Bellefonte has returned twice since then, in 2017 and 2019, falling to Selinsgrove and Cathedral Prep, respectively. In pursuit of another drought-ending win, it’s set to play host to undefeated, District 4 champion Shamokin on Friday at 7 p.m. at Bellefonte’s Rogers Stadium.

No draw is easy at this point in the season, but the Indians are arguably one of the most imposing in the entire bracket. Behind a potent, multi-dimensional rushing attack, Shamokin (12-0) has won 24 of its last 25 games and ranks third in the state at the Class AAAA level according to PA Football News and ninth according to MaxPreps.

The Indians are coming off a 37-0 win over Jersey Shore in the District 4 championship, which saw their two 1,000-yard rushers — senior running back Za’kem Clinton and junior quarterback Logan Steele — each surpass 100 yards and break off long touchdown runs, something both can do on any given play in any given game.

Through 12 games, they’ve each averaged over 8.5 yards per carry and combined for 14 100-yard games and 36 touchdowns. And they’re not the only rushers to be concerned about either, with Jayce Ginck surpassing 500 yards on the season last Friday and Noah Ringes recently emerging as another big-play specialist for the team. Steele hasn’t been the most efficient passer, completing under 40% of his passes on the season while tossing six interceptions to just eight touchdowns.

TIM WEIHGT/For The Express Bellefonte’s Ashten Howell crosses the goal line to score a touchdown against Juniata in last week’s District 6 Class AAAA championshp. The Red Raiders host Shamokin tonight in the first round of states.

When needed, junior receiver Colin Steinhart is a difference maker out wide, leading the Indians in receptions (28), receiving yards (400) and receiving touchdowns (four), but no other Shamokin receiver has surpassed120 yards. Steinhart is also coming off a game where he intercepted five passes, sporting nine on the season with eight pass deflections. Ringes has five sacks in just six games played, and the defense as a whole has forced 3.5 turnovers per game while holding opponents under 12 points per game.

It’s certainly a lofty challenge, but the Red Raiders head into the matchup with plenty of momentum. After starting 3-6, Bellefonte has won three in a row to get where it’s at, outscoring its two postseason opponents by a combined score of 51-6. Its most recent win came in the District 6 final against Juniata, a program that had not only won four titles in a row but also made state quarters in 2024 with a decisive win over Shamokin.

That 17-6 victory was Bellefonte’s first district championship of the current decade and third of the 2000s. Freshman Alten Howell has emerged as a trustworthy source of offense under center, proving impactful as both a passer and runner throughout the team’s postseason run. Against Greater Johnstown in district semis, he turned six completions into over 100 yards and three touchdowns. And against Juniata, he led the team with 120 yards. Junior Ashten Howell leads the team in receiving but has recently operated as its lead back.

He has a rushing touchdown in each of the last three games, games where he’s handled 11 or more carries and averaged almost seven yards per rush. And in cases where the Red Raiders need to sub a back in, Isaac Gall and Bentlee Hall have each proved capable, alongside Quinn Park at quarterback. It’s an offense that has seemed to find its identity at the perfect time, aided by strong outings from its defense and special teams.

Even in its rougher stretches, Bellefonte has shown an affinity in hindering considerable rushers, a factor that could help it pull off what would be considered an upset on Friday. It recently held a Juniata rushing attack averaging almost 150 yards per game under 100 on just over three yards per carry while completely stifling its inconsistent passing attack.

In special teams, Jackson Long has turned two kickoff returns into touchdowns alongside his five receiving touchdowns this season and averaged 30 yards per return. Will Oskin is 24-of-27 on PATs and 7-of-11 on field goals. Against Shamokin, every point is likely to matter, so those factors could prove crucial.

The climb to this point has already been impressive, as the Red Raiders crossed off another bullet point in securing their coveted District 6 title. The question is, can it cross off more, or does the run conclude here?