The LHAC Power Index Week 9 Predictions

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

Hunter Myers | October 15, 2025

Current 2025 Records: Model: 59-21 (73%), Me: 65-14 (82%)

Penn Cambria (7-1) @ Greater Johnstown (1-7): Penn Cambria -33These two teams entered 2025 with new coaches at the helm, Jason Grassi for the Panthers and Tony Penna Jr. for Johnstown; however, their respective seasons have headed in opposite directions. Penn Cambria has hit its stride recently, winning five straight by an average score of 36.4-8.2. Greater Johnstown suffered a tough loss last week to Penns Valley, as their offense looked much improved, gaining 371 yards and scoring their most points since Week 10 of last season. Unfortunately for the Trojans, Penn Cambria’s defense will be a much more difficult test, and the Panthers should take this one easily.

Penns Valley (1-7) @ Huntingdon (6-2): Huntingdon -12

Last week signified something special for both teams: Penns Valley celebrated its first win of the season, while Huntingdon responded to an uncharacteristic Week 7 loss with a 28-9 blowout of Bedford. The Rams threw for 240 yards and a touchdown, while their defense held Johnstown out of the end zone on the Trojans’ final four-minute drive, giving them a three-point win. Meanwhile, Huntingdon got a huge win over the Bison, rushing for 200 yards and three touchdowns, and holding the opposing offense to just 141 yards. I believe Huntingdon will continue to inch closer to the playoffs with another win over Penns Valley.

Chestnut Ridge (3-5) @ Westmont (0-8): Chestnut Ridge -13

While Westmont changed its offense from the classic wing-T to a more balanced attack, this game will still be decided by the ground game. The Lions boast a talented rusher, Jayden Imler, who rushed for 277 yards and four touchdowns against Bedford in Week 5. The Hilltoppers have been inconsistent against the run, especially against strong backs like Penn Cambria’s Corbin Vinglish and Tyrone’s Caleb Whitby, who both rushed for 150+ against Westmont. Look for a big game from Imler, boosting Chestnut Ridge to its fourth win of the season.

Bedford (2-6) @ Richland (7-1): Richland -31

Two seasons ago, this would have been a marquee matchup in the Laurel Highlands; however, things change, and after the loss of key talent, the Bison find themselves amidst a rebuild. Bedford has struggled on both sides of the ball, but their sophomore QB Gabriel Taylor has improved as a dual-threat rusher, eclipsing the 100-yard mark just a week ago. Richland played its closest game of the season last week, a four-point win over Bellefonte, but the Rams scored 13 points in the final frame to keep their four-game win streak intact. Richland’s defense (12.25 points allowed per game) should be able to make the young quarterback uncomfortable, giving them the win.

Bald Eagle (4-4) @ Central (2-6): Bald Eagle -5

Both teams started 2025 at 1-3, but Bald Eagle managed to climb their way back to .500, while Central has been unable to turn its fortunes. Bald Eagle’s defense has been incredible in the second half of the season, holding opponents to 8.5 points per game in their last four. Meanwhile, Central’s offense has steadily improved, passing for 270 yards last week, their best performance of the season. While it’s Central’s homecoming and their offense has improved, Bald Eagle should quickly lock down their attack, pushing the Eagles over the five-win mark.

Central Cambria (3-5) @ Somerset (2-6): Central Cambria -4

These two teams are in a tier above the bottom teams, yet still a few notches below the better ones. Central Cambria’s three wins are against teams with a 17% win percentage, while their losses come to teams with a 63% win percentage. Somerset’s numbers are very similar, with their two wins coming over teams with a 6% win percentage and their losses to teams with a 75% win percentage. Judging by this pattern, I believe Central Cambria is the better team and will take the win.

Bellefonte (3-5) @ Bellwood-Antis (4-4): Bellwood -3

This game will feature a potent rushing attack against a prolific defense, and both units have improved each week of the season. Bellefonte enters Week 9 off a mammoth effort against Richland, where they lost despite holding the Rams to their lowest win margin of the season, four points. The Blue Devils beat Chestnut Ridge 46-28, rushing for 216 yards behind an experienced offensive line. Bellefonte has been the toughest team to predict all year, but I am going to take their defense to get the win in a very close game.

Forest Hills (6-2) @ Bishop McCort (8-0): McCort -14

There are no rest weeks in the Laurel Highlands, and Forest Hills will find that out as they play another team with a record of 7-1 or better (four games in total). The Rangers lost 28-14 last week against BG, as they had their worst offensive showing in the last four weeks with only 260 yards of offense. The Crushers continued to steamroll last week, with their fourth straight win of 35+ points, forcing two shutouts in that time. While I think the Crushers’ 35+ point win streak will end, I think their eight-game win streak will continue with a victory over the Rangers.

Philipsburg (4-4) @ Tyrone (4-4): Philipsburg -0.04

The District 6 Class 3A matchup of the year will take place under the lights of Gray Veterans Memorial Field on Friday night, as the Golden Eagles and Mounties face off with a playoff spot on the line. Philipsburg enters Week 9 with 600 PIAA Power Ranking Points, behind a strong rushing attack that has averaged 172 yards per game. Tyrone brings 630 ranking points into the matchup, with a much more balanced offensive attack that has accounted for 286 yards per game (44% rush/56% pass). It is hard to pick against Coach Franco in a game this important, and I think Tyrone’s third-down passing will also play a role, securing the huge win for the Golden Eagles.

Clearfield (6-2) @ Bishop Guilfoyle (7-1): Bishop Guilfoyle -16

This game is for all the marbles on the east side of the Laurel Highlands, as the winner will represent their respective conference in the LHAC championship game against Bishop McCort next week. Despite losing most of their offensive production in the offseason, Clearfield has stampeded its way back to the top behind talented RB Colton Ryan (986 rush yds, 13 TD) and passer Xavier Richardson (983 pass yds, 9 TD). Bishop Guilfoyle suffered from the injury bug early in the year but finds itself in a similar spot as in its 2024 campaign, as ATH Jake Kissell has a league-leading 17 rushing touchdowns to pair with 974 rushing yards. I think the margin of victory will be much closer than 16, but I will take the Marauders to win and head to an interesting Week 10 matchup against Bishop McCort.

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