KARNS CITY — Strattanville will seem very familiar to the Karns City football team.

It will be just like stops in Punxsutawney, Rimersburg and even in the Gremlins' own back yard.

At the home of Clarion-Limestone, Karns City will find a team much like the one they faced in Punxsy and Union: one not shy about putting the ball in the air.

The passes are likely to start flying not long after the 7 p.m. kickoff Friday.

"They may throw the ball 50 times," said Karns City coach Ed Conto. "We know they are going to do all kinds of crazy stuff. It's about being in the right spot, jamming their receivers at the line and not letting up too many big plays."

This kind of attack is not new for the Gremlins. They faced a Punxsutawney team that threw, a Union team that threw and last week a Brookville team that took to the air more than a typical high school attack.

Because of that, the Gremlins feel they will be ready for whatever the Lions throw at them — literally.

Clarion-Limestone quarterback Dan Miller has already put the ball in the air 74 times this season, with solid results.

The senior has completed 45 percent of his passes for 573 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Lions have thrown 76 passes and run the ball 76 times this season.

Despite a 6-24 record, including two forfeits because of low numbers, the last three-plus seasons, Clarion-Limestone is a veteran team.

Miller is a four-year starter at quarterback. Senior running back/wide receiver Jace Rhoads is a three-year starter and senior Zac Roller had a lot of experience in the backfield.

"They are athletic," Conto said. "And they know what they are doing."

Conto expects Clarion-Limestone to air it out even more than usual this week.

Part of that has to do with the Lions' struggling running game, which is averaging a mere 3.1 yards per carry.

"I told the team that they could put the ball up 50 times," Conto said. "I don't think they can run the ball on us."

Meanwhile, Karns City's gameplan is tried and true: run the ball, hit some big plays in the passing game and limit the big plays surrendered on defense.

Big plays hurt the Gremlins against Brookville in a 21-14 win last week.

Karns City had a touchdown called back because of a penalty and gave up a 40-yard pass to set up a Brookville score, even though the receiver appeared to drop the ball while falling out of bounds.

Despite the adversity, the Gremlins responded and hung on for the win.

"That's what I liked about it," Conto said. "The kids moved on. They didn't let that be something that sunk their ship. We don't have any super stars, but I like how they are playing well together and fighting for each other. We may run into a team that is more talented than we are, but I'd rather have the team that is playing together and is doing all the little things right."

Junior quarterback Dylan Hipple has been keeping the Karns City ship on course.

Hipple has completed 59 percent of his passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns in his first year as a starter. His favorite target has been Brandon Collier, who has hauled in six passes for 137 yards and two scores.

Clarion-Limestone coach Todd Smith could not be reached for comment.