CHERRY TWP — No one is giving the Moniteau football team a chance.

“I don't think anyone in Western Pennsylvania thinks we have a shot to win,” said Moniteau coach Wade Vogan.

When the Warriors (3-6) travel to Kane (10-0) for a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday night in the first round of the District 9 Class AA playoffs, they will be a major underdog.

That's OK with Vogan.

“That's why you play the game,” Vogan said. “If it was a forgone conclusion or guaranteed, why even play? If we can play a four-quarter game, I think we can be right there with them.”

That might be easier said than done.

The Wolves have won 22 of their last 23 games, the lone loss coming to Farrell in the second round of the PIAA playoffs last season.

Kane's offense is balanced and averages 41 points per game, led by junior quarterback Reed Williams, who has thrown for more than 1,400 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. He's only thrown two interceptions.

His two favorite targets, Davis Gardner and Ray Maze, have combined for nearly 60 receptions and 1,000 yards.

On the ground, junior running back Erik DeLong has rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.

“They've been loaded the last few years,” Vogan said. “They have two good receivers, a good running back and a quarterback who can hurt you. They hit you and keep hitting you.”

Vogan hopes his team can hit back.

The Warriors have intensified their tackling drills this week hoping to slow down Kane's high-powered offense.

“We always do those kinds of drills,” Vogan said. “In Week 10, Week 11, in the playoffs, those things still make a difference. A missed tackle here or there could make the difference between winning and losing.”

Moniteau sophomore quarterback Chance Nagy was banged up and forced to leave the game in last week's loss to Redbank Valley, but Vogan said he will start against Kane.

Nagy has had an up-and-down season. His first three career passes went for touchdowns, but he has also struggled at times. He comes into the game with 802 yards passing and six touchdowns, but also has been picked off 14 times.

His main target is Dalton Anderson, who has 30 receptions for 552 yards and five scores.

Moniteau has used a stable of running backs this season — a stark contrast to Vogan's first two seasons when two players received most of the carries.

“It's something as a coach that I've come to know that you need to keep guys fresh, so they'll have fresh legs later in the season,” Vogan said. “We've been rotating a lot of guys and trying to get the right guys on the field for certain matchups.”

Moniteau has never faced Kane in football. The Warriors won their first playoff game last season.