The Karns City Gremlins will be playing at home against the Farrell Steelers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Karns City is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They claimed a resounding 42-14 victory over Central Clarion [Clarion/Clarion-Limestone/North Clarion]. The game was the first time the Gremlins have beaten Central Clarion [Clarion/Clarion-Limestone/North Clarion] on their field since November 12, 2021.
Karns City's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Cole Johnston led the charge by rushing for 37 yards and one score, while also throwing for 95 yards and one touchdown on only eight passes. Owen Heginbotham helped out on the ground, rushing for 90 yards.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Karns City was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 240 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 181 rushing yards in 16 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.
Cj Emrick
| 11/07/25 vs Central Clarion [Clarion/Clarion-Limestone/North Clarion] | 8 |
| 10/24/25 @ Wilmington | 10 |
| 10/17/25 @ Punxsutawney | 15 |
| 10/10/25 vs Brockway | 9 |
| 10/03/25 @ Westinghouse | 13 |
| + 4 more games |
Karns City didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Cj Emrick and Shane Emrick. Cj is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made six or more in each of the last nine games he's played. Karns City received some extra help from Cj, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
Meanwhile, Farrell never let their opponents score on Saturday. They blew past Mercyhurst Prep 52-0. The contest was all but wrapped up at the end of the third, by which point the Steelers had established a 40-point advantage.
Karns City better keep an eye on Juelz Johnson. He was instrumental in Farrell's win, rushing for 220 yards and four TDs on only 11 carries, while also picking up 33 receiving yards. That's the most rushing yards Johnson has posted since back in August of 2024. AAron Pegues was another key player, rushing for 64 yards and one score on only six carries.
Farrell's win was their 12th straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 9-2. The home victories came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 5.8 points on average over those games. As for Karns City, their record is now 9-2.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Karns City has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 280.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Farrell struggles in that department as they've been averaging 250.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Karns City lost to Farrell at home by a decisive 30-12 margin in their previous meeting back in November of 2021. Can the Gremlins avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
