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Thriller at Rogers Stadium, Red Raiders top BEA in last second win

BELLEFONTE – As it should be.

After hoping for the completion of its new stadium, it seemed almost fitting that, with the help of Mother Nature” delaying the project, that the first game at Bellefonte’s new Rogers Stadium should be against its longtime rival Bald Eagle Area.

With both teams stirring up the echo of the ghosts of great teams of the Past, pitting just three losses between the two, it looked as if this year the rivalry would add another chapter in the long and distinguished lore of the two teams.

In the end, the game lived up to expectations as Bellefonte kicker Chris Persiko roped a 24-yard field goal with 18 seconds remaining to top Bald Eagle Area 10-9 in front of a full house.

“Our hats go off to our defense first and foremost. Coach Baumgardner did an unbelievable job all week long keeping these guys prepped.  Bald Eagle has an offense that can throw the ball through the air. They’re dynamic and to keep to them to only nine points and they got eight cracks at inside the 15 they only came away with three points. So it is what it is at this point,” Bellefonte coach Shanon Manning said. “I’m very proud of them. They did a nice job. They worked hard. “

Going into the final stanza with Bellefonte holding a 7-6 advantage, both defenses continued to put the pressure on the others.

Midway through the fourth, Bald Eagle started to March the ball down the field, getting strong runs by Blake Roberts, who rushed for 45 yards in the game. After clawing scratching their way downfield, the Eagles faced a fourth down on the Red Raiders’ 17.

The Eagles’ went for it and got a key break that almost won them the game.

BEA Quarterback Jaden Jones threw into double coverage by the sidelines only to have it picked off by Bellefonte’s CJ Funk. Funk though had the ball squirt out of his hands and to the sidelines.

However, before the ball went out a Bald Eagle players secured the ball and recovered the fumble, giving his team a new set of downs to try to cash it in.

But the Bellefonte defense was too tough, holding the Eagles to a field goal attempt by Peter Van Cise with just a little over 3-minutes left in the game.

The 22-yard kick was successful and for the first time the Eagles has the lead and were looking like they were going to spoil the Red Raiders new stadium debut.

But the Bellefonte offense refused and was all business driving the ball downfield after taking the ball on the kick off to their 47.

Quarter back Kyle Myers found a wide open Ryan Smith at the 25 on the first play from scrimmage.

As time continued to tick off the clock, the Red Raiders went to the run and got the ball to as close as the five before calling time out with 18 seconds to go. 

On came Chris Persiko to try to take back the lead and possibly give his team the win.

With the rain now falling at a steady rate, the ball was snapped and Persiko’s kick went right through the uprights, giving his team the one-point lead with eight seconds left.

Bellefonte kicked the ball out of bounds on the kick off, giving Jones one last try to give his team the win.

He left out a lofty pass into a crowded group in the middle of the field and it was intercepted by Ethan Rossman to end the game.

“Bellefonte’s definitely a good team. We knew that coming in and we are a good football team. We are still learning how to play without Gage and Matthew. So offensively, we are still feeling out who we are,” Bald Eagle coach Jesse Nagle said. “You can’t lose two 1,000 yard kids and it’s hard to figure out yet. Credit to Bellefonte, they did a nice job and played everything in front of them. They wouldn’t let us get over top of them. Defensively, I was very proud. Offensively, we just have to figure out who we are.”

In the first quarter, the Red Raiders started off on a good note, handing it to running back Mason Gray for the 31-yard scamper and TD. With the successful TD, Persiko added the PAT, making it 7-0.

But the Eagles battled right back as Jones went to the air and found a wide open Blake Roberts for the 84-yard touchdown pass to bring the Eagles to within one.

However, the PAT was partially tipped and then hit the side of the uprights, making it 7-6.

That would be the score until midway through the fourth.

Both teams will be in action at home next week as they start post season action.

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