Blue Devils travel to Tyrone to renew Backyard Brawl

By: Colin McClellan  |  September 19, 2025

Bellwood-Antis got a great win last week beating Central at memorial Stadium under the lights. This week, the Blue Devils Friday face a tough match up on the road against Tyrone in the Backyard Brawl.

It will be the 87th meeting in the longstanding rivalry, which began in 1934, before Bellwood and Antis Township High Schools had even merged.

"There is always a lot of excitement for the game and this year will be no different," said B-A coach Nick Lovrich. "I know our student section will be fired up and so will our team for the game. This is what makes high school football so exciting. I hope our kids enjoy the moment of being in such a big game."

The Blue Devils go into this week off a win with a 2-2 record. The Eagles are on a three game win streak and are 3-1. The Eagles’ offense looks consistent, scoring 20+ points in every game so far this season. They’re coming off a road win at Bald Eagle Area, 21-14.

Tyrone this season averages 122.3 rushing yards, and 172.8 passing yards.

That balance presents a challenge to the B-a defense.

"We have to come in with confidence and work together to win Friday," Ethan Shawley said.

Bellwood quarterback Bradyn Partner might be returning after an ankle injury kept him out against Central and Huntington.

The Blue Devils this week look to the run game to defeat the Eagles. They’re averaging 182.5 yards per game on the ground.

Tyrone hopes to get a big win at home to keep their three game winning streak alive.

B-A, meanwhile, would like to solidify a spot in the District 6 2A layoffs. Last week, Bellwood beat Central 20-0, with the team tallying 277 rushing yards. The Blue Devils pounded Central by running the ball 41 times and passing only 5. They also held Central scoreless with an amazing defense. Tyrone

Tyrone's pass game was a big-play attack, only completing 7 passes for 134 yards and averaging 19 yards per catch. Their rushing game produced just 78 yards with 26 carries.

The Blue Devils running back duo of Chase Plummer and Alex McCartney have a combined 732 yards on the season and 9 touchdowns. All of the Blue Devils touchdowns have been from the run game so far this season.

For Tyrone, on the other hand, their quarterback Eli Woomer has thrown for 691 yards with 6 touchdowns. Their running back Caleb Whitby has 315 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. Tyrone’s secondary has 11 interceptions through 4 games this season, while Bellwood has 4 through 4 games. Both teams had beat Central with similar scores.

For the third time since the joined the LHAC in 2023, the Backyard Brawl is a Laurel Highlands Conference East Division I game. It will also go a long way towards determining the playoff fates of the Devils and the Eagles.

"Not only are the bragging rights to who wins the backyard Brawl at stake tonight, but also section standings, and playoff points," Coach Lovrich said.