Eagles hope to end four-game skid at home
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WINGATE - It’s been a tough few weeks for Bald Eagle football to say the least. Since starting 3-0, the Eagles have now lost more games than they've won entering Week 8, with notable injuries and offensive issues being among the culprits.
Nonetheless, there's still time to turn things around, and they get a great chance to do so on Friday. Bald Eagle (3-4) hosts Westmont Hilltop (2-5) in its return to Alumni Stadium, a team it defeated, 28-0, on the road last season.
That marked its most lopsided victory of 2025. However, that doesn't make the matchup a guaranteed win.
After finishing their 2025 season without a victory, the Hilltoppers have picked up two in seven weeks against Somerset and Greater Johnstown. They also hung with the likes of Forest Hills, Penn Cambria (5-2) and Bishop McCort (4-3), leading Penn Cambria 16-7 at halftime.
Westmont Hilltop is fueled by senior leadership, with its leading passer, rusher, receiver and much of its leading defenders all set to graduate in 2027.
Bryce Goodman has averaged over five yards per carry on 66 rushes, found the end zone six times and contributed four sacks and ten tackles for loss defensively. Landen Valente leads the team in all receiving categories with 23 receptions, 290 yards and three touchdowns while adding three scores on the ground. And Justin Ray is two games removed from a 200-yard, two-touchdown outing from under center.
With 2027 returners like junior Jared Surloff and sophomore Noah Subich also stepping up, particularly on the defensive end, the Hilltoppers have more going for them than some might've expected heading into Week 8. Considering BEA's recent fall from grace, progress needs to be made for it to turn things around.
The Eagles are coming off a lopsided, 28-7 loss to Clearfield that saw them surrender 28 unanswered points. Leading WR/DB Luke Hosband remained out with injury, leading rusher Sam Clark logged his first absence after succumbing to injury in Week 6 and starting quarterback Chase Cane exited against the Bison after a promising start.
The biggest question entering Friday's contest against the Hilltoppers is obvious: who will be back? If no one returns, expect sophomore Mason Nagle to take over under center, Xavier Nagle and Jack Kleisath to lead the rushing attack and Isaac Johnson to lead the receiving core.
Johnson logged a team-high six receptions for 38 yards against Clearfield, scoring the team's lone score. Kleisath and Nagle combined for 86 yards on 14 rushes, and Cane amassed 87 offensive yards prior to his exit.
It's a tough spot for a program that displayed so much early promise to be in, but the Eagles found a way to adjust to similar hardships last season. A tune-up game could be just what they need to get back on track.