After experiencing his team's first loss of the season Nov. 3 against Forest Hills, Karns City coach Ed Conto couldn't have timed it any better: the last game before the District 9 Class AA playoffs.

The Gremlins were 9-0 and were the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference champions before suffering a 44-21 defeat to the powerful Rangers of District 6.

"All year long, after certain mistakes were made, we'd correct the kids and kept telling them those mistakes will cost you, and it did," said Conto.

"I was pleased that the kids played hard and they didn't quit. That's a good thing. ... Offensively, we turned the ball over four times in the first half. It's things we can control.

"The loss was a good loss. We've got to stop the turnovers and we've got to take care of the ball," Conto added.

That's what the host Gremlins will try to do in their game at 7 p.m. Saturday against Moniteau in the District 9 Class AA football playoffs.

Karns City defeated the Warriors 20-18 on Oct. 13, when both teams squared off with identical 6-0 overall records and 4-0 marks in the KSAC. That win helped to propel the Gremlins to the conference title.

Still, the Warriors outgained Karns City 445-168, including 332 passing yards by quarterback Tyler Armagost.

"We'll look at them on film and make adjustments," said Conto. "No. 1, we need to eliminate turnovers. No. 2, we didn't play great pass defense. They threw on us, but we still have to contain the run.

"No. 3, we need composure. The last time, neither team had much composure. The parents and the crowd get into it and it affects the kids," he added.

A big blow to the Warriors in that game was the loss of running back-linebacker-kicker Adam Cousins, who injured his knee late in the contest and hasn't played since. That loss began a four-game losing skid for Moniteau.

Cousins was the team's leading rusher (501 yards and 11 touchdowns). He also had 145 receiving yards.

His 110 points is still the second best by a Butler County player. Cousins booted five field goals and 17 extra points. He also has a kickoff for a touchdown, and he scored on a safety.

"He's more than just a running back," said Conto. "He's a threat in all phases, including defense and kicking. He's a good, solid running back, one of the best in the league. He hurt us more in that game catching the ball."

Quarterback Matt Endlish, who completed 65 of 127 passes for 959 yards, six touchdowns and 11 interceptions, has guided the Gremlins' offense.

On the ground, injuries have made it a rush-by-committee squad. The team still has recorded 1,561 yards, led by Roy Beham's 533 yards on 93 carries and eight scores.

Markus Lavan (240 yards, four TD), Brett Green (192 yards, two TD) and Anthony Stimac (124 yards, two TD) also have shouldered the load while Cameron Turner (10 catches, 263 yards, two TD) and Josh Callender (10-188, 2) and Justin Switzer (9-127) have led the receiving corps.

For the Gremlins to continue their march into next week's District 9 championship game, they'll have to limit mistakes.

"You want to minimize their chances by you controlling the ball," said Conto. "The last time we had some costly turnovers, and you can't do that."

<B>Date............Opponent............Score</B>Sept. 1............St. Marys............28-13Sept. 8............Hickory............28-25 (OT)Sept. 15............Clairon-Limestone............55-6Sept. 22............Keystone............26-21Sept. 29............Redbank Valley............23-7Oct. 6............Clarion............15-12Oct. 13............Moniteau............20-18Oct. 20............A-C Valley............36-6Oct. 27............Union............42-0Nov. 3............Forest Hills............21-44