TIM WEIGHT FILE Bellefonte's Ashten Howell works to slip a tackle in a football game during the 2024 season.

With under two minutes to go against Tyrone, Bellefonte football appeared destined to start its quest to build on last year’s success on the losing end. Not only was it facing a fourth-and-seven on an evening where its offense produced seven points through 46 minutes, it was also down 20-7, needing a lot to go right to come back.

But junior Ashten Howell would break off a big run to not only get the first down but also set the Red Raiders up on the goal line. They’d find the endzone soon after. Then, the miraculous shift continued, as Jackson Long secured the ensuing onside kick.

From there, the Bellefonte offense would drive length of the field before Long came up big again. In his first start at quarterback, sophomore Brennan Huntsinger threw his first touchdown in the most vital moment, connecting with Long. Will Oskin went on to convert his third point-after of the night, as the team completed its 21-20, come-from-behind win to start the season 1-0.

“The kids didn’t quit. They kept fighting until the end,” said Bellefonte head coach Anthony Confer on the effort. “I am proud of how we (both players and coaches) stuck together as a team and kept swinging until the final play of the game.”

The growing pains for the young team were evident throughout Friday’s contest, as it struggled to build off a first-quarter touchdown offensively and cramps presented themselves as it worked to come back. It gave up an 80-yard passing touchdown in the second to go into the half with a deficit and also struggled to protect Huntsinger while he worked to figure things out.

But where its early-season issues threatened to give them an opening loss, its grit ultimately put them to bed. The result was a huge tone setter for a program looking to build off a 7-5 2024 campaign.

“Starting 1-0 is extremely important,” said Confer. “Last year we started 1-0 which led to a 7-5 season. We feel like we need to win two of our first four games to keep our season goals in sight. This gives us a great opportunity to do that.”

Other positives that presented themselves included its run defense, which allowed 54 yards on 22 attempts, and special teams. Oskin played a large role in the victory, converting three extra points in a game where every point mattered. Howell and Long were also lights out on punt returns, combining for 132 yards on five returns.

“I think our special teams played well,” said Confer. “We put a lot of time into them, and it paid off last night.”

Offensively, junior running back Kav’en Smith-kirk surpassed 100 yards (102) on just ten attempts, notching a touchdown in the process. Howell had 52 yards on eight attempts, adding 26 on three receptions, and Huntsinger completed 12 of his 18 passes to eight different receivers for 92 yards.

Defensively, Long also came up with a game-sealing interception after his onside kick recovery and touchdown, proving impactful at every level. Senior leader Logan Rarrick also received a shoutout for his play on both sides of the trenches.

With its gritty rally, Bellefonte heads into its first road matchup of the season against Forest Hills with momentum, hoping to carry it forward as it works towards continued growth. That game is set for 7 p.m.

Huntingdon 14, Bald Eagle Area 6

Though both its units showed promise throughout Friday night’s home opener, particularly on the defensive end, the missed opportunities ultimately added up too much for Bald Eagle Area to kick off the season with a win. Huntingdon took a small lead into the second half and protected it until the final whistle, as the Eagles fell, 14-6, to start the 2025 season 0-1.

It was a tough loss but one that head coach Jesse Nagle took plenty of positives from. The hope is that the team can remain positive as it looks to shake off the defeat and get back to .500 in Week 2.

“Tonight, it was truly a game of inches with a few missed throws that would have resulted in touchdowns,” said Nagle. “We will all learn from tonight and make the changes necessary to continue to improve.”

In terms of positives, Nagle pointed to multiple on both sides of the field.

Defensively, the Eagles surrendered just two touchdowns throughout the night, one coming on a shortened field off a muff punt, as the Huntingdon offense accounted for just 81 yards.

Luke Hosband, Kaden Clark and Drew Nagle accounted for six tackles each, with Hosband forcing a fumble and Nagle attributing a sack. Jake Gardner recovered a fumble, and he and Gage Gardner combined for 3.5 tackles for loss. And in the secondary, Grady Fisher made four tackles while breaking up two passes.

“I thought the defense played outstanding other than one short field drive after the muffed punt,” said Nagle. “We had numerous players make big plays on defense throughout the night.”

Offensively, the Eagles dominated from a yardage-battle standpoint but just couldn’t capitalize. On 22 carries, senior running back Nick McCulley ran for 108 yards. Grady Fisher turned ten touches (three receptions, seven carries) into 36 yards. And in his debut start at quarterback, Kaleb Irion went 11-of-23 for 70 yards and an interception.

Ultimately, the Eagle offense accumulated 223 yards, good enough to at least get the team in field goal range on multiple occasions. There, Jackson Millward was lights out, hitting field goals of 35 and 44 yards, the latter being a program record. Millward also led the team receiving wise, with two receptions for 22 yards.

In hopes of not kicking off the season with back-to-back losses, the team will be tasked with facing Penn Cambria on the road next Friday. That game is set for 7 p.m.

Bellefonte 21, Tyrone 20

TYR 7 7 6 0 – 20

BEL 7 0 0 13 – 21

1st quarter

TYR – Rushing TD (PAT good), 8:00*

BEL – Rushing TD (Will Oskin kick), 6:00*

2nd quarter

TYR – 80-yard passing TD (PAT good), 9:00*

3rd quarter

TYR – Rushing TD (PAT missed), 5:00*

4th quarter

BEL – One-yard rushing TD (Oskin kick), 2:00*

BEL – Brennan Huntsinger to Jackson Long pass (Oskin kick), 1:00*

TEAM STATISTICS (BEL)

Rushes-yards 36-168

Passing yards 92

Comp-Att-Int 12-18-1

Total yards 260

Punts-yards 3-124

Punt returns-yards 5-132

Kickoff returns-yards 4-93

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: Bellefonte, Kav’en Smith-Kirk – 10-102, TD; Ashten Howell – 8-52, TD; Brennan Huntsinger 14-16; Isaac Gall 3-4; Jackson Long – 1-(-6).

PASSING: Bellefonte, Huntsinger 12-18-1 92 yds, TD.

RECEIVING: Ashten Howell 3-26; Jackson Long 2-18, TD; Landyn Langille 1-13; Gavin DuFour 2-7; Caleb Bartley 1-3; Parker Jodon 1-9; Isaac Gall 1-8; Kolten Ammerman 1-8.

INTERCEPTIONS: Jackson Long 1.

Huntingdon 14, Bald Eagle Area 6

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: Bald Eagle Area, Nick McCulley 22-108; Grady Fisher 7-22; Kollin Cunningham 4-9; Blake Houck-Leitzell 5-11; Kaleb Irion 2-3.

PASSING: Bald Eagle Area, Kaleb Irion 11-23-1 70 yards.

RECEIVING: Jackson Millward 2-22; Justin Johnson 2-19; Kollin Cunningham 4-15; Grady Fisher 3-14.