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Coming off tough opening losses, with the Rams falling to the Marauders, 46-14, and the Red Devils falling at Richland, 28-7, each squad heads into Week 2 with extra motivation, at risk of starting in a bad spot at 0-2. Last season, it was Central Cambria that came out on top, holding off a late Penns Valley surge to win 16-14.
While last week's loss featured plenty of hardship, including 32 unanswered points from BG to start, it also featured positives for the Rams.
Sophomore quarterback Cael Smith had a promising performance from under center, turning 12 carries into 90 yards and surpassing 100 yards through the air. He connected with senior Spencer Althouse for a 75-yard touchdown in the second and added a rushing touchdown in the fourth, as PV built up some late momentum heading into Week Two.
Coupled with the team as a whole limiting the penalties, there are positives to build on heading into Week 2.
For Central Cambria, a touchdown from Ryan Chappell gave it a 7-0 lead midway through the first against Richland before the Rams scored 28 unanswered to stifle the start. Nonetheless, Chappell returns for his senior season having rushed for over 1,200 yards last season, and he's joined by an improved Mason Pittsinger under center.
With that and an intact batch of returning defenders, the Red Devils should still present a challenge for Penns Valley as it looks to earn its first win of 2026. Friday's important home opener for the Rams is set to kick off at 7 p.m.