ICC Week 8 Showdown: Bellwood-Antis at Northern Bedford

            This game does not come around very often, in fact, the last meeting between these two teams took place in 1990. The 2012 edition will be as big as ever. Bellwood-Antis is 7-0 ranked first in the District VI standings, and appear well on their way to another fantastic post season run. Northern Bedford quietly has put together a 7-0 record, and find themselves atop the District V rankings through seven weeks. This game will determine the 2012 ICC Crown, and could set the bragging rights for perhaps another 22 years.
   

Casey Gray (Picture courtesy of Altoona Mirror)

 Bellwood-Antis will bring a formidable offensive attack into the Friday night showdown in Loysburg. The Blue Devils will rely heavily on junior superstar, Casey Gray. Gray is a key in the running and passing game, and also serves as a good back line defender. He has excelled as the team's featured offensive weapon, and will likely need to have a good statistical day for the Blue Devils to take this victory. Coach John Hayes has more weapons than just Casey Gray. Senior quarterback Seth Worthing is a big part of the Blue Devils' offense. He has not thrown the ball well in recent weeks, but has shown those kind of capabilities.He also runs well, and could be troublesome for the defense to contain. Haden Dagennaro and Tyler Campbell are also nice threats to run the ball on offense. Bellwood would obviously like to dominate the trenches as they have put up 26 touchdowns on the ground as a team.
         

Kyler Diehl (picture courtesy of Altoona Mirror)

The Blue Devils opened the year with a massive win over rival, Tyrone. Since that game they have seemed to just coast through the other games with relative ease, aside from the shootout victory over Juniata Valley in week four. The ICC has been Bellwood's conference over the past decade. They often come into big showdowns, and pass with flying colors. Could this be the year that a team knocks off the mighty Blue Devils?  The Northern Bedford Panthers would like to think so. The Panthers are led by a lights out defense, and a good passing attack. Northern Bedford's defense has the numbers to back up that "light out" description. The Panthers have 23 sacks as a team led by six apiece by Drew Gartland and Zach Pressel. They also have 14 takeaways and are surrendering just seven points per game. That will be big in a game against a versatile offense in Bellwood.  Coach Jeff Batzel also has a pretty impressive offense he can turn to. Blake Over is just a first year starting quarterback, but has thrown for 1500 yards and 12 touchdowns. He spreads the wealth around to three different receivers. Kyler Diehl leads the way with 35 catches, while Taylor Pressel has 26, and brother Zach has 21. The running game led by seniors, Caleb Ebersole and Conner Kagraise has been effective, and keeps defenses honest.
             



 This game really does match two great football teams. Both teams could very well be the champions of their respective districts when it is all said and done. The winner of this game would also have a conference title to their resume. The game is big for both sides, but you have to imagine this means a whole lot to Northern Bedford. Bellwood-Antis is used to playing in these massive games. Northern Bedford is not always there, but they get the opportunity to take down a top ten team in the state at home, with the conference on the line, does it get any better?

My Take-I think this comes down to one thing in particular, the great defense of Northern Bedford. I really like what kind of numbers and results they are putting together. I am going to take what some might call the underdog. Bellwood-Antis has all outside notoriety  They are ranked in the state's top ten, and they have quite a reputation throughout Districts five and six. Northern Bedford has a good program, but a win like this would put them on the map. Give me the Panthers.