Eisenhower’s Keegan Eckstrom finds some running room during a game earlier this season. Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger

Eisenhower travels to Titusville High School for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday against Reynolds in the District 10 semifinal game. The Knights advanced after defeating Saegertown, 39-0, last week while the Raiders earned their trip by defeating Cambridge Springs.

Eisenhower last played Reynolds one year ago in the District 10 championship game, one the Knights lost, 27-0, but this is a different year and a different team.

Eisenhower has settled on sophomore Shawn Pascuzzi at quarterback after losing junior Garrett Jensen earlier this season to injury. Since then, all Pascuzzi has done is lead the Knights to a 7-2 record. A steady presence in the backfield, he has contributed 320 yards through the air and another 327 yards on 66 carries and five touchdowns on the ground.

Eisenhower’s leading rusher is junior Benji Bauer (12 touchdowns), who needs only three yards against Reynolds to go over the 1,000 mark on the season. Joining Bauer in the backfield is junior Keegan Eckstrom is a threat to score every time he touches the football, amassing 659 yards on 59 carries and seven touchdowns. He also has three receptions for 92 yards and a TD. Junior Wyatt Lookenhouse has been Pascuzzi’s main target with 17 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns.

While the Knights spread the ball around, the Raiders have their own one-two punch in junior quarterback Brayden McCloskey, who has completed 33-of-75 passes for 530 yards and five touchdowns while also rushing for 201 yards on 50 carries and a touchdown. The Raiders top ball carrier is junior Jaylen Wagner (117-1,186-16), aided by junior Hayden McLaughlin (58-554-7).

“Reynolds is the District 10 champions for a reason,” Eisenhower head coach Jim Penley said. “They run the ball very well and have for a long time. Their team this year is a little different from last year. Their quarterback is a tremendous athlete, equally adept at running and throwing. In fact, they are definitely passing the ball more this year then maybe ever before.”

Defensively, the Knights, who have 13 takeaways on the season compared to 10 for Reynolds, are led by linebacker Gannon Jaquay and his fellow linebackers, Tucker Lindell, Bauer and Caleb Penley.

The game may come down to which team controls the line of scrimmage, and the Raiders hold the edge in size, averaging 240 pounds.

“Their offensive line is big and very physical,” Coach Penley said.

But the Knights have moved the ball against every opponent they’ve faced this season.

Coach Penley had high praise for his counterpart entering the game.

“Coach Mull does an amazing job with small rosters and has done well for a long time playing in the south. This will certainly be a challenge for our team.”

The game will be played at Carter Field on the campus of Titusville High School, which is located at 525 East Central Ave. in Titusville.