STRATTANVILLE — Karns City opened the 2007 football season against two nonconference opponents.

On Friday night, the Gremlins reintroduced themselves to the KSAC in a big way by manhandling Clarion-Limestone 42-0.

The Gremlins used a potent ground attack and an opportunistic defense to subdue the Lions.

In the first half, Karns City turned four C-L turnovers into scores on its way to a 35-0 lead at halftime.

"We knew coming in that an offense like that was going to turn the ball over," said Karns City coach Ed Conto. "We knew when we hit them, we were going to get the turnovers."

C-L opened the game by driving to the Karns City 20-yard line, but the drive stalled when Lions quarterback Dan Miller fumbled the snap from center.

Gremlins defensive tackle Devin Collins fell on the loose ball at the Karns City 23.

Karns City turned the miscue into points seven plays later when Brett Green plowed his way into the end zone from the 1.

Green, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior, gained 73 yards on eight carries.

With 2:40 left in the first quarter, the Gremlins added another score when Stephon Conto scored on a seven-yard misdirection run through the heart of the Lions defense.

The Gremlins scored again as the first quarter expired when Anthony Stimac threw a screen pass to Cameron Turner that went for 46 yards, giving the KC a 21-point advantage.

C-L shot itself in the foot on its first possession of the second quarter when the Gremlins' Levi Buck stepped in front of a Miller pass and raced 26-yards for the touchdown.

The Lions had seven turnovers in the game.

At halftime, the Gremlin run defense had held C-L to minus-55 yards rushing.

The Gremlins ground attack was led by Josh Stimac, who had 86 yards on six carries.

On the other side of the ball, C-L's Miller had 185 passing yards on the night, but he also had three costly interceptions.

When asked about the number of yards that the Lions accumulated though the air Conto replied, "I don't care how many yards we give up, as long as we get the win."

Another bright spot for the Lions was the play of wideout Jace Rhoads, who had five catches for 95 yards.

"That wasn't a tough loss," said C-L coach Todd Smith. "I thought we did some really good things tonight.

"The bottom line is, we don't have enough guys to be able to compete," Smith added.

One area of concern for Karns City is the fact that they accumulated 10 penalties for 100 yards.

The Gremlins get their first test on the KSAC schedule when they host Keystone next Friday.