Bellwood-Antis Back in the Final Four

                        The Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils just keep on winning. They are playing in the state semifinals for the first time since 2006, and for the third time in its history. They are there by virtue of outlasting a very good Delone Catholic team in double overtime last weekend at Mansion Park. The Blue Devil caravan will be making the trek Mill Hall to take on District Two Champion Dunmore at Central Mountain High School. This marks the forth straight time a District Six team will be playing in the state semifinals, and the Blue Devils will look to join Bishop Carroll and Bishop McCort as District Six teams to play in the Class A state championship.

             Bellwood-Antis used a strong a strong ground attack against Delon Catholic to advance to this stage of the state playoffs. The Blue Devils rode the back of junior tailback, Casey Gray. Gray rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns to raise his season total to 1,823 yards and 26 touchdowns. Haden DeGennaro came up with another impressive performance, but he sustained an injury that will force him out the remainder of the season. Obviously, that will be a huge blow, but Bellwood will send the next man up to do his job. Expect Tyler Campbell and Tanner Snyder to see more carries during his departure. Seth Worthing's responsibility as a passer has gone down during the playoffs, but in this stage, he may be asked to throw it more. Ian O'Shea and Cameron Worthing are ore than capable receivers down field. Dunmore features two 1,000 yard backs, letting it be known what the defense has to do this Friday. They need to hold their own on the line of scrimmage, but also to have the second and third levels to be ready to make plays. Bellwood's defense has been good all year long, but they can give up points as evident by Dunmore's performance last week. The Blue Devils will need to buckle down as best as possible. Bellwood's offense is good enough to keep them in any game.

              Dunmore is in the state semi finals by virtue of defeating Bristol and state power, Southern Columbia. Dunmore has been a solid program through the years, and they were in Hershey in 2007. The feature a dominant running game led by junior Daiqwon Buckley (1,532 yards 19 TDs) and senior Austin Seamon (1,132 yards 15 TDs).  The duo combined for 335 yards last week against Bristol.  Brandon Kujawski is junior quarterback that has only thrown for 650 yards, but he has 10 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Dunmore has played in some really hard fought games in recent weeks as they narrowly escaped Southern Columbia (35-29) and Old Forge (7-6). They are accustomed to playing in close games, and that can always be an advantage this late in the season.

Prediction- Bellwood-Antis has had a fantastic season so far, and I do not see it ending just yet. The Blue Devils have great team speed, and a will to win. This game will not be easy, as Dunmore has proven to be a formidable team themselves. Most expected Southern Columbia in this game, but the Bucks took them down. I think it will be a great game, and perhaps a quick game because neither team wants to pass. It may take 1-2 pass plays that could win you the game though. I believe in Seth Worthing's ability, and he could come up with enough big plays to outlast Dunmore.