Two run-dominated, ball-control offenses will be on display Friday night in Kennett Square.
West Chester Rustin, averaging 290 yards rushing per game, and host Unionville, with a ground average of 275 yards, will meet in a Ches-Mont League American Conference matchup at 7 p.m.
The Golden Knights, bidding for their fifth straight conference title, employ a wing-T attack. Unionville, which last took top honors in 2007, uses a multiple-I formation.
Rustin is 3-0, having won by a combined score of 110-14. Bouncing back from a 21-20 loss to No. 5-ranked Garnet Valley, Unionville beat Souderton, 29-23, and Avon Grove, 27-8.
Here is a closer look at Friday's showdown.
History. The Golden Knights, with four straight victories, lead the head-to-head series, 4-1. The Indians last prevailed in 2007, 21-17.
Catalyst. Rustin's Adam Burke, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound halfback, has carried 39 times for 260 yards and nine touchdowns.
Go-to guy. Unionville's Tom Pancoast is a dual-threat quarterback. In Week 2's triumph at Souderton, he rushed for 181 yards and two scores, including a 61-yarder, and passed for 73 yards and a TD.
Supporting cast. Burke gets help from sturdy fullback Matt Lamberjack, rotating halfbacks Terry Loper and Evan Peterson, and QB Dave Fithian.
Other options. On offense, the Indians also can turn to halfbacks Brad Pechin (18 carries for 68 yards vs. Garnet Valley) and Dom DiBiaggio, and fullback John Stradling.
Up front. Rustin's ground attack is fueled by guard Sean Steinmetz (6-0, 220), and tackles Nick Liuzzi (6-3, 250) and John Gritt (6-1, 210).
Quotable. Unionville coach Pat Clark, on his team's taut loss to Garnet Valley: "We made about 20 different mistakes."
Standing firm. The Golden Knights' 5-2 defense is anchored by linebackers Lamberjack and Steinmetz, nose guard Jake Lindauer, tackle Eric Dunion, and backs Tyler Seal and T.J. Kirk.
Receiving threats. Pancoast's primary targets are wideouts Patch Johnson and Sean Barnes.
Strong leg. W.C. Rustin's Dylan Jenkins has kicked two field goals, of 42 and 38 yards, and 14 extra points.
Headliners. The Indians' 4-4 defense is keyed by tackle Mark Caputo, end Colin Biggs, linebackers Zach Barnes and Austin Lowe, and safety Tim Christopher.
Analysis. With Pancoast being the difference, the hosts finally gain the upper hand on the four-time defending champs.
Pick. Unionville, 23-21.
Contact Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019, robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter. Read his blog, "The O'Zone," at www.philly.com/ozone
