CHERRY TWP — For the first time in a long time, Moniteau will play an unfamiliar role Friday night.

The undefeated Warriors are the underdogs — and it doesn't bother them one bit.

If Moniteau avoids turnovers and executes its brand of football, the Warriors believe they can compete with anybody.

That includes fellow unbeaten Aliquippa, the WPIAL Class AA champion and top-ranked team in the state by The Patriot-News of Harrisburg.

“One of the biggest hurdles to overcome will be the hype around a team like that,” said Moniteau coach Jeff Campbell of Aliquippa. “They're a great football team with great tradition, great heritage.

“But last time I checked, they put their helmets and shoulder pads on the same way we do,” Campbell added. “We're just going to play our game, and hopefully, come out victorious.”

The Warriors (12-0) and Quips (13-0) will square off in a PIAA Class AA quarterfinal at Clarion University's Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

“There have been some other games earlier in the season that we weren't the favorite, but it doesn't matter to these kids,” said Campbell. “They don't care about that. ... They're ready for it.”

That should come as no surprise, as the Warriors have been plenty prepared for all challenges thrown their way this year.

Moniteau is in the midst of a historic campaign, as the Warriors earned their first undefeated and untied regular season, before claiming a first-ever District 9 title Nov. 18 over rival Karns City.

In the process, sophomore Dustin Geagan has rushed for 1,523 yards, while senior Joey Deal has collected 30 sacks — both are the most in school history.

The assault on the record book continued last week.

Moniteau disposed of Oliver by a 39-12 margin for the program's first PIAA tournament triumph.

The Warriors endured a sluggish first quarter and trailed 6-0, but senior quarterback Kyle Armagost threw four touchdowns in the second frame — three to senior Ethan Pry and another to Deal on the final play of the half — to seize complete control of the contest.

The Warriors face a tougher test Friday in Aliquippa — a 14-7 winner over Jeannette in dramatic fashion at Heinz Field Saturday — and Moniteau knows it can't afford another slow start.

The Warriors turned it over twice in the opening quarter against Oliver and the Bears capitalized with a 2-yard fumble return for a score.

It wasn't the performance Campbell was looking for, but the coach admired his team's ability to shrug off the adversity.

“I thought it was more impressive to see how the kids responded more than anything else. ... That was definitely a tough first quarter,” Campbell said. “I remember some teams that wouldn't be able to overcome that.

“It says a lot about the team to move on without missing a beat.”

The Warriors' mettle will likely be tested again by the talented Quips, who claimed the program's 14th WPIAL crown with Saturday's victory.

“They come off the ball hard and fly to the ball on defense. They remind me of us on defense, blitzing a lot and flying to the ball,” said Campbell of the Quips. “On offense, they come off the ball and come straight at you.”

Campbell is well aware Aliquippa is favored by many prognosticators to march on to the PIAA semifinals.

“There isn't anyone outside of Moniteau giving us much of a chance to win this football game,” the coach acknowledged.

Those predictions coincide with playing a traditionally successful program, along with a one-sided history when District 9 and WPIAL teams clash.

Campbell is OK with the Warriors getting overlooked, though — respect is earned, not given.

“I get it, they're Aliquippa for crying out loud. ... Until we beat a team like that, then rightfully so,” said Campbell. “When was the last time a District 9 team beat a WPIAL team? Never. So, until that happens, I understand it.”

The past failures of D-9 give Moniteau just a little extra incentive to put together a full 48 minutes of quality football.

“They know how important this game is,” Campbell explained. “We're not just representing our school, we're representing our entire district.”

Besides, the Warriors have been breaking through boundaries and setting new standards all season long. So, why stop now?

Said Campbell, “I haven't heard anyone say they're tired yet.”

he Moniteau offense is averaging 37.9 points per game, while the defense has allowed 12.2. The following is a glance at Moniteau’s season:Opponent M OppKarns City 26 24Clarion 20 6Brookville 43 21Redbank Valley 50 28St. Marys 39 15Union 34 14Punxsutawney 45 6Keystone 42 0Kennedy Catholic 51 8Sheffield* 40 0Karns City* 26 12Oliver* 39 12*Postseason game