MARK NANCE/For The Express Central Mountain’s Isaiah Maldonado runs against Montoursville during a game last year. The Wildcats open the season this year in Week 1 tonight at Mifflin County.

Breaking down Week 1 games for the Express’ five area football matchups tonight.

Central Mountain at Mifflin County

Central Mountain is seeking its first win since 2023 and is excited with the amount of players who return with either significant starting experience and/or playing time. A lot of that experience comes up front on both sides of the ball and it’s always nice to have quality line play as a foundation. The home team has won this game the past three seasons and a win here could be a nice springboard for Central Mountain going forward.

Mifflin County (4-6) is in a position that Central Mountain was last year, replacing most of its starters, including its leading rusher and receiver. Quarterback Chase Hartung is back, however, after throwing for 944 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games.

Dallas at

Jersey Shore

A showdown between perennial District 2 and 4 title contenders also is a rematch of the 2019 Class AAAA state semifinals. Like the game above, this one was exciting last year with Jersey Shore overcoming a 14-point late third quarter deficit and winning, 28-21. The Bulldogs are replacing most of last year’s starters but have excelled at doing so over the last 12 years and have won at least eight games every year since 2019.

Dallas started 0-3 after reaching the state championship in 2023 but caught fire after that. The Mountaineers won their next eight games before losing to Valley View in districts. Dallas must replace its leading passer, rushing and receiver from last year, so this will again be a good test for two new-look teams.

BUCKTAIL AT

CAMERON COUNTY

Bucktail has a larger roster size than last season and is eager to try and win its first game since 2023. Although all-state athlete Brody Pentz graduated, Bucktail returns a bulk of its starters and could be particularly strong up front. Bucktail also was able to get 10 regular season games for the first time this decade, giving its players more opportunities to progress throughout the season.

Cameron County enjoyed a good season last year, going 6-4. Malakai Zucal sparks the offense and had a big year, rushing for 1,254 yards and nine touchdowns, while catching 11 passes for 115 yards.

Bald Eagle at

Huntingdon

It’s a new era at Bald Eagle Area as it replaces all-time leading passer Carson Nagle, but the Eagles could be poised to build off last year’s 5-5 record. Leading rusher Carnell Noone is back as are standout receivers Beau Taylor and Graydn Fisher.

Noone ran for 407 yards and six touchdowns, while Taylor caught 54 passes for 707 yards and four touchdowns. Fisher added 35 receptions for 654 yards and five touchdowns and Gage Gardner led the defense with 4 ½ sacks. Huntingdon is hoping to get on track after finishing 0-10 last year and returns most of its starters.

Tyrone at Bellefonte

Bellefonte made a big turnaround last year, finishing 7-5 and making a five-win improvement, while reaching the District 9 Class AAA championship. Although the Raiders graduated a strong core, the cupboard is far from bare. That especially goes on defense where tackle Logan Rarrick made 21 tackles for loss and Quinn Park added 12.

Tyrone also went 7-5 last year and featured a prolific offense but it must replace 3,000-yard passer Ashton Walk. It also must replace an 1,100-yard running back but has an outstanding receiver to build around in Eli Woomer who caught 53 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns.