Moniteau running back James Shope is dragged down by Karns City's Josh Stimac during the Warriors' 39-19 loss last week. Shope was held to just 31 yards. Against Redbank Valley this week, the passing game may be the key.

NEW BETHLEHEM — Think No. 2 tries harder?

That will likely be the case Friday night when Moniteau (5-2, 4-1) ventures to Redbank Valley (6-1, 4-1) for a 7 p.m. kickoff, and the winner will be alone in second place in the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference.

"This could be one of those games. ... We may be looking at a shootout," Moniteau coach Jeff Campbell said. "Both teams have a lot of depth and talent at the skilled positions.

"But I thought the same thing going into the Keystone game and it didn't work out that way."

The Warriors went to Keystone and shut out the Panthers a few weeks ago. Keystone runs a spread offense and a 35 defense, just like Moniteau — and just like Redbank.

"A lot of high school teams are using it these days,"Campbell said.

Few teams are getting the consistent results with the spread that Redbank's getting. Besides a 23-0 loss at Karns City, the Bulldogs have scored more than 40 points in their last five games.

Victories have come by counts of 48-6 over Union, 48-0 over West Branch, 41-20 over Clarion, 48-19 over Maplewood and 47-12 over A-CValley.

"We had chances against Karns City and didn't get it done,"Bulldogs coach Ed Wasilowski said. "We drove inside their 15 twice and came up empty.

"We were down 14-0 at halftime, they scored early in the third quarter and took the wind out of our sails."

Moniteau can relate.

The Warriors were plagued by mistakes in their 39-19 loss to the Gremlins last week.

"A lot of line problems, blocking and missed assignments,"Campbell said. "Karns City is a team that doesn't make many mistakes and they make you pay for the mistakes you make.

"That's what good football teams do. We're still trying to get there, still trying to fill in all the pieces of the puzzle. We've been giving up a lot of yardage in the passing game, and that's a major concern this week."

This game features the top two passing quarterbacks in District 9. Moniteau's Tyler Armagost has thrown for 1,199 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Redbank's Jake Smith has 1,062 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

Jerrett Magagnotti (11 catches for 314 yards and four touchdowns) and Craig Hibell (15-212-2) are the Bulldogs' big-play receiving threats. Moniteau counters with Josh Loos (22-413-7).

Both teams have productive running backs. The Bulldogs have Alex Bladel (432 yards, 9 TDs) and the Warriors employ James Shope (762 yards, 10 TDs).

"Tyler looks tremendous on film,"Wasilowski said. "Shope is a productive runner every week and gives them a dimension they haven't had in a while. It's pick your poison. That team presents problems for any defense."

Shane Bowser (5-feet-11, 255 pounds) and defensive end Pat Goheen anchor the Bulldogs' defensive line. Their secondary of Kasey Haines, Nash Rupp and Hibell could play a key role Friday.

"Our secondary has been outstanding,"Wasilowski said. "It will have to be in this game."

Redbank leads the series between the teams 29-5-3 and has defeated Moniteau in their last five meetings.