Blue Devils move past Panthers

By: Brady McConnell  |  November 7, 2025  |  Photo: Cameron Gallagher

The Blue Devils dominated on both sides of the ball Friday night when Bellwood traveled to Blairsville for the District 6 2A Quarterfinals. They took on the River Valley Panthers, and earned a 42-16 victory.

B-A moved on in the playoff picture to now face off against Richland in the District 6 2A semifinals this Friday. The game will take place in Johnstown.

It was the Blue Devils second win in a row at River Valley. Bellwood beat the Panthers 43-14 last year in the first round of playoffs as well.

For a full photo story from the game, click here.

River Valley got the first of their two scores in the first quarter with a 3-yard run from sophomore Jake Woodring.

On the next drive, junior Alex McCartney broke one free for a 44-yard rushing touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. To finish the first quarter River Valley knocked through a 33 yard field goal and led 10-7.

It stayed that way until deep into the second quarter when with 2:39 to go junior Chase Plummer rushed one in for a 12-yard touchdown and a 14-0 lead.

Bellwood retained possession with a little over a minute left in the half and went into the bag of tricks on a hook and lateral play.

Bradyn Partner fired a 6-yard pass to Jeffery Waite, who then lateraled to Alex McCartney for a 53-yard gain.

“We practice that play a few times per week. I was very exited to see the play execute the way it did, and it was a important play in the game,” Partner said.

That play set up a 30-yard touchdown reception from senior Colin Gibbons and a solid 21-10 lead at halftime.

River Valley showed a little life coming out of half time, when Patrick Hilaire scored on a 4-yard rush, but they could never stop the Devils’ offense. With 1:34 McCartney broke his second one free for a 17 -yard rushing touchdown.

Going into the final frame the Blue Devils were up 28-17, and a few minutes into the quarter Plummer rushed for a 24-yard rushing touchdown.

Bellwood had the last score of the matchup, when Gibbons picked up his second touchdown on a 9-yard rushing touchdown.

Next week the Blue Devils will travel to No. 2 Richland, which defeated United Valley 35-12 in the first round.

This game will be the District 6 2A semifinal game.