Highlands has been to the WPIAL football playoffs each of the last eight seasons.

No. 9 may be a challenge.

The Rams have one starter back on offense, none on defense, and have been blown out of three of their first four games.

But Knoch coach Mike King is taking nothing for granted as the two 1-3 teams get together for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday in Saxonburg.

"We're both in the same boat," King said. "We weren't real concerned about our non-conference games and neither were they. We're both young teams putting together the right personnel.

"Now we're into the conference schedule. The way the playoff berths are structured - the top four getting in - this is a very big game."

Both teams have defeated Keystone Oaks for their first conference win. Highlands scored a 41-12 win two weeks ago while Knoch posted a 27-13 triumph Saturday.

Highlands' other games are losses of 34-0 to Valley, 45-7 to West Allegheny and 61-0 to McKeesport.

"Those are three excellent football teams," Highlands coach Sam Albert said. "Combine that and the fact I was looking for the right mix on defense and I'm not too concerned about them."

Albert was head coach at Valley, Butler and Freeport before taking over for former Knoch coach Tim Karrs at Highlands this year.

His lone returning starter on either side of the ball - quarterback Zack Bonatesta - has been moved to wideout-running back.

"I had a long talk with him and explained we'd be more effective with him at a position we could move all over the field," Albert said. "Zack was fine with it. He wants to do what's best for the team."

Bonatesta has already scored a few touchdowns running and catching the football. Steve Panchik, a freshman, has taken over at quarterback.

Justin Meyers, a sophomore, had 32 carries for 232 yards in the Rams' win over Keystone Oaks. But McKeesport rushed for 415 yards against Highlands in a physical game the following week.

Junior fullback Zak Eiseman left that game on crutches. Another junior, Chuckie Bufford, also plays fullback for the Rams.

Highlands has only 10 seniors.

"I don't worry about how we did against McKeesport," Albert said. "That is one awesome team."

Knoch's running game picked up last week as David Bergamasco rushed for 120 yards and fullback Jamison Dohn added 71. Jordan Shoop threw for 155 yards in the win.

"New team, stadium, the weather situation … Our kids responded well to what they had to deal with last week," King said.

The coach lauded the play of Tyler Ray, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound defender who moved from linebacker to defensive tackle this season.

"He's another Bergamasco story," King said. "Tyler's not the biggest defensive tackle in the world, but he gets the job done on heart, guts and solid technique."

Knoch will enter Friday's game healthy.

"We got our injuries out of the way in preseason camp, hopefully," King said.

"Knoch can do a lot of things on both sides of the ball," Albert said. "This league is as strong as ever and they are no exception."

Highlands at Knoch

---

7:30 p.m., Friday

Statistic:

Highlands has one returning starter from last season and moved him - Zack Bonatesta - from quarterback to running back.

Streak:

Highlands has made the WPIAL playoffs eight consecutive seasons.

Strategy:

The Rams moved Bonatesta to running back because he's their best player and a bigger scoring threat from there.

Speaking:

"Both teams are in the same boat. We're both young and looking for a second conference win. If you look at how the playoffs are set up, this could be a very big game for the winner." - Knoch coach Mike King