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AMAZING: Dominating play continues to highlight Bellefonte’s run, Trojans next

Dylan Deitrich (5) of Bellefonte High School runs in for a touchdown against Clearfield High School in high school football playoff action last Friday. Bellefonte dominated Clearfield, 62-21, to advance to the next round. (The Express/Tim Weight)

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Back in September, the Red Raiders had their homecoming game against Clearfield High School. They clobbered the Bison, 55-28

Last Friday, Bellefonte and Clearfield met up again for a rematch in the first round of the district playoffs, and the 8-2 Red Raiders were coming in as the heavy favorite.

And it didn’t take long for Bellefonte to prove the media’s predictions correct.

In the first quarter, Bellefonte got on the board quick with a Dylan Deitrich touchdown. When Clearfield scored a touchdown of their own, it only took the Red Raiders minutes to respond. When the first quarter was over, Bellefonte had a 12-7 lead.

When the second quarter came, it was bit more competitive. The Red Raiders managed to get 15 points on the board, but the Bison got two touchdowns themselves to put 14 up. When halftime had arrived, we had a pretty even 27-21 score in Bellefonte’s favor, but it was clear that the Red Raiders were the much better team.

And then came the second half adjustments where it showed.

It was complete domination for Bellefonte.

Not a single point was allowed by the Red Raiders in favor of Clearfield, and Bellefonte steamrolled the rest of the way – going for five touchdowns in the second half for a 35-0 shutout. When the smoke cleared after the game was over, the Red Raiders had a 62-21 win.

And that’s how Bellefonte kicked off their first round matchup in the playoffs: In amazing fashion.

And of course, Red Raiders RB Dylan Deitrich was no small part of that – rushing for 159 yards and two touchdowns. But a few other members of Bellefonte decided to get involved last week as well, including CJ Funk with 139 yards and two touchdowns, and Dexter Gallishaw with 95 yards and one touchdown.

The Red Raiders combined for a total of 412 rushing yards, and just a dominant showing of Bellefonte defense in the second half. Just a brilliant performance by the Red Raiders overall, and zero complaints from me in the game against Clearfield.

And now Bellefonte continues their journey through the playoffs in neutral territory in Hollidaysburg against Greater Johnstown High School.

The Trojans are a bit better team than the Bison, so don’t expect a Red Raiders blowout in this one – especially with this game being in neutral territory.

However, I do see Bellefonte as the better team in this matchup, and with the firepower and superstardom of Dylan Deitrich, along with the depth of Funk and Gallishaw, I can’t help but to see a Red Raiders victory in this one.

Last week, Greater Johnstown had a great showing against Bradford – they won the game, 35-13, while also tallying up 322 total yards on offense. The Red Raiders trounced that just on the rushing side of things.

When you look at this game on paper, the Trojans just don’t matchup statistically with Bellefonte, and I think you have to make the Red Raiders a decent favorite in this one. Even though I think this game will be much closer than the one against Clearfield last Friday night, I think you have to give the edge to Bellefone.

Since the Red Raiders are the only high school football program in our area that remains in the postseason, I won’t be able to give you my weekly predictions like I’ve done every Friday during football season.

So I’ll make my prediction now for this game between Bellefonte and Greater Johnstown.

Give me the Red Raiders in a high scoring affair, 45-40, with an amazing performance out of Deitrich.

This Bellefonte team is a really, really great team. And I expect a deep showing into the playoffs for the 2017 Red Raiders, and it’ll continue this Friday night against the Trojans.

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