Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS Juniata's Cam Bargo runs for a gain as Bellefonte's  Landyn Langille and Jackson Long make the tackle.

LEWISTOWN — Friday night was the end of a distinguished winning streak.

For six straight years, Juniata football were known as district champs. But, Bellefonte had other plans in a 17-6 victory in the District 6 Class 4A Championship.

The two have had some close contests in the past but the Indians were always able to come out on top.

This time, despite a hard-fought effort by Juniata, it would be the Red Raiders that would come out of a throwback contest as they battled in a ground and pound contest.

“I appreciate that from the kids,” said Juniata coach Kurt Condo when talking about his team’s gritty play and never-give-up attitude. “They’ve been resilient all year long. They were fighting back from injuries. We haven’t been really healthy since week one. We have a really young group. But I really have to tip my cap to Bellefonte. They’ve been on this side for a couple years now and their kids deserved it. They outplayed us and the coaches outcoached us tonight. Congratulations to them.

The Indians brought a 6-4 mark into the contest while the Red Raiders muscled their way on the ground to capture their first D6 title since 2019.

Bellefonte finished with a regular season mark of 5-6, despite losing their top two quarterbacks.

Finishing up his phenomenal career for Juniata was Jasper Shepps. Shepps was a bright spot for the Indians as he rushed for 31 yards on the ground, a touchdown and 16 yards receiving. He also had a long kickoff return in the middle of the game.

Freshman quarterback Alten Hall led the Red Raiders running attack as he finished with over 100 yards and a touchdown on the ground while his brother Ashten also was successful, rushing for 48 yards and a touchdown as well.

On a wet and rainy night at Mifflin County’s Kish Bank Field at Donald M. Chapman III Stadium, both teams relied heavily on their running game.

Juniata got the ball first but they came up against a fired up Bellefonte defense.

Coming into the second half, Juniata trailed by only 10 points as it kicked the ball to Bellefonte to start the second half.

The Indians’ defense made an early statement as they held the Red Raiders to a three-and-out.

With the ball in their first drive of the second and starting on their own 33, Juniata started its trek to a comeback attempt. They handed the ball off to Ty Rowles. Offensively, Juniata was able to drive downfield to the 39 of Bellefonte.

But, Red Raiders defender Jackson Long made a leaping interception to stop the drive.

Juniata’s defense came up big on its next appearance as they forced yet another fumble which was recovered by Colten Rowles on the Bellefonte seven.

Despite a penalty, Shepps would score two plays later from 12 yards out to close the gap to a 4-point deficit. The PAT was unsuccessful but the Indians were on the board, trailing 10-6 with 3:12 left in the third.

A late fourth quarter fumble by the Indians put the Red Raiders in strong position to add to its lead.

Despite some strong defensive stops by the Indians, the Red Raiders were able to cash in one last time to extend the lead.

Rolling out to pass the ball, Alten Howell found the middle open for him to score on an 8-yard run.

After an early successful fourth down attempt, the Red Raiders were able to get the ball at the Juniata 45.

Led by their freshman quarterback, the Bellefonte squad went on an 11-play drive , concluding with an Ashten Howell 1-yard run and a William Oskin kick with 1:40 left in a very quick first quarter.

Both defenses continued to keep the other at bay until late in the second.

Juniata forced the first turnover when they were able to free the ball from a Bellefonte defender, sending it skyward and in the grasp of Shepps who came up with the turnover.

However, the Red Raiders were able to force their own fumble to end the Indians run at the Bellefonte 39.

The Red Raiders went back to their “bread and butter” going back to the tandem of Alten and Ashten Howell.

The duo and a strong line, pushed the ball downfield and in field goal range.

The Indians stopped the Red Raiders and forced them to a field goal attempt as the first half wound down to its last four minutes.

With 3:58 left in the half, Oskin put through a clutch 23-yard field goal, ending the first half scoring at 10-0.

With the win, the Red Raiders improved to 6-6 and will face Shamokin next week in the state playoffs. Juniata ends their season with a 6-5 record.

Bellefonte 17, Juniata 6

Bellefonte 7 3 0 7 – 17

Juniata 0 0 6 0 – 6

First Quarter

BEL – Ashten Howell 1-yard run (William Oskin kick), 1:40.

Second Quarter

BEL – Oskin 23-yard field goal, 3:58

Third Quarter

BEL – Shepps 12-yard run (kick failed), 3:12.

Fourth Quarter

BEL -Alten Howell 8-yard run (Oskin kick), 8:26.

TEAM STATISTICS BE JUN

First downs 12 8

Total Yards 189 153 Rushes-yards. 178. 114

Yards passing 11 39

Passing (comp.-att.-int.) 2-2-0 4-13-1

Fumbles-lost 4-1 3-2

Penalties-yards 4-20 3-30

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: NE -Alten Howell 20-115, Ashten Howell 12-45, Quinn Park 5-10, Bentlee Hall 7-6, Jackson Long 1-2.

. JUN – Jason Condo 2-(-5),Jasper Shepps 7-31, Devin King 1-6, Tye Rowles 14-42, Cam Bargo 4-10.

PASSING: BE – Alten Howell 2-2 11. JUN – Condo 4-13 39.

RECEIVING : BE – Ashten Howell 2-11.

JUN – Shepps 2-16, Ty Fahnstock 1-5, Jaden Nealman 1-7.