Penns Valley holds off Bellefonte comeback to earn first win
Tagged under: Centre County Report, District 6, Gameday Hub, News
Tristan Klinefelter | September 26, 2026
BELLEFONTE — The Penns Valley Rams entered Friday night’s game 0-4, but Spencer Althouse’s four touchdowns helped the Rams add one to the win column with a 26-19 victory over the Bellefonte Raiders.
Big plays and field position were both positives and negatives for each team throughout the game, and Althouse wasted little time making an impact on the game.
On the Rams’ first offensive play, Althouse took a pitch 77 yards down to the 3-yard line. However, the Raiders answered by stopping the Rams and forcing a turnover on downs at the 3-yard line.
The Raiders pinned the Rams deep in their own territory after a 72-yard punt down to the 1-yard line. After forcing a Penns Valley punt, the Raiders took over at the Rams’ 29-yard line. A few plays later, Caleb Bartley scored from 9 yards out to give Bellefonte a 6-0 lead. The point-after attempt was blocked.
Penns Valley answered on its next possession when Althouse scored from 9 yards out. The extra point failed, leaving the game tied at 6-6.
Althouse would add to the scoreboard on defense. Bellefonte quarterback Keegan Rogers broke a tackle and rolled out before attempting to throw downfield. Althouse stepped in front of the pass and returned the interception 80 yards for a touchdown, giving Penns Valley a 12-6 advantage heading into halftime.
The Rams added to their lead immediately following the break with a trick play on the kickoff. Penns Valley began returning the kick before sending the ball across the field, where Althouse took over and raced 70 yards for a touchdown.
Penns Valley’s Spencer Althouse takes the opening second half kick 70-yards for the score. Penns Valley 18 Bellefonte 6. @PaFootballNews pic.twitter.com/Or4sAeacuq
— Tristan Klinefelter (@TristanK_PFN) September 26, 2026
On the ensuing Raiders possession, the Rams continued to make big plays on defense when Rylan Allegretto intercepted a tipped pass.
Penns Valley capitalized on the turnover. Cael Smith found Althouse on a screen pass, and Althouse turned it into a 40-yard touchdown to give the Rams a 26-6 advantage.
Bellefonte refused to go quietly.
The Raiders began their comeback attempt in the fourth quarter when quarterback Alten Howell connected with Parker Jodon on a 92-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked, cutting the deficit to 26-13.
Howell and Jodon connected again later in the quarter, this time on a 13-yard touchdown pass with 4:49 remaining. But the Rams’ defense held on during the final minutes, allowing Penns Valley to escape with the seven-point victory.
Jodon with another Bellefonte touchdown. Penns Valley 26 Bellefonte 19. @PaFootballNews pic.twitter.com/VKJD1RIzBV
— Tristan Klinefelter (@TristanK_PFN) September 26, 2026
“It was a backyard brawl between two heated rivals,” Penns Valley Head Coach Martin Tobias said. “We got up with some momentum, and they came right back. We knew it would be a fight to the end, and that’s what it was.”
While Althouse’s four touchdowns provided the offensive fireworks, Tobias said the senior playmaker’s speed and explosiveness were major factors throughout the game.
The win moved Penns Valley to 1-4 on the season and gave the Rams their first victory of the year.
“We’re really proud of our kids for getting that first win. We’ve improved every week, and this was another case where we got better,” Tobias said.
Althouse credited the entire team for Penns Valley’s breakthrough victory.
“The stat sheet may reflect differently, but we put it together and played four quarters, and we came out with the win,” Althouse said.
Penns Valley will try to make it two consecutive victories as they play Clearfield next Friday.
Bellefonte will look to bounce back when it takes on Bald Eagle.
