TIM WEIGHT/ For the Express BEA’s Grady Fisher (3) throws the ball during a game this season.

After enduring a tough loss at Alumni Stadium last Friday, Bald Eagle Area football is looking to get back to .500 in Week 8 and re-establish the momentum it gained through its previous two-game win streak. Facing winless Westmont Hilltop (0-7), it has a great opportunity to do so. But it can’t get complacent, as every win is crucial.

That latter statement was made all-the-more real following last week’s 12-6 loss to Clearfield, which put the Eagles in a bind when it comes to vying for a playoff spot. Eight teams make the bracket in District 6 Class AA, and Bald Eagle sits in ninth.

The fight it displayed against the Bison was evident, as it held a strong offense to 12 points and gave itself an opportunity to win late. However, that fight doesn’t alter its standing, as it no longer controls its own destiny.

So, winning out gives the team its best shot to scrape in, and that’s what it’s looking to do moving forward. Head coach Jesse Nagle feels this team can handle that adversity, having shown that fight since its 1-3 start.

“That’s kind of what my message was at the end of the game. This is a piece of development. I thought they did a really good job last (Friday), and I definitely think that next week at Westmont Hilltop, you’re going to see that carry over,” said Nagle.

“If you’re the underdog or you get beat once or twice, you’ve got to keep on getting back up and keep on going. Earlier in the season, I would question if we were mature in that regard, but I think the kids have proved that they’re gonna give everything they’ve got on whatever they put their minds to, and that’s what you want to build in the kids.”

That climb back up begins with a tune-up outing on Friday.

As it stands, the Hilltoppers are harboring a 22-game losing streak and have struggled to get much going throughout the season. They’ve scored in the double figures just twice, averaged under a touchdown per game offensively and surrendered over 46 points per game. Their bright spots come from their young receiving core, with sophomore Derek Gartner averaging over 40 yards per game to lead the way.

A tune-up game should pay dividends for a Bald Eagle Area offense that’s working to cement identity through its final three games of the regular season.

Quarterback Grady Fisher has proven impactful in all three facets offensively, having 100-yard outings in rushing, passing and receiving. Running back Nick McCully has three on the ground but hasn’t seen as much involvement since the team’s win over Philipsburg-Osceola in Week 5. Luke Hosband accumulated over 160 all-purpose yards two weeks ago, and Kollin Cunningham and Jackson Millward add depth to its receiver room.

Apart from their own team, Eagle fans should also keep an eye on what Bellwood-Antis (3-4) does on Friday against Chestnut Ridge (3-4). The Blue Devils have the same record as Bald Eagle but have an edge in the District 6 Class AA standings due to their Week 1 win over Class 4A Clearfield.

So, in order to extend their season, the Eagles need a better record than Bellwood-Antis by the time Week 10 wraps up.