KC ready for big test
Ed Conto and the Karns City football team don't shy away from a challenge.
That's why they've beefed up their non-conference schedule with teams like Wilmington, which the Gremlins will host at 7 p.m. Friday.
“We schedule two top-notch teams that will challenge us and measure where we are,” said Conto, whose team will also face Hickory Oct. 7. “Some year when we are a strong playoff-caliber team, we want to be ready for it.”
The Greyhounds (2-0) will certainly provide a tough test for Karns City (1-1), which picked up its first win last week in a 28-14 victory over Redbank Valley.
Wilmington earned a 34-6 decision over Greenville after opening the season with a 36-14 win over Slippery Rock.
“They're tremendously huge and tremendously strong,” said Conto. “We won't see anyone else like that. They're big, strong and powerful off the ball. They have three players who run the ball well. They're a lot like Grove City.”
Conto is referring to Ryan Crawford, who rushed for three scores against Slippery Rock, and Anthony Derrick, who rushed for three touchdowns against Greenville.
Throw in Gunnar Donati, who rushed for 97 yards last week and Tyler Donati, the other top returning back, and the Greyhounds have the horses to grind out a strong run game.
“I think all of them have fairly good speed,” said Wilmington coach Terry Verrelli, now in his 33rd season. “None of them are really big backs, but they're quick. Derrick got some experience last year and is the leader back there.”
The Greyhounds have rushed for more than 300 yards in each game (638 total) while limited their opponents to 239 total yards.
After sharing quarterback duties a year ago, Verrelli has gone with Josh Tekac over Nick Vasko.
“They're both definitely better than last year and got experience,” Verrelli said. “Josh is doing a good job running the team. He has a stronger throwing arm.”
The Gremlins also have used a two-quarterback system this season, going with sophomore Tyler Kepple and senior Brady Ellenberger.
Glenn Toy leads the Karns City ground game with 199 yards on 22 carries and Alex Kinkela has added 107 yards on 14 carries. The duo have combined for three rushing scores.
Verrelli understands the Karns City program and knows his team will have its hands full Friday.
“I think Karns City has that tradition there and tradition means a lot in developing players and getting the most out of them.”
And Conto knows nonconference games like this will give his squad a chance to see how far they've come.
“It's always important to get that first win. It's like getting back on the right track,” Conto said. “We have to improve, which we did, and in tough conditions ... We started scoring, going up 7-0 and then our first-team defense kept them from scoring.
“The big thing for us this week is to step up and measure our courage,” said Conto. “I hate to say it but Wilmington's line is probably bigger than Butler's.”
