KARNS CITY — Dylan Hipple had some mighty big cleats to fill.

The Karns City junior was charged with the task of replacing two-year starting quarterback Anthony Stimac, who led the Gremlins to back-to-back District 9 Class AA titles.

No problem. Hipple has filled those cleats nicely.

"I wasn't really that nervous or felt any pressure," said Hipple, who has a chance to win his own district title at 7 p.m. Friday when the Gremlins play Brockway in the championship game at Clarion University. "I've been a quarterback since I was 8. I knew I couldn't be Anthony completely, but I could do the best I could."

His best has certainly been good enough.

Hipple has been a steady force for Karns City this season, showing accuracy in the passing game and fleet feet as a runner.

Hipple has completed 63 percent of his passes — an inordinately high number in high school football — for 927 yards and nine touchdowns. He has thrown just five interceptions.

As a runner, he has shown shiftiness and power, rushing for 333 yards and four scores.

His toughness and willingness to initiate contact has endeared him to his teammates and coaches.

"The coaches always like to joke that I'm a fullback stuck in a quarterback's body," Hipple said.

Hipple isn't the biggest dude around — he stands 5-feet-10 and weighs 156 pounds in full pads — but he plays much bigger than he is.

His small frame isn't for lack of trying.

"I was in the weight room five days a week," Hipple said. "I guess I haven't added weight yet."

No matter. Hipple carries more than enough weight in the huddle.

Hipple said he has always been a natural leader, the kind of guy people love to follow.

Karns City coach Ed Conto said Hipple's leadership skills may be more important than anything else he does on the field.

"I've had some good leaders in the past, and Dylan is right up there," Conto said. "He plays with enthusiasm and gets after it. You notice when he pitches the ball, he doesn't just stand around. He gets out in front and blocks."

At times tentative with his decisions early in the season, Hipple since has been decisive.

"The first few games, I wasn't too confident," Hipple said. "But the last few games, I've been very decisive. The guys I have around me have certainly helped. All the running backs, the receivers, our line. It makes my job easier."

Conto said Hipple is playing like a senior now, not a junior, and can only get better.

"He hasn't got the complete grasp on the option game," Conto said. "But when he does get that — and he will; one of these days it's going to click — he's going to be really dangerous."

That's a scary proposition for opponents.

"I'm still missing some reads, but every week I'm getting better," Hipple said.

He'll have another chance to improve Friday against Brockway.

If Hipple can keep the Karns City offense moving and whittling away at the clock, there will be less time and fewer opportunities for the high-powered, pass-happy Brockway offense.

"We can definitely play keep-away," Hipple said. "We need to get off to a good start, have no three-and-outs."

And Hipple said he needs to do what he has been doing all season: lead the team.

"I need to keep the team motivated, no matter what happens," Hipple said. "I need to be the general."