PITTSBURGH — One of the state's most prolific touchdown scorers against the state's top defense.

That's the headline for the Clearfield Bisons' game against unbeaten and unscored upon Perry in the second round of the PIAA Class AAA football playoffs at Pittsburgh's Cupples Stadium Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Bisons (9-2) feature senior running back Dave Richards, who has nearly rewritten all of the District 9 rushing records. Richards has rushed for 2,479 yards and 41 touchdowns and his 45 touchdowns overall lead the state.

In last week's 41-12 rout of Indian Valley, Richards rushed for 195 yards on 19 carries and scored five touchdowns. Richards, with 4,622 career yards, passed Kyle Cathcart of Clarion on the all-time rushing list and now trails all-time leader Aaron Cantafio of Brockway by only 72 yards.

But it wasn't just Richards who played well against Indian Valley. Quarterback Michael Sayers completed 4 of 5 passes for 111 yards. Three completions went to receiver Todd Shaw for 81 yards. The defense limited Indian Valley to only 75 yards rushing and 189 yards overall.

Perry (12-0), ranked second in the state behind defending state champion Strath Haven in the Harrisburg Patriot-News poll, has made plenty of headlines this year by not allowing a single point. The Commodores have scored 671 points, averaging a whopping 55.9 points per game.

Perry has allowed only 781 yards of offense in 12 games, only 65 yards per game.

Last week, Perry routed District 10 champion General McLane, 54-0.

How the Bisons can block for Richards will ultimately determine their chances. But even if the Bisons can somehow find the scoreboard and end Perry's run at a national record -- 12 straight shutouts in a season is tied for second all-time nationally and 14 is the record -- will the Bisons be able to stop the Commodores?

Perry features at least seven Division I college prospects. Among the leading players are quarterback Scott Knapp (1,699 yards, 28 TDs), running back Gary Lee (1,511 yards, 27 TDs) and receivers Eric Wicks (22 catches, 607 yards, 15 TDs) and Vaughn Rivers (16 catches, 462 yards, 9 TDs).

The Commodores are no strangers to the PIAA playoffs, making the state tournament for the sixth straight season. Perry won the state title in 1989 and lost to Berwick in the championship game in 1997. In 14 years of PIAA playoffs, Perry has been to the state playoffs nine times and owns a 9-7 record.

Last year, Perry beat District 9 champion Bradford 41-7. Knapp threw for 151 yards and two touchdowns, Lee rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns and Wicks caught both TD passes. In the Western Region finals, Perry lost to WPIAL champion West Allegheny, 28-14. West Allegheny went on to win the state title.

Clearfield, under head coach Tim Janocko, is making its second trip to the Western Region semifinals. In 1994, the Bisons beat State College in the first round before being eliminated by Erie Central, 48-6.

The Bisons will have to play a near-perfect game to stay with Perry. A lot will be determined with the line play. Senior lineman Jon Altemus leads the way. Defensively, Altemus, sophomore linebacker Josh Harbold, Richards and Todd Shaw are key players.