KARNS CITY — Any new head football coach wants to learn about what he's got on the field as soon as possible.

First-year head coaches Joe Sherwin at Karns City and Tom Weaver at Brockway will get that wish come Friday night when the Gremlins host the Rovers in a mutual season opener at Diehl Stadium.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Brockway is coming off a 6-4 season and returns a veteran spread offense, led by a productive senior quarterback, two experienced running backs and a 6-foot-7 wide receiver.

“Our defense will be put to the test, that's for sure,” Sherwin said. “Their quarterback was second team all-state last year and they come at you with all kinds of weapons.

“But I'm excited about this challenge because I'm excited about how our defense has looked.”

Karns City finished 7-5 a year ago, but graduated the bulk of its starters. Starting quarterback Anthony Kamenski returns, but he will be working with a new cast of characters.

“Karns City is Karns City, I don't care who's playing for them,” Weaver said. “That team plays everybody tough. We're expecting a physical, gritty game and I'm sure we're gonna get one.”

The Rovers and Gremlins have not met since 2009, when KC claimed a wild 42-40 win in the District 9 championship game. Brockway leads the all-time series, 19-16.

With the restructuring of District 9 football, these teams are now in the same league and will meet on a regular basis.

“I love the realignment because it gives us a tougher schedule,” Weaver said. “This will better prepare us for the playoffs, should we get there.”

Rover quarterback Peter Downer threw for 1,811 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, though he was intercepted 12 times. Junior running back Jon Wood rushed for 763 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He also caught 26 passes for 337 yards.

Fellow running back Tyler Serafini, now a senior, ran for 652 yards and eight TDs.

Josh Slonosky, a 6-7 receiver, is a transfer from Dubois Central. Connor Ford is a sophomore receiver with a lot of speed.

“We have a lot of options offensively,” Weaver said.

“I'm happy we're facing a spread offense,” Sherwin said. “Several offenses we'll see later in the season will run similar skill sets and this will give us some good preparation.”

Sherwin said the Gremlins will use their typical philosophy of having five or six kids carry the football.

“We'll be using two fullbacks, two halfbacks ... and two wingbacks will get the ball on counters here or there,” the coach said.

Karns City receivers will include Eric Pfeiffer, Devin Ryan, Dalton Pyle and Steve O'Donnell.

“I do expect us to throw the ball a little more often this year,” Sherwin said.

Kamenski threw for 799 yards and rushed for 214 last season, accounting for 14 touchdowns.

Brockway is led defensively by a pair of linemen in tackle John Beck and end Garrett McClintick.

“We looked good in our scrimmages (vs. Elk County Catholic and Cameron County) and our goal is to win the District 9 title,” Weaver said. “I believe we can get there.”

Karns City scrimmaged Greenville last week, scoring a touchdown and allowing one.

“Overall, it was a good performance,” Sherwin said. “We were physical and that's how we have to play.”