FREEPORT — The matchup is the same, but there are plenty of differences in Freeport's WPIAL Class AA first-round playoff game against Greensburg Central Catholic.

This year, the Yellowjackets can lay claim to being a conference champion and a second-place team while the Centurions tied for second but were placed third.

That gives Freeport a home game, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Swartz Field, and a chance to avenge last year's 42-6 playoff loss.

"They're more experienced," said Centurions coach Muzzy Colosimo. "Last year, they played a lot of young kids. You can tell by this year's record (8-1) that they're experienced.

"They do some nice things on offense and on defense, they'll hit you," he added.

Freeport coach John Gaillot agrees the experience will be a big help for the Yellowjackets this time around.

"I think we've matured and have playoff experience," said Gaillot. "The seniors are excited because they've made the playoffs two years in a row and that's huge. Last year was the first time for everyone.

"Now, I hear them talking to the sophomores who are starters about what to expect, not to be nervous and play your game," he added.

Quarterback Alex Isenberg has passed for 444 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 377 more yards and 12 scores.

Jake Campbell and Andy Teorsky have 360 and 347 yards, respectively, and a combined 10 touchdowns. Derek Durand (11 receptions, 135 yards, 1 touchdown) and Tyler Collins (10-205-2) are the team's top receivers.

Meanwhile, GCC has had another incredible offensive season, their third in a row in leading Class AA.

The heart of the offense is David Miller, who has 147 carries for 1,301 yards for a whopping 8.9 yards per carry average and 24 touchdowns.

Trent Hurley has completed 71 of 132 passes for 1,288 yards, 21 touchdowns and two interceptions. His primary targets include Ed Marshall (32 catches, 637 yards, seven TD), Miller (13-235-3), and Ross Deglau (13-208-1).

"David's a very physical runner, 5-foot-9, 216 pounds, with the ability to run over, but also the ability to run away from you," said Colosimo.

"Trent's been doing a great job at managing the team. Last week we didn't have to throw the ball and he still threw for 60, 65 yards," Colosimo added.

Greensburg Central finished at 7-2, but after a 2-2 start, the team has rolled past its opponents, including three consecutive shutouts over Waynesburg (40-0), East Allegheny (27-0) and Brownsville (41-0) before dowing South Allegheny (53-13) and Jeannette (49-18).

The two losses came against McGuffey 6-0 in Week 2 and to Mount Pleasant 36-35 in Week 4.

"Our speed is something we can match up on, but they outsize us" said Gaillot "It'll be a hard fight, but we're thankful we've had a great season so far. The kids are focused and believe in themselves."