Northern Bedford Upsets Conemaugh Township To Advance To D5 1A Championship

Tagged under: District 5, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Playoffs

Baron Dionis | November 7, 2026

The fourth-seeded Northern Bedford Panthers advanced to the District 5 1A Championship after taking down the one-seeded Conemaugh Township Indians 34-21 at Conemaugh Township HS Stadium.

The Panthers’ offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage from the start of the game, which created their ability to run the ball consistently and opened up the pass game.

“Everything [went right], except for the fourth quarter,” Northern Bedford coach Garry Black said. “We challenged our guys to come up here, ignore the record, and start the season over. We played Northern Bedford. They have a stout offensive line. We were able to play really well.”

Northern Bedford wasted no time to open up the game, marching right down the field, allowing Erik Swanseen to rush 33 yards for the game-opening touchdown.

Both teams exchanged punts, but once the Indians got the ball back, they quickly tied up the game. Greyson Studer threw it deep for Micah Murray and took it the distance for a 51 yard touchdown.

Right after that, the Panthers appeared to score a big touchdown, but an offensive pass interference brought them back to the NBC 18 on third-and-18. Instead of playing conservative, Trace Baker went for the big play, throwing it deep for Kolson Feathers and he broke a tackle to score an 82 yard touchdown.

Northern Bedford’s defense got a big sack and forced a punt, giving them all the momentum. A long drive allowed Swanseen to add his second score of the game, making the game 20-7.

Following the half, the Panthers got a clutch pass breakup to set up fantastic field position around midfield. From there, Jordan Free took four carries for 24 yards, scoring on the fourth from five yards out.

After another punt, Northern Bedford kept their foot on the throttle as Baker threw it up for Nevin Lloyd and he came down with it for the 80 yard touchdown.

Conemaugh Township would add two more scores at the end with a 32 yard touchdown from Greyson Studer to Will Shippey and then a one yard rushing touchdown from Shippey. That concluded this game, sending the Panthers to the championship.

“It’s not the way that we wanted a good season to end, but kudos to a good football team over there, and we wish them the best of luck next week,” Conemaugh Township coach Brandon Studer stated.”