Karns City coach would like to be putting his attention to Friday's KSAC matchup against Clarion this week.

Unfortunately, another team is occupying the majority of his thoughts.

"We're not focusing on Clarion. We have to focus on our own problems," said Conto. "We have some talented kids but we're not executing. They're not doing what we're teaching them."

"We have to focus on ourselves. It doesn't matter what team is lined up across from us. If we don't do what we're supposed to do, we'll get beat," he added.

Karns City (2-2, 1-2) is coming off a 51-7 defeat against Redbank Valley and have the host Bobcats to contend with for Friday's 7 p.m. kickoff.

The Bobcats (4-0, 3-0) are coming off an impressive 50-0 drubbing over Union as the defense held the Knights to minus-55 yards of total offense, including minus-68 on the ground.

The Clarion defense also recovered six

"Clarion has some good defensive linemen," said Conto. "They're a veteran team. They're experienced and are playing very well.

"Their offense is similar to our but they do more. Our kid shave to believe in what they're doing," he added.

On offense, quarterback Sean Wolf tossed three touchdown passes - two to Justin Arner, the other to Manny Carpin.

Wolf has completed 14 of 27 passes for 238 yards, six touchdowns and a pair of interceptions.

Carpin also returned a free kick for a touchdown and Chris McSwain rushed for a score and recovered a fumble for another touchdown.

McSwain leads the team with 521 yards rushing on 67 carries for five touchdowns. Carpin has 244 yards on 21 carries and one score.

Carpin also leads the receiving with six catches for 127 yards and two TDs.

The Gremlins could only muster one touchdown in last week's loss, an 8-yard run by Josh Fiscus.

Fiscus leads the team with 450 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.

Quarterback Steve Black has completed 40 of 68 passes with four touchdowns and four interceptions. His brother David has been on the receiving end of a county-high 26 passes for 368 yards and three scores.

The Gremlins are in the midst of a tough five-game stretch that includes conference foes Clarion-Limestone, Keystone, Redbank Valley, Clarion and Moniteau.

"These kids have to get confidence in themselves and in what we're teaching them," said Conto, "and make it work."

Clarion coach Larry Wiser could not be reached for comment.