Come late November, when the Class-AA field narrows to just four, the Pioneers are still standing.

For an incredible sixth straight year, Wayne will take part in the semifinals, just one step away from Wheeling Island Stadium.

The great unknown separates the Pioneers from the Northern Panhandle.

Frankfort brings a 11-1 record to Pioneer Field this Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Except for a few playoff meetings, now since long-removed, the Pioneers and Falcons are practically strangers.

The Eastern Panhandle squad shared only one common opponent with Wayne this season.

That came two weeks ago in the first round of the playoffs when Frankfort topped Herbert Hoover 42-16.

Wayne beat the same Huskies squad 49-20 way back in September.

Coach Tom Harmon says preparing for an unfamiliar team that centers so far away can be difficult.

"All you have to go on is game film," Harmon said. "And as you get late into the season and postseason, you always see a few new wrinkles emerge."