In 2021, Union/A-C Valley's run to the District 9 Class 1A football title game was spurred by a ball-hawking defense and a powerful ground game. Both have eluded the Falcon Knights for much of this season, which has been marked with inconsistency on both sides of the ball.

To save its season, the team must now rise up and avenge a 43-7 loss to Keystone in Week 2 when the squads meet for a quarterfinal playoff Friday in Knox.

In that earlier game, Keystone quarterback Rayce Weaver attempted just four passes as the Panthers piled up 249 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

"All of our guys need to play much better on defense," said Union/A-C Valley coach Brad Dittman. "We need to focus on reading our keys and getting stops."

The Falcon Knights (5-5) are coming off a 27-7 loss to Punxsutawney. Senior safety Skyler Roxbury tallied 18 tackles in the loss.

"It was a tough game," said Dittman. "We had the ball inside their 20-yard line three times and didn't score. Last year, we had physical players who were leaders. We have some kids who have started to fill those roles and hopefully, that will help us Friday."

Senior Kyle Nellis is the leader of Keystone's rushing attack, gaining 1,005 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns. He was injured and missed games in the middle of the season against Ridgway and Brockway, both losses for the Panthers (6-4). Nellis gained 170 yards and scored three times in last week's 57-12 win at Moniteau.

"When he gets in the clear, he can turn it on, but he's not afraid to put his head down," said Keystone coach Todd Smith, who had to break in a new quarterback when Weaver was lost for the season to another injury in Week 4.

"Sophomore Drew Keth (620 yards, seven TDs and five interceptions) had never played the position, but he's done a great job for us," added Smith. "We've had a number of injuries this year, but we were able to weather the storm and I'm proud of the team for overcoming adversity."

A year ago, Union/A-C Valley running backs Dawson Camper and Mikey Card were hurled at defenses and produced a combined 1,529 yards and 20 touchdowns. Due in part to an injury to Camper earlier this season, the duo has less than 900 yards and has scored just eight touchdowns.

Junior quarterback Brody Dittman has thrown for 650 yards with four TDs and seven interceptions.