DuBOIS — The Brockway Rovers continue their trip through uncharted territory as they gear up for District 6 champion Forest Hills in the second round of the PIAA Class AA football playoffs.

The Rovers (8-4) won't have to travel far as they'll take on the undefeated Rangers (12-0) at E.J. Mansell Stadium Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Last week, Brockway beat District 10 champion Slippery Rock, 12-7, in the Rovers' first-ever PIAA playoff game. The Rovers won their first District 9 title since 1987, but that was one year before the state playoff system began.

Brockway played like a playoff team last week, grinding out 243 yards rushing against the Rockets. To continue its playoff run, Brockway will have to win the battle on the line of scrimmage against a big Forest Hills team and win the turnover battle against a team that's dominated its opponents in that category all season.

In the Slippery Rock game, Jeremy Sickeri led the way with 88 yards on 18 carries and went over the 1,000-yard milestone.

Again, the Rovers will look to their running game to lead the way. Sickeri (1,003 yards, 9 TDs), Cantafio (495 yards, 3 TDs), Seth Rhed (575 yards, TDs) and Andy Martino (321 yards, 7 TDs) give the Rovers plenty of depth in the backfield.

The passing game has produced if needed and Himes is 14 yards shy of reaching 1,000 for the season. He's thrown for nine touchdowns. Tom Bussard (542 yards, 5 TDs) is his top target.

The passing game may be needed, because Forest Hills has stopped the run this year. The Rangers are giving up only 74.3 yards per game rushing. They may be susceptible to the pass, giving up 112.5 yards per game.

But the other numbers are good, too. The Rangers have forced 34 turnovers and enjoy a plus-16 turnover ratio.

While Brockway is made its first trip to the state tournament this year, it's the first time for Forest Hills since 1994 when the Rangers completed a four-year run to states, losing in the state championship game. Forest Hills eliminated D-9 champion Brookville in the second round, 14-13, in a controversial game in Punxsutawney.

Forest Hills head coach Don Bailey has a balanced offense, led by junior quarterback Bryan Kulawiec. He's completed 65 of 117 passes for 1,185 yards with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. His top receivers are Erie Trout (26 catches, 451 yards, 7 TDs) and Jason Papcunik (17 catches, 277 yards, 1 TD).

Five running backs have rushed for 125 or more yards, led by Cody Gallaher (174 carries, 889 yards, 18 TDs) and Mike Mayes (116 carries, 703 yards, 9 TDs).

Forest Hills won its first title in eight years with a convincing 40-10 win over defending D-6 champion Bishop McCort last week. The Rangers have notched six shutout victories, including five of the first seven games. Among their wins is an 18-12 victory over D-6 Class A champion Bishop Carroll, which plays Clarion-Limestone Friday in Altoona.

In the District 5-6 semifinals, Forest Hills beat Tyrone, 21-13. Tyrone beat Punxsutawney earlier this year, 20-12.