TIM WEIGHT/For the Express Bellefonte’s Ezra Swisher, left, wrestles Penns Valley’s Seth Fetterolf during a dual match last season. Both teams take the mat Thursday, with PV hosting Mifflin County and Bellefonte facing Huntingdon.

It’s officially that time of the year. On Thursday, the 2025-26 high school season officially kicks off, beginning with two duals in District 6. Penns Valley plays host to Class AAA standout Mifflin County, and Bellefonte starts its season on the road, travelling to Huntingdon to face a tough opening test in the Bearcats.

The Rams and Red Raiders are each coming off successful campaigns. In 2024-25, Penns Valley put together one of its strongest seasons under 20-year head coach Joel Brinker, winning 14 duals, finishing as a District 6 Class AA Dual runner-up and making it all the way to PIAA duals.

Bellefonte prospered despite its move up to Class AAA, finishing 12-5 and seeing success in the individual postseason. Both teams return tremendous talent, including every state qualifier and two state medalists (PV – Max Dinges, Bellefonte – Ezra Swisher).

Their opponents experienced similar success last season.

Huntingdon is coming off a season where it won 19 matches and claimed bronze in District 6 Class AA Duals. One of those 19 wins came against the Red Raiders, who it defeated, 43-21, in Laurel Highlands competition.

Mifflin County finished the 2024-25 season with a 10-4 record, losing close matches to ranked Class AAA schools in Central Mountain and Gettysburg before winning nine in a row heading into postseason. One of those nine came against Penns Valley, who it defeated, 38-27.

All’s to say the matches should serve as challenging opening tests for two squads looking to build off successful campaigns. Both bouts are set to begin at 7 p.m.

On Friday, Central Mountain and Jersey Shore each kick off their 2025-26 seasons at Williamsport’s annual Tom Best Memorial Top Hat Tournament. The tournament is set to feature 24 schools, including consistent powers such as Clearfield, Connellsville and others. It’ll kick off on Friday afternoon and conclude Saturday evening.

Next week, Bald Eagle Area and Sugar Valley kick off their campaigns on the road.

The Eagles will face Penns Valley on Tuesday, 7 p.m., in what should be a competitive dual. Last season’s bout came down to the wire, with the Rams coming out on top, 36-34. And for the Phoenix, they kick off their 2025-26 campaign with a road test at Midd-West, with that match set for 7 p.m. on Wednesday.