CHERRY TWP — What looked like a big game in preseason has turned into a survival test for Moniteau.

The Warriors (1-1) host Brookville (2-0) in a key KSAC large-school division football game at 7 p.m. Friday.

"This is a big game for a lot of reasons," said 15th-year Brookville coach Chris Dworek. "We respect Moniteau for the type of program and athletes they've had the last few years."

The teams have met four times in the past three years with the Warriors putting together wins of 38-12, 55-7, 42-7 and 38-12 over Brookville.

Problem is, many of those Moniteau athletes are now battling injuries.

"We've been hit pretty hard so far," Warriors coach Jeff Campbell said.

Wide receiver Brayden McCorry remains out with a knee injury. Strong safety Zach DiBiase hyperextended his knee in last week's 14-6 win at Clarion.

Guard Adam Porter and linebacker-defensive lineman Keith Beatty both have casts on broken hands, but they might return this week. Guard Nick Summerville has a sprained neck.

"When Zach went down last week, we moved Ethan Pry to safety and put a first-year sophomore, Forest Scheerbaum, in at corner," Campbell said. "He stepped up and broke up a potential game-tying pass in the end zone.

"My biggest concern right now is playing three physical football teams in a row," he added.

Brookville defeated its first two opponents, nipping St. Marys, 15-14, on a 30-yard Cameron Yard field goal as time expired and beating Keystone, 27-7, last week.

"That St. Marys win gave us kind of a validating feeling," Dworek said. "Beating a team of that caliber right off the bat was a big confidence thing."

The Raiders run a number of option plays that have produced big rushing numbers for junior quarterback Steven Kennedy. He has 26 carries for 229 yard in two games. Kennedy has completed nine of 20 passes for 118 yards.

Running back Ryan Kerr has 33 carries for 245 yards and four TDs.

The Brookville defense has allowed only three scoring drives in two games.

"That entire unit has been playing well," Dworek said. "Tackles Madison Shobert and A.J. Skerkavich have been real anchors inside.

"Linebackers Jared Heschke and Jacob Cieleski have stood out as well."

Moniteau's ground game has been fine. Quarterback Kyle Armagost has rushed for 236 yards and three TDs, and freshman Dustin Geagan has 139 yards on 23 carries.

Through the air, Armagost has completed just seven of 24 passes for 119 yards and leading receiver McCorry is out of action.

"We've had some timing issues in the passing game, fixable stuff," Campbell said. "It's just important we get it fixed now.

"We're not going to beat Brookville simply by running the ball. Their defensive line and linebackers are too solid. We need to be more diversified," he added.

Campbell described Raiders fullback Cieleski as "a beast, the real deal. They've got good athletes all over the field.

"We're going game by game right now. Our main goal is to be competitive. We've certainly done that so far," Campbell added.