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KNOX — One bit of history has already been squashed by Keystone.

Friday night, the Panthers will try to squash another — at Karns City's expense.

The Panthers (9-1) — having wrapped up their first winning season since 2007 — host the Gremlins (7-3) in a first-round District 9 Class 2A football playoff game at 7 p.m.

“They've put together quite a season,” KC coach Joe Sherwin said. “They remind me a lot of Ridgway in that they run and throw the ball equally well.”

One thing Keystone has not done well is beat Karns City. The Gremlins own a 45-12-1 advantage in the all-time series and have defeated the Panthers 22 straight times.

Keystone's last win in the series was a 28-23 decision in 1995. The teams did not play each other last season, but have met annually through 2017.

Ryan Smith, in his second year as Keystone head coach, has not faced Karns City.

“I know all about Karns City football,” Smith said. “They're big. They're strong. They're physical. They run the football.

“This is a big challenge for us and we're looking forward to it.”

Keystone was 3-7 last year, but has used a balanced attack in putting together one of the best seasons in program history. Nick Weaver has rushed for 1,132 yards and 15 touchdowns, Taylar Altman 905 yards and seven scores. They are averaging 9.4 and 7.5 yards per carry, respectively.

“They are two different types of backs,” Smith said. “Taylar is much smaller, but he's elusive and can shed tacklers.”

Quarterback Isaak Jones has thrown for 1,269 yards, 17 TDs and seven interceptions. Jayden Blazosky has caught 24 passes for 404 yards and five TDs, Alex Rapp 16 passes for 377 yards and seven scores.

“Our front seven is strong and we need to control the line of scrimmage with those guys,” Sherwin said. “We have to stay disciplined on defense against this team, that's for sure.

“That offense can do a lot of things.”

Keystone has rushed for 2,837 yards and 35 touchdowns this year. Karns City has rushed for 3,075 yards and 60 TDs.

KC quarterback Anthony Kamenski has rushed for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns. He's completed 29 of 79 passes for 542 yards, seven TDs and five interceptions.

Kaden Scherer has caught nine passes for 325 yards and five touchdowns.

“Keystone will load the box defensively with seven or eight players. That's how they play. They do that against everybody,” Sherwin said.

“Obviously, we still want to run the football. We have to play the way we play. But I feel like we're capable of making plays in the passing game, too.”

Hunter Rowe has rushed for 809 yards and 12 TDs, sophomore fullback Luke Garing 511 yards and eight scores.

“We've been able to work some younger kids into our rushing attack the past couple of games. That helps us depth-wise,” Sherwin said.

Middle linebackers Nathan Waltman and Garing lead the Gremlins with 70 tackles, eight for loss, and 67 tackles, 12 for loss, respectively.

Kirk Wolbert, Keystone's middle linebacker, leads the Panthers with 77 tackles, 14 for loss.

“We're a veteran team, with seven starters on offense, five on defense,” Smith said. “We've got 20 interceptions, which I believe is the most in District 9.

“We held Moniteau to around 100 yards rushing last week (in 45-10 win). Karns City's running game is very diversified. We'll see if we're up to the task this week.”