Why am I not surprised?

Why am I not completely shocked that the Karns City football team is the last one standing in the Butler County area?

The answer: Because it seems every year the Gremlins are playing longer than any other team.

And, so it is again in 2009. Karns City: The Last Team Standing.

The Gremlins (10-2) will take on Bedford (6-6) at 7 p.m. Friday in the first round of the PIAA Class AA playoffs at North Bedford High School.

This is the first state playoff game for the Bison since the early 1990s.

Playing in the PIAA postseason is old hat for Karns City, which has won three straight District 9 titles.

Here is my breakdown of the game — and you should pay attention because, like the Gremlins, I'm on a roll, sporting an 88-23 record.

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Offensive line: The Gremlins' offensive front has been dominating for most of the season, opening holes for Aaron Markle and the plethora of backs coach Ed Conto employs. The line also has protected junior quarterback Dylan Hipple well on the occasions when he drops back to pass.The Bison front is very small — the biggest dude on the line is 240 pounds — but very aggressive. As a team, Bedford has rushed for 2,079 yards and is averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

Advantage: Karns City.•

Running backs: The Gremlins have 8 million capable ball carriers. Bedford has only one, Paul Detwiler, who has gained more than 100 yards.

Advantage: Karns City.•

Quarterback: Hipple has been very steady for the Gremlins. After some growing pains, Bedford QB Marcus Shippey, only a sophomore, has been downright dangerous both passing and running.

Advantage: Bedford.•

Receivers: Brandon Collier is a playmaker for KC. So is Kyle Deneen for Bedford with 509 yards.

Advantage: Push.•

Defensive line: No-brainer here. Karns City's defensive front has recorded 35 sacks, Bedford 10.

Advantage: Karns City•

Linebackers: Bedford's defense is built around getting its linebackers free to make plays, and have they ever. Shippey, the mike backer, has recorded 146 tackles.Karns City's linebackers are very good as well.

Advantage: Bedford•

Secondary: The Gremlins' defensive backs certainly are battle tested after facing many passing teams. Bedford has nabbed 10 interceptions. but the Bison have faced few teams that like to air it out.

Advantage: Push.•

Special teams: Karns City kicker Zach Kepple is underrated. A straight-on kicker, Kepple has some range. The Gremlins' coverage teams have been good and Collier is a threat in the return game.Bedford is averaging 17 yards on kickoff returns and have fielded only five punts this season. Kicker Guillaume Valette certainly has a kicker's name, but has converted only 12 extra-point kicks.

Advantage: Karns City.And, the final score: Karns City 38, Bedford 16. The Gremlins live on.

Advantage: Scoop