The 16-2 Tyrone Golden Eagles stepped up to the plate last week with victories over 9-6 Huntingdon and 15-2 Clearfield, taking sole control of the Mountain League. If they can hang on for two more conference games, they will do something Tyrone has only done 6 other times: win the Mountain League trophy.

However, this task may be easier said than done. Bald Eagle is a mere 8-9 this year. But don’t let this fool you — Bald Eagle is a tough team. Even worse, they have a knack for spoiling some teams’ seasons. It almost seems like they don’t really want the trophy, but they are committed to taking as many teams down with them as they can.

For example, they somehow beat Huntingdon twice, giving the talented Bearcats two of their 6 conference losses. They played above and beyond their potential in two games against 12-3 Penns Valley, where the Rams narrowly escaped with wins of 3 and 6 points. Perhaps even more peculiar, Bald Eagle lost to Clearfield by 5 points earlier in the season. These Eagles play at a higher level in big games.

On top of that, senior star Brandon Gettig is only 13 points away from scoring 1000 career points… and Friday is senior night for the Eagles. Chances are, Bald Eagle will show up ready to fight. Tyrone will have their hands full when they travel to play them on Friday.

“Well, we aren’t really worried about Gettig getting his 1000 points. If you are asking me whether we want him to get it during our game, the answer is no; but only because if we had it our way no one on their team would score,” senior big man Diddy Mitchell explained. “But Kudos to him though, that is an accomplishment he should be proud of,” he added.

Next Wednesday the Tyrone boys will host the Penns Valley Rams, a team with only 4 losses this year. Penns Valley would need a lot of help to somehow end up sharing a piece of the Mountain League pie, but don’t think that means they are going to lay down for Tyrone. After the heart wrenching defeat they suffered the last time they played the Golden Eagles, they will surely be out for blood. But, if Tyrone can beat Penns Valley and Bald Eagle, they alone will enjoy the conference trophy.

Tyrone has two other games in the next two weeks, away at Central Mountain on Thursday night and away at Richland next Friday night, February 13th. Only one of these games really means anything. Central Mountain is the last regular season game that counts towards playoff seedings. If Tyrone can take down the AAAA team, the Golden Eagles will be sitting pretty at the number 1 seed and will likely receive a first round bye.

However, keep in mind that the number 1 seed does not always get a first round bye. It all depends on how many teams make the playoffs. And because of the way the playoff system is set up (at least in D6 AA), even Philipsburg, a team without a single win this year, could potentially go to the playoffs. Each school decides whether or not they want to compete in the playoffs, as if it were some sort of tournament.

On a side note, the 7-13 Richland Rams are a tough team with an even tougher schedule, which is largely responsible for their mediocre record. Hopefully Tyrone can represent Blair County ball and make mincemeat out of these guys. If all goes well, Tyrone will enter the playoffs at a formidable 20-2.