CLARION -- Both teams in the District 9 Class AA Championship game have good reason to be happy with their title-game berth. But that’s where the similarities end.

In a season where the five-team playoff field appeared to be wide-open, the second-seeded Brockway Rovers (7-3) take on fifth-seeded Moniteau (6-5) Saturday afternoon at Clarion University’s Memorial Field at 2 p.m.

For the Warriors, it’s their first-ever title game appearance. Two weeks ago head coach Andy Wilson’s team was looking for its first postseason victory. Moniteau notched that at Brookville (35-25), avenging last year’s first-round loss to the eventual D-9 champions, and then avenged an earlier season loss to Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference rival Karns City last week in a 10-7 win.

Brockway has been here before. It’s the Rovers’ seventh trip to a district final under veteran head coach Ray Reckner. His Rovers won back-to-back crowns in 2002 and 2003 and also won the Class AA title way back in 1987.

Last year, the Rovers were knocked off by Brookville, 21-20, in the semifinals. That, coupled with last week’s down-to-the wire 12-7 win over Redbank Valley, gives Brockway good reason to be upbeat about being back in the championship game.

Brockway scored the winning touchdown on quarterback Anthony Varischetti’s 41-yard touchdown pass to Ben Donlin on a fourth-and-21 play with 1:20 remaining in regulation. Then Varischetti’s interception to stop a Bulldogs drive at the Rovers’ 5 with time winding down sealed the win. He also threw a TD pass for the Rovers’ other score.

Varischetti has been a play-maker for the Rovers, intercepting eight passes. As quarterback, he’s passed for 962 yards and 10 touchdowns. But the Rovers’ running game, while not as impressive statistically as most years, will be a big key. Donlin (779 yards, 8 TDs), will likely be the workhorse. He gained 55 yards on 18 carries last week.

Moniteau hopes that the magical fifth seed theme continues from last year’s run by Brookville. The Warriors have notched two playoff wins despite being outgained 524-310. But when opportunity has knocked, Moniteau has answered.

Against Brookville, Moniteau led 14-0 a couple minutes into the game thanks to Adam Cousins’ kickoff return for a score and another touchdown coming a few plays after a turnover. Last week, Moniteau rallied from a 7-0 halftime deficit to win at Karns City. David Rumbaugh returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown and Cousins booted the go-ahead field goal from 23 yards out with 9:54 remaining.

Moniteau’s offensive fortunes rest with running back Matt Schandelmeier, whose imposing size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) and speed makes him a considerable threat to a defense, especially if it doesn’t tackle well. He’s rushed for 1,283 yards and 16 touchdowns.

If the Rovers stop Moniteau’s running game, the Warriors could be in trouble. They rank near the bottom of the district in passing yards. But at this point, the only number Moniteau cares about is that No. 5 seed curse that seems to victimize the rest of the District 9 Class AA playoff field the last couple of years.

Saturday’s winner advances to the first round of the PIAA playoffs next week against the District 10 champion -- Wilmington or Reynolds. Those two play Friday night at Slippery Rock University.