After losing a dozen seniors to graduation, Redbank Valley coach Ed Wasilowski wasn't naïve to think it wouldn't affect this year's team.

But, he won't let it bother him.

"That happens every year," said Wasilowski, whose team lost to Brookville in the District 9 Class AA championship a year ago. "We lost 12 seniors and that hurt."

Still the Bulldogs (3-1, 2-1) opened the season with Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference victories over Keystone and Union before dropping a 14-13 decision to non-conference foe West Middlesex, then a 40-19 loss to Clarion, considered to top team in the KSAC this year.

"We could have won either of those games. We played bad and we lost," said Wasilowski.

Redbank Valley may have lost some seniors, but it still has Skyler Smith at running back. Smith has rushed for 414 yards on 57 carries and scored six touchdowns.

Smith rushed for 899 yards and 15 touchdowns last year.

"(Smith's) probably the best all-around athlete in the league," said Karns City coach Ed Conto. "He's the type of back that can break one and also pound it in."

Quarterback Brandon Doverspike has completed 25 of 49 passes for 445 yards, 199 coming in last week's game against Clarion. He has tossed five touchdowns and been intercepted only two times.

His top receiving threat is Nick Johnston, who has caught nine passes for 309 yards and four scores.

"They're as big as heck across the (offensive) line," said Conto. "They average between 220 and 260 pounds across the front and they're tall on the defensive front. They have a couple of guys 6-foot-4, 6-5."

That could pose as an obstacle for the Gremlins.

"They're very tall and it's tough to throw on them," said Conto. "We have to stop the rush of their front four. They easily out-size us. We need to establish some type of running game."

Karns City evened its KSAC record at 1-1 after a 14-13 victory over Keystone last Friday.

Wayne Harris ran for a pair of touchdowns and the Gremlins pulled out the win when the Panthers kicker missed the extra point in the final seconds.

"Wayne Harris at running back is not a power back like Josh Fiscus, but he's a good running back," said Wasilowski. "With (quarterback Steve) Black back from last year, they'll feature him more.

"When you have a gun, you shoot it," Wasilowski added.

Still, Conto said consistency on offense is a key. So is scoring a bit more.

"We could have done better (last week) if we didn't make as many mistakes," said Conto. "We're getting five or six yards a chunk and have been able to move the ball."