It always seems to be the case.

Karns City is the last football team standing.

But this is unlike many of those Gremlin teams of the past.

This one took an arduous road to a district title and a PIAA Class AA playoff clash against District 5 champ Chestnut Ridge at 7 p.m. Friday at Clarion University.

Injuries ravaged the roster.

Running back Glenn Toy, who rushed for 1,340 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, blew out his knee during a passing camp this summer.

He tried to come back, but the knee wouldn’t allow it.

Two fullbacks went down against Moniteau, one with a broken leg.

Other key members of the team missed games because of injuries. Quarterback Tyler Kepple banged up his throwing shoulder and contemplated attempting passes left-handed in a game.

Through it all, Karns City persevered.

Things looked bleak, though, after a loss to Oil City. The Gremlins were 5-3, but sputtering.

It was gut-check time. It seems Karns City has lots of kids with lots of guts.

Since that home loss to the Oilers, the Gremlins have won four consecutive games, including a come-from-behind 33-27 win over Kane in the District 9 title game last week.

Instead of attempting a field goal to win the game late, Karns City coach Ed Conto showed enough faith in his offense and Kepple to take one last shot at a touchdown with few ticks on the clock.

Kepple delivered with a touchdown to Dakota Mohney, one of the many players who missed time with an injury, for the winning score.

It capped a 65-yard drive that including two fourth-down conversions.

On the docket now is another feel-good story from District 5 in Chestnut Ridge.

The Lions had never won a playoff game until they beat Everett 22-21 last week.

Chestnut Ridge started the season 1-3, but has a dynamic quarterback in Beau Bosch.

The junior has rushed for 1,138 yards and 18 touchdowns this season.

Chestnut Ridge also has a solid running back in senior Jacob Mock, who has rumbled for nearly 1,000 yards himself this season.

But the Lions are going up against Karns City, a battle-tested playoff team.

While the Lions have just one playoff win in their history, Karns City has made 12 playoff appearances since 2000 and has won 12 playoff games in that time.

That gives Karns City a huge advantage in this game.

The Gremlins, though, have only one state playoff win since 2000.

This, though, is a different Karns City team. Yes, the Gremlins have gone through much to get here. They won’t take anything for granted.

That’s why I think Karns City will move on to face the WPIAL Class AA champion next week.

My pick: Karns City 32, Chestnut Ridge 17.

Scoop is the football prognosticator for the Butler Eagle.