In pursuit of back-to-back seasons with a playoff win, Bellefonte football faces a very familiar foe on Friday. After hosting Greater Johnstown (1-9) in its Week 10 Laurel Highlands cross-over matchup, the two teams are set to battle for the second week in a row, this time with it all on the line in the District 6 Class AAAA semifinals.

Considering how close their last matchup was, the stage is set for a tense, competitive rematch. Last Friday, the Trojans got the ball back with a chance to take a late lead before a defensive touchdown from Bellefonte’s Gavin DuFour helped the Red Raiders seal the 31-19 win.

The teams also faced off in last year’s semifinals, where the Red Raiders came out on top by a score of 38-18.

When it comes to concerns heading into the matchup, Bellefonte’s biggest focus will likely be on mitigating its opponent’s pass game.

Greater Johnstown senior quarterback Daniel Porter is fresh off one of his best performances of the season, which saw him surpass 200 yards and throw two touchdowns on a completion rate of 61 percent. Running back Cordell Porter also turned 19 touches into 133 yards and two touchdowns while Stephon Hill-Goodman posted a game-high seven receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Apart from defensive concerns, health remains one of Bellefonte’s biggest concerns.

Star running back Ka’ven Smith-Kirk has missed the last three games due to an injury. In his absence, Ashten Howell and Isaac Gall have each garnered bigger roles, most recently rushing for a combined 149 yards on 24 attempts against Greater Johnstown.

And in its last five games, junior Quinn Park and freshman Alten Howell have alternated starts at quarterback, with Park nursing an injury suffered at Richland in Week 8.

Both have seen success running the ball while occasionally showing flashes in the pass game. Against Richland, Park rushed for 138 yards and a score while adding 68 yards and a touchdown through the air. And Howell has posted two performances where he rushed for over 65 yards against Penns Valley and Greater Johnstown.

Alongside Smith-Kirk’s status, two big questions could make or break how successful the offense can be on Friday. Who draws the starting nod at quarterback? And how will they handle the pressure of the heightened stakes?

Those questions will be answered on Friday, as the Red Raiders look to make it two straight District 6 Class 4A title appearance for the first time of the 2020s. The last time they accomplished the feat was through the 2017 and 2018 seasons, where they won 19 combined games and earned a district title in 2017.

The winner faces four-time defending champ Juniata (6-4) next Friday, who received a first-round bye.