KARNS CITY — Aspirations never change at Karns City.

The defending District 9 Class AA champion has its eye on repeating that title and embarking upon a solid playoff run.

The Gremlins are coming off a 6-3 season that included playoff wins over Central Clarion and Brookville, two teams that defeated them during the regular season.

“Last year was a great year,” KC coach Joe Sherwin said. “It's over, but I do believe we can build off the momentum from that season.

“The guys who are back know what we strive for. They enjoyed that playoff run and would like to take it a little further.”

Karns City has six starters returning on offense, including three senior linemen in center Josh Griffiths, tackle Aaron Taylor and guard Mason McNany.

“We've been competing in lift-a-thons and have hit the weight room hard to get physically stronger,” Griffiths said. “We need to control play up front.”

Eric Booher, only a junior, returns as starting quarterback. He threw for 849 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020 while tossing only four interceptions.

Booher rushed for 130 yards as well.

“Eric has put in a lot of hard work,” Sherwin said. “He had a productive sophomore year and he's improved a lot since last season. That year's experience is going to help him.”

So will a running game that features returning senior fullback Luke Garing and a passing attack that will feature junior receiver Micah Rupp.

While Garing will churn out tough yards inside, Rupp is a big-play threat on the outside at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds. He caught 19 passes for 316 yards last season.

“Micah is going to come into his own this season,” Sherwin said. “He is an outstanding athlete. I'm sure he will be a targeted receiver often.”

Joining Garing in the running game will be junior Levi Hawk and sophomore Luke Cramer. Neither has much varsity experience at the position, “but we develop running backs here every year,” Sherwin said.

Garing is thinking the same way.

“Every year, we have a lot of different guys running the ball. This will be no different,” the fullback said.

Defensively, the Gremlins return starting ends McNany and senior Austin Brown. Cole Hilliard, a senior, returns at a defensive tackle spot.

Garing and Zach Blair are back at linebacker with Rupp at safety.

Garing had 72 tackles and was involved in five fumble recoveries last year. Blair had 34 tackles, Rupp 31 tackles and three interceptions.

“We'll play a 44 defense and shift Luke inside and outside, depending on our gameplan for certain opponents,” Sherwin said. “Eric Booher will see time at linebacker as will Cramer.

“I like the depth we have on the defensive line and at linebacker. We've got three to five guys at tackle and end who will rotate in and our secondary should be physical.”

Sherwin admitted the team would have to develop a punter and place-kicker during camp “unless we get someone from the soccer team.”

Griffiths is confident Karns City can repeat its success of last season.

“I know great things are coming,” he said. “We take a lot of pride in being a consistent power in District 9.”

Sherwin shares that pride as he was a former Gremlin in his own right.

“I played for (coach) Mel Semenko way back when,” the coach said. “This has always been a physical football program.

“Karns City teams don't want to get out-hit. Conditioning is big here. All the years I played, served as an assistant coach, now head coach, that's never changed.”

Sherwin tabbed Garing, Booher, two-way lineman Hunter McConnell, Cramer, Rupp, receiver-defensive backs Cooper Coyle and Nate Garing, Griffiths, offensive lineman-linebacker Lucas Wright and Brown as potentially being his best players in 2021.

“These players have worked hard in the offseason and have prepared themselves to be successful,” the coach said.

KARNS CITY

2021 Schedule

Aug. 27-at Girard, 7 p.m.

Sept. 3-at Punxsutawney, 7 p.m.; Sept. 10-CENTRAL CLARION, 7 p.m.; Sept. 17-at Moniteau, 7 p.m.; Sept. 24-at Brookville, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1-ST. MARYS, 7 p.m.; Oct. 8-KANE, 7 p.m.; Oct. 15-at Ridgway, 7 p.m.; Oct. 22-BRADFORD, 7 p.m.

2020 results (6-3)

Moniteau 31-8, DuBois 55-14, Brookville 0-44, Punxsutawney 49-0, Central Clarion 41-43, Moniteau 24-0

Playoffs

Central Clarion 34-9, Brookville 16-14, Wilmington 14-42