RIMERSBURG — Entering its first-ever postseason game on Saturday, Union will need a big effort from its secondary if the Golden Knights are going to advance to the second round.

Seventh-seeded Union squares off against host Port Allegany at 1:30 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the District 9 Class A playoffs.

Port Allegany (9-1) enters the postseason as the No. 2 seed. Led by quarterback Matt Bodamer, the Gators have averaged 42.8 points per game this year.

“He's a true, traditional-style quarterback and his footwork is phenomenal,” said Union coach Dave Louder of the Port Allegany standout.

Bodamer has posted gaudy numbers for the Gators. The junior is 166 of 247 for 2,639 yards with 33 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He's also rushed for 541 yards and 11 scores on 92 carries.

“We're going to try to get him to roll out and shorten the field on him,” said Louder. “He's a dangerous runner, too, so we've been stressing to our linebackers to not overpursue.

“They can't fall for his hip fakes and head fakes, but we need to get him under pressure and get him moving.”

Bodamer spreads the ball out to a variety of weapons.

Tyce Miller leads the Gators with 49 receptions, 654 yards and 13 TDs, while Charlie Buchanan has 48 catches for 654 yards and nine scores.

Trevor Miller presents great size for the Port Allegany receiving corps at 6-foot-4. He's reeled in 23 passes for 406 yards and six TDs, while Rickie Bova is also a threat with 27 catches for 507 yards and three TDs.

While the statistics are intimidating, Union's defense has shown the ability to slow down potent passing attacks.

The Golden Knights (7-3) have 22 interceptions on the year, including nine last week in a 60-21 win over Sheffield.

Brody Pollock leads the team with eight interceptions, while Brody Shick has picked off four.

“Our biggest compliment last year was that we were a ‘bend but don't break' defense. This year, it's a whole different animal,” said Louder. “We're creating things and the kids are ball hawking.

“It's beautiful and we need it to continue against a kid like this.”

Union's defense has made habit of coming up with big plays.

The Golden Knights picked off Moniteau standout quarterback Kyle Armagost three times on Oct. 6 and have registered at least two interceptions in each game since then. Union has also recovered 14 fumbles on the year.

“It's been a big help,” said Louder of the turnovers. “In every one of our wins this year, we've won the turnover battle.”

Union's opportunistic defense is coupled with a strong offense.

Senior quarterback Taylor Smith has gone 68 of 121 through the air for 1,092 yards, 15 TDs and just four interceptions. He's also tallied 543 rushing yards and five scores.

Austin Davis and Mikey Harris will also be big factors on the ground, while Pollock and Shick are reliable receivers.

“We need to do what we do and take what the defense gives us,” said Louder.

A much-improved offensive line will play a large role in not only how well the Union offense plays, but also the defense.

“If we can keep (Bodamer) off the field, we have a much better chance of winning,” said Louder. “Ever since the game with St. Marys, there's been something different about those guys (on the offensive line). Hopefully, that continues.”

For the first time in a long time, Union doesn't want to stop playing.

“Normally, the guys are ready for football season to be over, but this group of kids loves it,” said Louder. “They're really getting into making history at Union.”