Games like tonight’s between Tyrone and Huntingdon don’t come along every day.
It’s not because Tyrone and Huntingdon are natural rivals or because they’re continuing a series that dates back to the prohibition era. Instead, it’s because the game pits two teams that have won over 500 games in their program’s history.
A total of 53 teams in Pennsylvania have reached the 500-win plateau, led by the Mount Carmel Tornadoes, whose 744 victories have their program ranked among the top five high schools in the nation. Huntingdon is 10th on PA’s all-time list with 612.
Tyrone is a little bit further down at 519 (41st), but with a program that never got off the ground until 1921, the Eagles are the third-youngest team on the 500-wins list. By comparison, Mount Carmel began playing football in 1893, while the Bearcats started in 1907.
But while it’s special for two conference opponents to meet with resumes highlighted by a milestone victory total, it’s not altogether uncommon. In fact, tonight’s MAC non-divisional game marks the second time this season two 500-win programs from District 6 have squared off. The first time came last week when Altoona (545, 29th) lost to Mid-Penn Conference and cross-city rival Hollidaysburg (547, 28th) 24-19.
District 6 actually boasts five 500-game winners. The other two are Johnstown (574, 19th) and the defunct Lock Haven High School (516, 42nd).
Who’s For Real
Both Bald Eagle Area and Lewistown entered the 2005 season with teams heavy on experienced skill players and defenders.
From a squad that in 2004 went winless in 10 games, the Panthers returned two running backs, two wide receivers and quarterback Chris Snook, along with five defensive starters. BEA, meanwhile, brought back 15 starters on both sides of the ball, including play-making quarterback Camden Crouse, from a team that went 3-7 last season.
With that said, it should have come as no surprise that both teams won their season-openers last Friday: Bald Eagle leveled Penns Valley 37-0 and Lewistown got by Juniata 28-9.
Now the real test begins for both teams, and it starts tonight when they face each other at Mitchell Field in Lewistown. BEA plays Bellwood-Antis and Tyrone back-to-back in the week after its matchup with the Panthers, while Lewistown plays Tyrone and Huntingdon, so a loss for either team tonight could be the start of a long three weeks.
On the other hand, a win would make one team 2-0, legitimize some of the preseason excitement surrounding the program, and put it 2/5 of the way closer to a .500 season.
Tough Road
Tyrone may have the toughest early-season schedule in the MAC, with games in Weeks 1 and 2 against two long-time rivals, one of which is a divisional opponent always near the top of the standings.
Clearfield is close behind, playing two District 9 playoff finalists from 2004 in consecutive weeks.
The Bison opened the season last week with a 28-21 win in overtime against Bradford, Clearfield’s opponent last year in the District 9-AAA championship game.
This week, the Bison come home to play Brookville, last year’s District 9-AA champion, which last week defeated Philipsburg-Osceola 14-6.
Last Week’s Leaders
Tyrone dominated Bellwood-Antis in last week’s opener, getting an early edge in the race for the Nittany Division crown. The Eagles also dominated the division’s Week 1 statistical leader board.
Quarterback Leonard Wilson led the MAC Nittany Division in passing for Week 1, completing 9 of 14 passes for 143 yards and one touchdown in the Eagles 31-19 victory over Bellwood-Antis.
Teammate Brinton Mingle turned in the division’s top rushing performance, despite playing little more than three quarters, gaining 74 yards on 20 carries and scoring twice.
Receiver Justin Schopp turned in the best performance from a wideout, grabbing three passes for 73 yards.
