Bellwood is Rolling into the State Playoffs

                 The Bellwood-Antis Blue Devils are the ICC champions, District Six A champions, and they are still looking for more. Bellwood is on fire right now, and they are playing with a world of confidence. They ran through the ICC with no problems, they arguable outplayed the AA champ Richland in week ten, and steamrolled through the District Six A playoffs capped by an emphatic win over Bishop McCort 54-3. This is an inspired bunch that is ready to make a run towards Hershey.
     
                  Bellwood will be playing Delone Catholic Friday night in the PIAA class A quarterfinals. The game will be held at Altoona's Mansion Park, which is just 13 miles from Bellwood. The blue and gold clad fans will pack Mansion Park for their first trip to the state playoffs since 2007. They could be in for an exciting run in the coming weeks.

Coach Hayes

            Bellwood plays a sound style of football that is instilled by Head Coach, John Hayes. Hayes and his staff are arguably the best in the District Six region. They have a solid group this season led by a pretty special junior running back, Casey Gray.  Gray has rushed for 1,695 yards and 24 touchdowns, with 10 games over 100 yards. His speed allows him to be a threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well. Haden Degennaro is the team's second option running the ball, and he can be dangerous off the edge, evident by his 9 yard per carry average. Seth Worthing is a heady senior quarterback that offers a dual threat look. His speed was on full display in last week's championship game, but has that ability to pass also. Four Bellwood players have at least ten catches, led by the senior, Cameron Worthing. The Blue Devil offensive line is often overlooked due to their size, but they can play. Bellwood's defense has been good this year. They have held most teams down, and have only allowed three nine points in the past two games. The defensive backfield is in good hands with Worthing and Gray, both who are ball hawks.


               Delone Catholic enters the state playoffs as a class A team for the first time in years. They hold a 9-3 record, and defeated Steelton-Highspire 28-13 to win the District Three championship. Delone competes primarily with AA teams in the regular season, and did fairly well this season. They have a high powered running game that has gone over 3,000 yards as a team. Matt Guiffreda leads the team with 832 yards. Brett Smith is the team's quarterback, who has thrown for 1,078 yards and rushed for 460 more. Delone's defense can allow plenty of points at times, but they buckled down in the playoffs.

Prediction-Bellwood has an explosive offense, and they are clicking at the right time. The Blue Devils are sky high right now, and it will take a lot to slow them down. I like the Blue Devils essentially playing a home game in this one. I'll take Bellwood by a touchdown.