TORONTO — The Toronto football gambled late in its game last week against Edison, and the risk paid off in a big way for the Red Knights as they defeated the Wildcats to remain undefeated.

Toronto was backed up against Edison, however, an 82-yard touchdown pass sealed the deal as The Red Knights went on to defeat the Wildcats, 48-34, Thursday night out at the Edison Unified Sports Complex

“I thought it was a good game overall,” Toronto (6-0) head coach Jaret Aubiel said. “We still made some mistakes on offense and on defense, but overall I thought it was a really good win. Anytime you have success against a rival, it is a good night.”

This week, the boys from the Gem City put their undefeated record on the line against Tuslaw. The Mustangs come into the game this week with a record of 2-4. Last week, Machester defeated Tuslaw, 28-21, at home.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Clarke Hinkle Field.

“They play a really tough schedule,” Aubiel said about the Mustangs. “We think they are a very good football team. They do a lot of things well. They are well coached. Their coach (Broc Dial) used to coach at Dalton. He had a lot of success. He won regional titles and things like that. We understand that is going to be a real challenge for us. Hopefully, we are prepared for it.”

So far this season, Tuslaw has defeated Chippewa (38-7) and Caldwell (43-20) with losses coming against Smithville (3-0), Orrville (38-7), and Triway (21-14).

“They mostly run the ball,” Aubiel said. “They have a very good quarterback. He can make all the throws. They have good skill players. They are good up front. They have good linebackers. They are good overall. They have no holes that we can say on offense or on defense. They are going to be a big challenge.”

The opponents for the Mustangs this season have a combined record of 22-14. The Chipps are 0-6.

“They are very good at disguising their pressure, and they are very good at disguising their coverages,” Aubiel said. “They are very well coached, and it shows on film.”

Toronto had a short week to prepare for last week’s game against Edison. As a result of the Red Knights playing Thursday, the boys from Jefferson County have an extra day to prepare for the boys from Stark County.

“We came in Friday and Saturday,” Aubiel said. “Friday, we watched the Edison film. Saturday, we watched film on Tuslaw. It changes things, but not too much. Things definitely change when you play on Thursday.”

Winning the battle up front is going to go a long way in determining the winner of this week’s battle.

“They have some big kids up front,” Aubiel said. “Their defensive line is athletic and so is their offensive line. They are going to be a challenge for us.”

The Red Knights know what it is going to take to leave their home field with a victory.

“We’re going to have to play physical, not turn the ball over and come out ready to play,” Aubiel said.

Toronto is seventh in the Ohio Division VI, Region 23 rankings. Tuslaw is ranked 18th in the Ohio Division V, Region 17 rankings. The top 12 teams in each region make the playoffs with the top four getting a bye in the first round.