Football teams in playoff contention at this time of year can usually rely on this premise: Win, you're in.

For Knoch, however, it could be win and you're out.

The Knights (3-5, 3-2) travel to Pine-Richland (6-2, 4-1) for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff hoping to earn a WPIAL playoff berth in the Greater Allegheny Conference and to end a long losing streak against the Rams.

"We could win that game, share the section lead and not get in," Knoch coach Mike King said. "Or we could win that game and wind up with a home game in the first round of the playoffs.

"We're just gonna go down there, play as hard as we can and let the cards fall."

Knoch makes the playoffs regardless of Friday's outcome if Franklin Regional wins at Indiana.

"That's the simplest scenario," King said.

If Knoch wins, Indiana defeats Franklin Regional and Hampton defeats Highlands, five teams would be tied for the Greater Allegheny Conference title with 4-2 records. Knoch would be the odd-team out because of in-league point differential.

So while the Knights' playoff hopes likely reside in Indiana this weekend, King hopes his team takes care of business at Pine-Richland.

"I don't know the last time we beat them," King said. "We've played some tough teams this year in Moon and Franklin Regional. … I don't think our kids are fazed by anything. And I know they're tired of losing to those guys."

Pine-Richland has defeated Knoch annually since 1996, when the teams began meeting on a yearly basis. The Rams hung a 41-3 loss on the Knights last year.

Pine-Richland was 1-2 early this season - losing 27-23 to Hopewell and 28-6 to Franklin Regional - before reeling off five straight wins.

"I hope we haven't peaked yet," Rams coach Clair Altemus said. "We took the Hopewell game too lightly and it cost us. Franklin Regional is awfully good. They could run the table in Class AAA.

"I liked the intensity we showed three weeks ago against Hampton (21-14 win). If we continue to play like we did that night, it could carry us to Heinz Field."

While Pine-Richland is in the playoffs, the Knoch game means the difference between a second seed and a fourth seed for the Rams.

"We want to get a home game," Altemus said. "That's plenty motivation for us. And we have a lot of respect for Knoch."

Both teams have exceptional passing games. Knoch's Jordan Shoop has thrown for 743 yards and 11 touchdowns. Pine-Richland's Jake Long has thrown for 1,278 yards and six TDs.

Curtis Compton has 17 catches for 367 yards and three touchdowns for the Knights. Bill Massaro has 34 catches for 767 yards and six TDs for the Rams.

"They've got their usual balance and Jake played the equivalent of an NFL season last year," King said. "He's a very seasoned quarterback."

Tim Newman leads the Rams' ground attack with 169 carries for 1,059 yards and 10 touchdowns. Brendan O'Mahony adds 69 carries for 428 yards and four TDs.

Newman didn't start the season opener against Mars because Altemus wasn't satisfied with his work ethic in practice.

"That move served its purpose," Altemus said. "Tim has responded to that. It lit a fire under him."

David Bergamasco leads Knoch's ground game with 142 carries for 598 yards and four TDs.

Knoch shored up its defensive line in last week's 26-20 win over Indiana by moving Tyler Ray from defensive tackle to nose guard. Strong safety Tim Hickey had 16 tackles in that game.

Pine-Richland tight end Andy Moore is out with an injury this week. Two guards and an inside linebacker might miss the game for the Rams as well.

"We're a little banged up," Altemus said. "But we better be ready to play."