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WINGATE - The first official Centre County battle is set to take place on Friday night at Bald Eagle's Alumni Stadium, as the undefeated Eagles (2-0) play host to cross-county rival Penns Valley (0-2). Bald Eagle looks to keep rolling following two momentous wins to kick off the season, and the Rams hope to play spoiler and bounce back after a tough start.
The Eagles head into the matchup with boat loads of momentum, having avenged two of their losses from last season with head-turning wins over Huntingdon (35-27) and Penn Cambria (35-32). Those wins emphasized a turn in the right direction for the program coming off a 2025 campaign that featured ups and downs, especially early.
Nonetheless, Bald Eagle isn't getting complacent. Despite the confident boost from starting 2-0, head coach Jesse Nagle expects his players to match the intensity they've displayed through the previous two weeks.
"We've just got to get refocused," said Nagle when discussing Week 3 following Bald Eagle's win over Penn Cambria last Friday. "I told these kids enjoy tonight, tomorrow and then get ready to play next week."
"In the Laurel Highlands, every week is tough. The message is that we've got to go one game at a time. We battle one game at a time, and we do it for each other," he added.
Senior quarterback Chase Cane enters his third start fresh off a breakout performance against the Panthers, having completed 10 of his 16 passes for 123 yards and a score while also adding 105 yards and a touchdown on the ground. His dual-threat ability played a large role in BEA coming out on top on Friday, and he'll look to carry that success forward.
In the backfield, running back Sam Clark has totaled over 200 yards and three scores through two games. Luke Hosband has caught four passes in both games and is coming off a 93-yard outing against Penn Cambria. He and Jack Kleisath each caught touchdowns last Friday, and Drew Nagle brought in two receptions and threw a 56-yard touchdown on a well-run trick play.
The offense has proven versatile and electric at times, bolstered by a strong offensive line. There are concerns on paper surrounding Bald Eagle's defense, having given up an average of just under 30 points per game, but that comes against two of the team's tougher opponents.
In Penns Valley's case, the team has had a tougher time establishing itself against tough competition but showed progress in its Week 2 performance against Central Cambria. That was especially true on the offensive side of the ball, where the Rams surpassed 300 yards and scored a touchdown in each of the last three quarters.
Sophomore quarterback Cael Smith had a breakout performance of his own, totaling over 200 yards and three touchdowns against the Red Devils. His 89 rushing yards led the Rams and marked the second time he's surpassed 85 yards on the ground.
Running back Tripp Watson followed Smith up with 54 yards on 12 attempts on Friday. Senior receiver Spencer Althouse has caught touchdowns in both games and leads the Rams with five receptions and 108 yards, and Isaac Harpster has logged multiple receptions in the team's first two outings.
Similar to Bald Eagle, Penns Valley's defense has succumbed to strong offenses, giving up over 35 points and 280 rushing yards in both outings. Considering the Eagles' rushing success to start, the unit's development there will be crucial for its chances of a rivalry upset.
Friday's game at Alumni Stadium kicks off at 7 p.m.