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Last year, Central traveled to Bellwood-Antis and was shut out in a 20-0 loss that was part of a 1-5 start of the season.
Things looked bleak for the Scarlet Dragons, only a couple seasons removed from a string of District 6 championships.
But a young Central team won three of its last four games and has carried that momentum into 2026 and will take a 3-0 record into its home game against the Blue Devils tonight. The Dragons are coming off a 21-14 overtime win at rival Tyrone.
"Our guys were overjoyed but totally exhausted," Central coach Jerry Albright said. "They celebrated and were happy, but when they got on the bus -- they were spent. They gave everything they had out on the field. The fact we're 3-0 -- it's been a bit since we have been at that level. The players expected that, but I'm not sure the community did. It's unbelievable right now for us."
It might be going even better for Bellwood-Antis.
The Blue Devils are also 3-0 with wins over Clearfield, Bishop McCort and Huntingdon, and the latter two avenged losses from 2025.
"They are an unbelievable, solid team," Albright said. "We always try to look and see if there's any place we can take advantage of a team where they might be a little deficient in an area. I'll tell you what, it doesn't matter what position it is for Bellwood, they have excellent players. They have fundamentally sound, strong individuals. We're going to have our hands full."
The Blue Devils came into the season with most people already knowing about their strong backfield in Alex McCartney and Chase Plummer, but a breakout star this season has been Bradyn Partner, who played mostly at quarterback last year but has served a more versatile role this season.
"It shows a lot about his unselfishness and him looking out for what is best for the team," B-A coach Nick Lovrich said. "That he was willing to do that -- he did it with no problems. He just wanted to do what was best for the team. He's done a really good job at filling roles. He did it as a sophomore when Holden Schreier was at quarterback and (Plummer and McCartney) were injured. He's done a really good job making plays for us."
In fact, Bellwood-Antis has really spread the wealth on offense this season.
"It probably makes us pretty hard to prepare for when you have a bunch of different guys who can make big plays," Lovrich said. "Bradyn, Alex and Chase have all made big plays this year. You can even throw in our receivers in Jackson Dorminy, Ethan Shawley, Jeffrey Waite and Curtis Shedlock. We have some good skill kids, and a lot of that happens because our line has done a pretty good job."
Central has its own do-it-all player.
"Carter Schenk does everything on offense," Albright said. "He blocks as a tight end and lines up at quarterback and throws and runs the ball. He's also one of our top receivers. (Quarterback Jesse) Muthler didn't have the best game Friday, but he leads by example even as a junior. Everything we want out of a leader -- he keeps things under control, keeps it low key and focuses on the next play."
The Scarlet Dragons also have a much-improved line from last season.
"We have had a lot of linemen step up," Albright said. "We didn't know who our center was going to be going into the season, but Jace Ebersole has really stepped up. He has been in our weight room and done everything we wanted him to do in the offseason. He does a great job getting the play started and does a great job in protection. Ethan Stern and Carter Stewart have done a great job as defensive tackles. They eat up blocks and get several tackles a game. They are controlling the line of scrimmage for us."
Lovrich has been impressed with what he's seen from the Dragons.
"They are different from the team we played last year," Lovrich said. "They kind of remind me of the team when Eli Muthler was the quarterback. His younger brother is doing a great job with them. He throws the ball well. They have some weapons, kind of like they did two or three years ago. They are a really good football team. I think it's going to be a good game."
With expectations rising for both programs, fans will likely need to arrive early to get a good seat and parking space.
"Bellwood has always been a rivalry," Albright said. "When the school was Roaring Spring High School, Bellwood was always a big rivalry for them. Some of the senior residents remember that and love that we are playing them again. In the community, we just have a total support of everything we do, which reminds us of five or six years ago when we had a fantastic run going and it was just expected that we were going to win every year. Now, we're working our way back to that."