Clarion was a very good football team last year. This year they're even better.

That's the daunting realization Karns City must consider when they host the Bobcats at 7 p.m. Friday in a Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference game.

Clarion (5-0, 4-0) returns seven players on both sides of the ball and all of its offensive skill position players from a team that tied for the KSAC title and reached the District 9 Class A semifinal game.

"Offensively, they're such a big team," said Karns City coach Ed Conto. "They're really deep. They have a solid tailback-fullback combo.

"Both their fullbacks (Elliot Fabri and Eric Grejda) are about 200 pounds and their tailback (Chris McSwain) is (207) pounds and they're experienced," he added.

McSwain, who rushed for 1,441 yards and 14 scores last year, has rushed for 536 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He didn't play offense in last week's 48-7 win over Union.

Wingback Manny Carpin, who caught 25 passes and had six touchdowns last year, has caught 22 for 322 yards and five TDs.

Last week, Carpin scored four first-half touchdowns - two rushing, one receiving and the other on an 80-yard punt return.

"Carpin makes play after play," said Conto. "He has good speed, runs the ball well and goes out and catches it. He has a knack at catching even poorly thrown balls."

Quarterback Sean Wolfe has completed 31 of 54 passes for 420 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.

"He's an adequate quarterback who takes care of the football," said Conto. "He has the ability to run and that makes him dangerous."

A strong offensive line also has helped to pave the way.

"Our offensive line is not as big as last year, but they are a little bit faster," said Clarion coach Larry Wiser, now in his 18th season with the Bobcats.

"Each week, we try to take another step. From that, we're pleased," Wiser added.

The Gremlins are coming off a big road victory, a 29-25 win over Redbank Valley.

Karns City's running game came to life, churning out 193 yards on 51 carries, led by quarterback Steve Black's 73 yards and 60 more by Mike Stimac, who caught a pass for one score and ran for another.

"We're a mirror of each other," said Wiser. "They always have a good, solid offensive line and a good running game. I was impressed with their game against Redbank Valley. The option was running well.

"Black ran well, Stimac ran well and (Wayne) Harris too. Kory Kusick and their offensive line are doing well. I was a little amazed they had a slow start this season in the running game, judging from the statistics I saw," Wiser added.

The Gremlins' offense has picked up, but it must limit mistakes to stay with the Bobcats.

"Their only weakness seems to be in the kicking game, and that may be a week-to-week thing," said Conto. "And on offense and defense, they seem to be rolling right now."