MARK NANCE/For The Express Bellefonte is hoping to bounce back this week after facing Bald Eagle Area in Week 6’s Curtin Bowl. Bellefonte heads to P-O today.

While it may be one of the strongest 2-4 teams in the Laurel Highlands and even District 6 Class 4A, that’s not something the Bellefonte football program hoped for heading into the 2025 season. The recent theme for the team has been close losses, a theme it’ll look to alter in Week 7 against Philipsburg-Osceola (4-2).

In its last home game prior to a two-game road stretch, the Red Raiders hope to give their home crowd some optimism heading into their closing stretch of the campaign. Friday’s game at Rogers Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

Through its last four games, Bellefonte has gone 1-3, with all three losses coming by a single score. It battled defending state champion Bishop Guilfoyle to the end, fought back from a multi-score deficit against 4-2 Clearfield and fell by five points to rival Bald Eagle Area, a tough stretch but one that’s shown the potential the team has.

The road doesn’t get easier on Friday, with the resurgent Mountaineers coming off an impressive 31-28 win over Bellwood-Antis. But based on its recent battles, it should be another matchup the Red Raiders are competitive in.

Defensively, the focus will be on hindering Philipsburg-Osceola’s complex Wing-T offense, one that’s proved versatile to the tune of almost 300 yards and over 27 points per game. Senior running back Colton Chapman is averaging over 100 rushing yards per game alongside 13 touchdowns while Demarcus Law gives the unit multiple dimensions in the backfield.

Offensively, the biggest question marks revolve around quarterback and the re-establishment of its potent rushing attack. Last week, freshman Alten Howell showed flashes under center, so that’s a trend worth keeping an eye on moving into Week 7.