KARNS CITY — Having coached at A-C Valley and Karns City over the past 20 years, Gremlins coach Ed Conto has seen plenty of Moniteau football teams.

But none quite like this one.

"I truly believe this is the best Moniteau team I've ever seen," said Conto.

The Gremlins and Warriors have been on a collision course all season for a Week 8 showdown.

Both teams enter Friday's 7 p.m. kickoff sporting identical 7-0 records, and the KSAC crown will be on the line.

Also in play are the Gremlins' 27-game KSACregular-season winning streak and their run of three straight conference crowns.

"My concern, I'm afraid, is some of our kids are resting on their laurels," said Conto. "It seems to me Moniteau has more intensity

"I think this is the first chance for (Moniteau) to go undefeated and to win the KSAC. I tell our kids I don't know if we're hungry enough," Conto added.

The Gremlins are coming off a pair of tough victories the past two weeks — 23-14 over Redbank Valley and 13-0 over Clarion — but the Gremlins committed 27 penalties for 215 yards over those two games.

"We made a ton of mistakes," said Conto. "We had three turnovers against Redbank Valley and we let them stay in the game.

"And, we gave Clarion the ball two times in the first quarter, one inside our 20-yard line and another inside our 40. Conto added.

Still, the Gremlins have won all seven of their games, led by a balanced running attack and the leadership of senior quarterback Anthony Stimac.

Karns City has rushed for a Butler County-high 2,157 yards on 248 carries (8.7 yards per carry) with 20 players having at least one carry and 11 scoring at least one touchdown.

Stimac (45 carries, 463 yards, six TDs) leads the way, followed by Markus LaVan (50-386-3), Josh Callender (19-328-4), Jake Wagner (20-207-2), Josh Stimac (23-185-2) and Levi Buck (24-150-4).

Anthony Stimac has completed 33 of 76 passes for 485 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

His top targets include Brandon Collier (eight receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns), Callender (7-80-3), Dan Wolf (6-109-2) and Jake Wagner (6-92-1). Eleven different Gremlins have caught at least one pass.

Moniteau's offense is in stark contrast to the Gremlins. The Warriors attack is lead by quarterback Tyler Armagost, who has thrown for 1,394 yards on 72 of 135 passing with 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.

"Armagost is tremendous," said Conto. "I'm superimpressed with his abilities."

Armagost also has a strong rushing attack by his side. James Shope leads the team with 60 carries for 509 yards and eight touchdowns.

Dakota Campbell (30-346-2), Justin Sanderson (48-328-5) and Armagost (67-266-5) round out the top rushing performers.

"Last year Moniteau ran a one-back the whole way," said Conto. "This year is the stuff they did two, three years ago with (Matt) Shandelmeier and (Adam) Cousins.

"They have more than just a couple of runners back there. They're a well-balanced team,"Conto added.

Armagost's receiving corps is lead by the dual threat of Tony Campbell (26 catches, 663 yards, 10 TDs) and Clayton Casper (18-377-2).

Karns City's offense is averaging 393 yards per game, second only to the Warriors' 440, while the Gremlins defense is also second in fewest total yards allowed (135.3), second only to the Warriors (129.9).

Karns City has had great success this year in slowing down the opponents' ground game. Entering last week's game against Clarion, the Gremlins had allowed only 141 yards in six games. Clarion had 121 yards, by far the most KChas surrendered this year.

Conto is hopeful the turnovers won't be there this Friday and, just as important, the penalties will diminish.

"If we have that many penalties, we'll lose," said Conto.

***Watch for Butler Eagle Videographer, Brandon Gerthoffer, at this game!***