After Tyrone’s thrilling overtime win against Bald Eagle, the Golden Eagles will travel to Bellwood for the 75th annual Backyard Brawl.
Tyrone has controlled Bellwood for the past three seasons outscoring the Blue Devils 94-25.
As one of the most legendary rivalries around the district, the Backyard Brawl dates back to 1934, and Tyrone has the edge, winning 54 of the 84 games played.
“The Tyrone and Bellwood game is always the most anticipated game on our schedule. This year is no exception. Bellwood is having an excellent season so far and we are getting better every week and this will be another game that will probably go down to the last minute like the previous two games” said head coach John Franco
Bellwood’s seventh-year head coach Nick Lovrich enjoys running the ball, as freshman Alex McCartney was the focus point of the Blue Devils offense in 2023, rushing for 1,162 yards and 12 touchdowns on 215 carries. So when McCartney tore his ACL during a 7v7 game this summer the Blue Devils looked to sophomore Chase Plummer to take the starting role.
However, during their week one matchup against Penns Valley, Plummer also suffered a season-ending injury, forcing junior wideout Colin Gibbons into a starting role in the backfield, with sophomore Bradyn Partner also getting some action.
So for all the injury issues Tyrone has had on the offensive and defensive line, Bellwood has lost even more in the backfield.
Gibbons leads the team in rushing with 42 carries for 357 yards and four touchdowns. Partner also helps out as he has 36 carries for 261 yards and three touchdowns.
He also is one of senior quarterback Holden Schreier’s favorite targets as him and senior Griffin Kyle are tied with 11 receptions. Senior fullback Cayden Pellegerine is also active in the passing game, and leads the team with 166 yards receiving, mostly from screen plays.
The Golden Eagles’ offensive and defensive lines will be tested as Bellwood returns their entire starting offensive line from 2023.
The Golden Eagles’ defensive front will need to stand their ground to allow the linebackers and defensive backs to roam freely to shoot lanes and take down Bellwood’s rushing attack in the backfield.
After breaking the Tyrone all-time touchdown record last week, quarterback Ashton Walk only needs 155 yards passing to become Tyrone’s all-time career passing yards leader.
