JEFFERSON TWP — The excitement of playing at Heinz Field, the versatility of Montour's offense, the pressure of trying to win a WPIAL football championship for the first time since 1978.

All of that may be on the minds of Knoch football players these days.

None of that will shake them.

“I don't think there's anything that can rattle these kids,” Knights coach Mike King said.

Knoch (12-0) takes on Montour (10-2) for the WPIAL Class AAA championship at 2 p.m. Saturday at Heinz Field.

“We're treating this like it's another week to work together, practice together and play another game,” King said. “None of us wants to see this season come to an end.

“We're having too much fun.”

Quarterback Ky Kenyon was on the playing surface of Heinz Field once before — during preseason Media Day this past summer.

“It's grass, but it feels like turf,” the third-year starter said. “Obviously, it's a much bigger stadium to play in. We're viewing it as the venue for our next game, that's all.

“We can't think about Heinz Field. We need to focus on Montour.”

Last week against Franklin Regional, the Knights failed to score at least three touchdowns and force a turnover for the first time all year. Still, they found a way to win.

“I think we can fix some of the problems we had offensively last week. We should be fine,” Kenyon said. “I know I have to play a much better game personally. We can't have turnovers this time.”

Knoch survived four turnovers last week, including three interceptions thrown by Kenyon.

“You can practice ball security, run drills ... It all comes down to the person to whom you entrust the ball in his hands,” King said. “We have to take care of the ball.”

King has plenty of WPIAL championship history himself. He was a sophomore on the Knoch team that lost in the finals to Beaver, a senior on the squad that lost in the finals to Seton-La Salle.

When the Knights last made the WPIAL finals in 1992, King was an assistant coach.

His father, Bob King, is a former Knoch coach who celebrated his 80th birthday listening to the Knights' 9-7 victory last Friday.

“My dad is the reason I got into coaching,” King said. “He's always been my hero. He still is.

“As you play more games, get deeper into the postseason, the bond between the players, the coaches and players, strengthens. I have tremendous memories of playing football with my friends and these players are creating similar memories now.”

Knoch has yet to allow a playoff opponent more than a single touchdown this year. Montour quarterback Dillon Buechel and running back Julian Durden have combined for 56 TDs this season.

“That quarterback throws lasers and their offense is potent,” King said. “But I'll put up my defense against anybody. Our kids have been up to the challenge and they don't sweat big games.”

Kenyon has thrown for 1,113 yards and 20 touchdowns, run for 898 yards and nine scores. Andrew Rumburg-Goodlin has rushed for 1,351 yards and 18 TDs.

Rumburg-Goodlin has yet to score in the postseason and tweaked his ankle late in last week's game.

“Rummy has a sore ankle right now and we're limiting his work in practice,” King said. “I expect he'll be ready to go Saturday.”

Ben Tackett and Mac Megahan have been versatile players in Knoch's offense. Tackett has rushed for 263 yards and four TDs, caught 20 passes for 356 yards and fives scores, including his 73-yard catch that set up Kory Woods game-winning field goal a week ago.

Wood has connected on five field goals and 61 PATs in 2011.

“Our love of the game is why we're still playing,” Tackett said. “After practice, we'll have dinner together, then hang out with each other.

“We don't want to give up playing football together. In the end, that's what we're playing for.”

Megahan has 14 carries for 230 yards and three touchdowns, 13 receptions for 366 yards and seven TDs.

Knoch is averaging 94.9 yards passing and 263.9 yards rushing per game.

“This has been a special team because we've found different ways to get it done each week,” King said.

“This should be a great game.”

Knoch (12-0) is averaging 38.5 points while allowing 8.1 points per game this season. Here is a look at the Knights' 2012 campaign:<B>Regular SeasonOpponent K Opp. </B>Brashear 36 0A.Gallatin 56 8Valley 44 7Fox Chapel 38 0Hampton 42 6Indiana 56 31Kittanning 70 14Highlands 24 6Mars 28 3<B>Playoffs </B>W.Allegheny 28 7T.Jefferson 31 9F.Regional 9 7