ALIQUIPPA — With Aliquippa coming off an emotional high after capturing the WPIAL Class AA football championship Saturday, the big question is can it come back down to earth?

"This is the most difficult game to play," said Quips coach Zmijanac. "You leave Heinz Field and you play one of your rivals in the league in Beaver Falls.

"They've only had the state championship for 20 years. It's not the be-all, end-all to most of us. It's an emotional problem to the WPIAL in every class. Hopefully, you address that. You feel how you feel,"Zmijanac added.

The Quips (11-2) defeated Beaver Falls 8-6 to claim their third WPIAL crown in Zmijanac's 12th season as head coach. It was the program's 13th championship.

The team lost in the semifinal game last season to Jeannette, the same team that defeated Karns City 35-6 in the first round of the PIAA playoffs.

The Gremlins (12-1) and Quips will square off at 7 p.m. Friday at Pine-Richland High School. Karns City is coming off a 32-14 victory over District 5 champion North Star.

"I remember (Gremlins coach Ed Conto) saying they would give Jeannette a game," said Zmijanac. "I know Karns City has a real good program in the district. They're doing very well."

So is Aliquippa, which has outscored its opponents 383-156, thanks to a running attack that features three seniors in Maurice Carter (147 carries, 1,248 yards), Terry Patrick (131-936) and Donte Williams (69-364).

Carter had an impressive game against Beaver Falls, rushing for 111 yards on 30 carries and a touchdown. He also blocked a punt out of the end zone

"We try and spread it around so no one guy is getting a kazillion carries," said Zmijanac.

Junior quarterback Rasheem Jones has completed 56 of 106 passes for 864 yards and six touchdowns. His top targets are wide receiver Rashad Kenney (23-454) and tight end De'rhon Towler (7-110). Devin Polzot is the team's other starting receiver.

"Rasheem started as a sophomore," said Zmijanac. "He knows what he's doing. He's not putting up great numbers throwing the ball, but we only throw the ball 10, 12, 14 times a game."

The Quips enter Friday's contest on an eight-game winning streak. After opening with a 21-0 nonconference win against Ambridge, they opened conference play with a win against Ellwood City 47-0, then dropped consecutive games to Beaver Falls 27-12, a game in which Carter did not play, and Beaver 21-14.

Since then, Aliquippa has not allowed more than 18 points, including playoff wins against East Allegheny (20-10), Greensburg Central Catholic (32-14) and Beaver Falls.

Zmijanac knew his team could be in the mix this year, but you never know in the WPIAL playoffs.

"Quite honestly, I thought we had a great team last year — until we ran into Terrelle Pryor," said Zmijanac.

"I thought we could be competitive and we knew Beaver Falls would be there. It was one of those deals where we think we have a chance, not one of those years I knew we'd be really good."