CHERRY TWP — There's nothing like starting early.

While other teams ease into their seasons, Moniteau and Clarion will jump right into the deep end of the pool when the two meet at 7 p.m. Friday at Clarion.

The season opener also is an important Keystone ShortwayAthletic Conference game, although both coaches look at it as just another tilt.

"Every game is important," said Clarion coach Larry Wiser.

But some are more important than others, and this one may very well set the tone for both teams.

Wiser, a 20-year coaching veteran, is cognizant of that.

History is certainly on the side of the Bobcats. Clarion has won 30 of the 35 meetings in the series. Moniteau's last win over the Bobcats came in 2003.

But this isn't a typical Clarion team. The Bobcats will be young at their most important position.

Clarion will start sophomore Danny Walters at quarterback.

"He is the youngest kid we have ever started at quarterback," Wiser said.

Walters, though, is no stranger to pressure.

He was the District 9 runner-up in his weight class during the wrestling season. His poise belies his youth, Wiser said.

"We've only brought up five freshman and he was one of them last year," Wiser said. "I think he's athletic, runs the ball well. He does some different things for us."

Moniteau also must deal with bruising running back Jon Kemmer. The 224-pound senior started last season as a fullback, but moved to tailback.

"He's a good north-south runner," said Moniteau coach Jeff Campbell. "We have to make him run east-west."

The Warriors hope things don't go south early.

Campbell said he is pleased with how his team has performed in camp and in scrimmages.

Campbell put in a tweaked version of his offense in the winter and has had his team study every aspect of it since.

"We've been running the same thing since December," Campbell said. "We haven't changed anything.

"I'm not so much worried about getting off to a fast start as I am about playing four solid quarters. Last year, for whatever reason, we didn't play four solid quarters very often."

Wiser is worried about how solid Moniteau quarterback Tyler Armagost, especially when Armagost, who tips the scales at 235 pounds, takes off running.

"I have a 140-pound cornerback," Wiser said, chuckling. "I don't want to see him trying to take (Armagost) down in the open field."

Moniteau had one of the more balanced offenses last season, and while the offense is slightly different, it should be balanced again.

"We expect them to throw the ball," Wiser said. "We just have to keep the ball out of their hands. That's the best way to defend them."