CHERRY TWP — The last time Moniteau defeated Karns City — and only time in the past 10 years — was 2003.

Those Warriors were a big-play bunch, featuring an electrifying kick returner in Ryan Rumbaugh, a deep receiving threat in Eric Hilliard and a breakaway running back in Steve Saul.

Moniteau used its ability to blow games open to upend the Gremlins, 22-20, that year.

Two seasons later, the Warriors are locking horns with the Gremlins again, this time in the District 9, Class AA semifinal game.

This time, Moniteau's taking a different path.

"We're not exactly a bunch of speed-burners anymore," coach Steve Wilson said.

That 2003 Moniteau team produced 15 scoring plays of 50 yards or more in its first five games alone, en route to scoring a school-record 277 points and posting a six-win season for the first time since 1986.

This 2005 Moniteau team has scored 215 points and had no scoring plays of 50 yards or more all season — until Adam Cousins returned the opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown last week.

"You play the cards you're dealt," Wilson said. "We have a lot of physical linemen. We have a big, powerful running back in Matt Schandelmeier, rather than an elusive runner like Steve Saul.

"Clay Kohlmeyer was a straight drop-back passer. Garth Kohlmeyer is more of a running quarterback. And you don't get a receiver like Eric Hilliard very often."

Hilliard had more than four receptions in numerous games in 2003. Wide receivers Cruz Eshenbaugh and David Rumbaugh have four receptions all season in leading the Warriors wideouts this year.

But the 2005 edition of the Warriors already has done something the 2003 edition couldn't do: win a playoff game. It can match the 2003 win total with a victory Friday night.

Wilson knows what it will take to beat Karns City.

"No. 1, we have to establish the physical presence we've played with all year," Wilson said. "No. 2, we need better blocking. We didn't execute very well the last time we played them. Karns City's linemen are quick and fundamentally sound. They controlled us last time.

"No. 3, and most importantly, our kids have to believe they can win. Mentally, they have to convince themselves they're gonna win."

In Moniteau's 10-0 loss to Karns City during the regular season, the Warriors managed only 96 net yards of offensive. They connected on just three of 15 passes and netted 73 rushing yards on 34 carries.

In home games against conference stalwarts Karns City, Clarion and Clarion-Limestone, Moniteau scored a combined 11 points.

"Worse than that is the fact we had first downs at the (opposing) 5-yard line against Clarion and C-L and couldn't push it in," Wilson said.

"What I liked is that our linemen were confident they could do it, that each one wanted us to run behind him. I have confidence in those guys and they still have confidence in themselves.

"Against Brookville, we did push the ball into the end zone. We have to continue with that momentum," Wilson said.

Schandelmeier has 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns rushing this season. Cousins has 517 yards and four touchdowns rushing, 12 receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown this year.

Defensively, Schandelmeier has 56 total tackles and 3½ quarterback sacks. He had 12 sacks last year.

"Teams have accounted for Matt a lot more this year," Wilson said. "They're running away from him. Plus, we use him at linebacker quite a bit now, so he doesn't get to bull rush from an end position as much."

Middle linebacker Clay Campbell leads the Warriors with 92 tackles, including 60 solo. Sophomore Kyle Mauthe has 43 solo tackles and senior Ryan Protzman has 63 total tackles, including 39 solo stops.

Moniteau has 17 sacks and 14 takeaways. The Warriors have not blocked a kick all year.