The LHAC Power Index Crossover Predictions

Tagged under: District 5, District 6, District 9, News, pfn

Hunter Myers | October 23, 2025

Current 2025 Records: Model: 67-23 (74%), Me: 73-16 (82%)

Westmont (0-9) vs Penns Valley (1-8): Penns Valley -2

A rematch of last year’s crossover game is on the horizon in Week 10, as the Hilltoppers will travel to play the Rams. Westmont has had a tough season, which was to be expected after a complete overhaul of their offensive scheme, but they have been outscored in games 6.8-45.2. Penns Valley has looked much better in the second half of the season, scoring 23 or more in each of their last three games. I look for a repeat of last season’s match, as Penns Valley should get their second win of the season.

Johnstown (1-8) vs Bellefonte (3-6): Bellefonte -12

This was a crossover matchup no one saw coming, as Bellefonte and Johnstown have seemingly been on different trajectories this season. The Trojans weathered two separate four-game losing streaks this season, bringing their second into this game. Meanwhile, Bellefonte has played very good teams close, like their 7-0 loss to Bishop Guilfoyle or their 33-29 loss to Richland; however, they have been unable to get across the finish line due to their offense, which is only averaging 207 yards per game. Bellefonte’s defense has been lockdown in stretches this year (they held Bellwood to just 190 yards), and they should lead the Red Raiders to a win here.

Somerset (2-7) vs Central (3-6): Central -8

Both of these teams had higher aspirations for their 2025 campaigns, but they will have their chance to end their seasons with some momentum in Week 10. Somerset, which played in the PIAA Playoffs last season, has had a tough time finding offense in 2025, only averaging 184 yards per game and being held under 100 twice. The Dragons beat Bald Eagle last week on a walk-off touchdown, throwing for 246 yards, their second-highest total of the season. I think the Dragons have momentum at the right time and will end their season with a big win (surely not in the last 30 seconds again, right?).

Bedford (2-7) vs Philipsburg-Osceola (4-5): Philipsburg -3

A week after tough losses for both teams, Philipsburg will have their chance to add to their best season since 2011 with a win. Bedford is in a rebuilding stage, allowing their young players like Gabriel Taylor (681 yards passing and 5 touchdowns) and Carter Kozielec (170 yards rushing and 1 touchdown) to get some experience. Meanwhile, Philipsburg has allowed their senior RB Colton Chapman to go for 884 on the ground and 15 touchdowns, with 181 of those yards coming last week. I look for the Mounties’ ground game to get the job done this week.

Central Cambria (4-5) vs Bald Eagle (4-5): Bald Eagle -6

Two teams with records that raise some eyebrows will take the field to do battle against one another in this game. Central Cambria has the opportunity to get to their best record since 2014 with a win behind star RB Ryan Chappell, who has rushed for 1,260 yards (140 per game) so far in 2025. Meanwhile, with a loss, Bald Eagle would drop to their worst record since 2020, but they will have a good chance to win on the backs of their defense, which has held opponents to just 16.4 points per game this year. I think Bald Eagle’s defense will take over this game early, and they will head into the playoffs at .500.

Chestnut Ridge (4-5) vs Tyrone (5-4): Tyrone -6

With both teams entering the game on a 2-2 stretch, Tyrone has clinched their spot, while Chestnut Ridge is still fighting to secure a spot. Chestnut Ridge has played a tough schedule but has their chance at a .500 season on the backs of their potent run game, which eclipsed 370 yards last week against Westmont. However, Tyrone’s defense has played very well this season, winning the turnover margin in all five of their wins and amassing a stunning 55 tackles for loss. I look for Tyrone to play good bend-but-don’t-break defense and get a win in a game that will always be just out of reach for the Lions.

Forest Hills (6-3) vs Bellwood-Antis (5-4): Bellwood -0.6

This has the potential to be the closest game of the week when these two teams take the field on Friday night. Forest Hills is coming off a week where they put up the most points (47) of any team against McCort’s defense (no prior team had scored more than 12) and still lost by 26. Meanwhile, Bellwood shut out Bellefonte 22-0 behind a defense that forced three interceptions. Forest Hills’ offense, behind dual-threat QB Xander Richardson, should provide a larger challenge for Bellwood and carry the Rangers to a win.

Penn Cambria (8-1) vs Clearfield (6-3): Penn Cambria -8

Physicality will be the name of the game when two powerhouses in central Pennsylvania meet in this top LHAC matchup. Penn Cambria has won six in a row, not allowing more than 14 points to be scored in that stretch. Meanwhile, Clearfield has managed to patch the hole left by last year’s graduating class through the incredible play of RB Colton Ryan, who has rushed for 1,118 yards and 14 touchdowns this year (plus 6.5 yards per carry). This should be a tight one through the final quarter, but I think Penn Cambria’s athletes could break an explosive touchdown late to push the Panthers across the finish line.

Richland (8-1) vs Huntingdon (7-2): Richland -20

A surprising third-place matchup in the LHAC is on tap, as Huntingdon flipped their 2024 record (0-10) on its head, while Richland has continued its dominant consistency. Richland has been one of the best offensive teams in the Laurel Highlands, going for 359 yards per game. Huntingdon has been almost the opposite, relying on their defense to win, including three one-possession games. While Huntingdon will have one of the best home-field advantages of the crossover round, I look for Richland to silence the crowd early and head into the playoffs on a high note.

Bishop McCort (9-0) vs Bishop Guilfoyle (8-1) @ SFU: McCort -3 (no home-field for BG)

These teams earned their way into the LHAC Championship, and this will almost certainly be the game of the year. McCort enters with huge momentum, putting up 35 points in the fourth quarter of last week’s game to win 73-47, which was their second-closest game of the year. Meanwhile, Bishop Guilfoyle has played in some closer games the last three weeks, only winning by an average margin of 9.3 compared to their first five-game win margin of 24.6. I give McCort’s explosive offense the edge in this game.

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