JEFFERSON TWP — Highlands hasn't been able to complete scoring drives — yet.

Knoch football coach Brandon Mowry hopes that last word sticks around for another week.

The unbeaten Knights (3-0, 2-0) play their first road game of the 2019 season Friday night when it travels to Highlands (0-3, 0-1) for a Northwest 8 Conference kickoff at 7 p.m.

The Golden Rams have managed only 18 total points in three games thus far.

“We've been able to move the football and give our defense rest,” Highlands coach Domenick Girardi said. “That hasn't been a problem for us.

“We keep shooting ourselves in the foot with penalties and other mistakes. It's all things we can straighten out in time. We're a young football team.”

Highlands quarterback Chandler Thimons is a freshman. Running back Brock White is a sophomore. Thimons has thrown for 310 yards, but has completed only 23 of 52 passes. White has 302 yards rushing.

“Chandler has a strong arm and all of the tools to be successful,” Girardi said. “He's just young and inexperienced. We're working with him.”

The Golden Rams have two standout receivers in Johnny Crise (12 catches for 147 yards) and D.J. Loveland (eight catches for 137 and two TDs).

“We're not underestimating that team at all,” Mowry declared. “Highlands has a lot of ability and their offensive line is very good.

“That receiver Crise is 6-foot-7 and can go get the ball. He will be a challenge for us.”

So far, Knoch's defense has been up to every challenge.

Through three games, Knoch has shut out Hampton, turned away potential winning Blackhawk scoring drives late, then limited Beaver to a single touchdown.

“Our defensive line has been terrific and our linebackers have been all over the place,” Mowry said. “Tyler Buterbaugh has five or six quarterback sacks already. Our kids have been aggressive to the ball and that's what we've been preaching.”

Girardi described Knoch's linebacking corps as “extremely active and their offensive and defensive lines are very big.”

Then there's Matt Goodlin.

The Knights' senior running back broke loose for 298 yards and five TDs last week. He has 608 yards rushing and eight touchdowns on the season.

Quarterback Kam Grassi has only attempted a handful of passes so far this season, but that could change soon.

“We are always going to run the football,” Mowry said. “But we do want to work on our passing game and start throwing the ball a little bit, too.

“We've got talented receivers in Jared Schrecengost and Scott Fraser. We have to be able to get those guys the football.”

Knoch leads the series between these teams 18-16, including a 28-21 victory last season.

“We know No. 5 (Goodlin) is an exceptional talent and their triple-option is so difficult to prepare for,” Girardi said. “When they score, we have to be able to answer. It's as simple as that.”