When you find something that works, stick with it — at least for another week.

That's the idea Karns City coach Ed Conto is going with entering Friday's 7 p.m. game at Union in the final regular-season game for both teams.

The Gremlins rushed for 394 yards against A-C Valley last week, interchanging two different crews on offense.

"We were pleased because we knew they would be motivated," said Conto, who is trying to keep his whole team sharp before entering the upcoming District 9 Class AA playoffs.

"In the past against teams that were down, the game was sloppy. On the tape against A-C Valley, you can see both teams worked hard. Plus, it's only fair to give our younger players a chance and get them ready for next year," Conto added.

The Gremlins (6-2, 5-1 in the KSAC) rolled past the Falcons 45-7 last week as six different players scored touchdowns.

Joey Everetts and Wayne Harris rushed for 110 and 99 yards respectively, and Stephon Conto added 57 on just three carries. All three scored, as did Chad Bell, Steve Black and Justin Macurak.

The Golden Knights (0-8, 0-7) are led by running backs Colton Davis and Colby Davis and wide receiver Brett Moore.

Colton Davis leads the team with 530 yards on 114 carries.

Union is coming off a 16-0 loss to Clarion-Limestone, which is tied for first place with Karns City and Clarion.

The Knights allowed a pair of rushing touchdowns to David Brooks, the latter midway through the fourth quarter to ice the game.

"I respect (Union's two running backs)," said Conto. "They pound away with a small team. They still get 60 to 70 yards per game. They're quality backs.

"(Their quarterback (Zach Himes) throws well and Brett Moore, he flies around. He plays multiple sports (he's Union's top distance runner in cross country as well as track).

"Anyone is capable of making plays, though," Conto added.

Union coach Tom Kidder doesn't necessarily look at Karns City as a blueprint for what kind of team he wants to build.

The Gremlins have operated with just 24 players this season — low numbers that have plagued Union in recent years.

But Union's roster also includes freshmen, where Karns City's doesn't.

"I think we will always have less numbers at Union than at Karns City," Kidder said. "They are doing well, tied for first, and doing it with 24 players."

There are two players Kidder is concerned with in particular: Black and lineman Kory Kusick

"Black has a good bit of experience," Kidder said. "Kory Kusick is an outstanding ball player. He's a guy you have to account for."

Union is still building for the future, but the Knights have seen some solid performances this season from its younger players.

The junior varsity went 3-1 this season.

"What we saw in the C-L game was good things from our underclassmen," Kidder said. "They are coming off a nice JV season. They're learning to win at the younger levels. Last year, we didn't have a JV team at all, so that's nice to see."