In his first year as a starting varsity quarterback, Steve Black had to learn all about his receivers.

His main target, however, he's known his whole life.

David Black, who was the Gremlins top receiver last season with 23 catches, already has 15 for 169 yards and two touchdowns in only two games this year.

The brothers have never competed as quarterback and receiver on the same team until this season.

"We worked out all summer," said David, a senior. "I don't know how many patterns we ran. Our timing is pretty good and we have confidence in each other."

"We worked all summer and ran patterns all day," said Steve, a junior who has been a quarterback since the seventh grade.

In two games, Steve has completed 24-of-36 passes for 258 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

The closest receivers so far to David are Justin Macurak, Kyle Texter and Josh Fiscus, each with two receptions this year.

"I thought he had the potential, although he's a smaller guy," said Karns City coach Ed Conto on Steve, who is 5-feet-9, 137 pounds.

"He brings intelligence and accuracy. He can make the reads and throw the ball before the receiver breaks. The other night (in a 42-7 loss to Clarion-Limestone), he threw a touchdown pass on an audible.

"I thought he'd make good decisions," Conto added.

Conto saw Steve back in seventh grade and thought his hands were too small, but liked everything else.

"I thought when this kid gets older, he'll be great. You could see the potential. When he gets stronger and faster next year, he'll be that much better," Conto said.

The Gremlins have long been known for their ground attack, but have had dependable quarterbacks to keep the offense rolling, such as Erik Fuhrer and Mike Croyle.

"We knew we could have a good passing game this year," said Steve. "Coach Conto said anytime you want to throw, go ahead.

"We can run, so that'll open up the passing game," he added.

Last year, David Black and Chris Pickett formed a solid 1-2 punch as Pickett added 22 catches for 302 yards.

Now, Kyle Texter, who had missed most of training camp and both scrimmages because of a knee injury, has returned to the lineup and gives Steve another weapon to work into the offense.

"We have two good receivers," said Conto. "Steve and Dave have developed a rapport and trust.

"Now that Kyle's back, he can be better. He has the ability and Steve can get the ball around more. We saw that against Clarion-Limestone. Steve can be better," Conto added.

"Yeah, it'll definitely open things up downfield," said Steve.

"Kyle has done a great job," said David. "Most teams can't double team me because we can go to Kyle."

David, who qualified for the PIAA championships in track last spring, brings a combination of speed and power to both his receiver and defensive back positions.

"David, really, is so much stronger," said Conto. "He blocks and he's physical."

"Dave is the best receiver in the league," said Steve. "I throw the ball his way and he comes up with it."

David has been equally impressed with his brother's performance so far this year.

"I knew he would fit in and be fine at the varsity level," said David. "He's opening a lot of eyes. He's doing as good a job as he could.

"I think the confidence is there. I have as much confidence in him throwing as he has in me catching."