows there's always room for improvement. The players seem to know it as well.

"I made each kid make a list of what they need to improve on," said Conto.

"Everything they wrote down is what we would have told them. They know they can correct it.

"There's a fine line between a good team and a great team. We have a way to go, but we're getting there."

Redbank Valley coach Ed Wasilowski could not be reached for comment.

Redbank Valley at Karns City

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Friday, 7 p.m

Statistic:

Josh Fiscus is coming off a 181-yard, three-touchdown performance for the Gremlins last week.

Streak:

The Gremlins haven't lost to Redbank Valley since the 1999 season (30-28).

Strategy:

Redbank Valley will count of its wealth of returning starters on both sides of the ball to outlast a younger Gremlins squad.

Speaking: "We saw some improvement last week. A couple of guys are still hurting and that's still bothering us, but we've picked it up." - Karns City coach Ed Conto.