What started out as football game on the opening kickoff, quickly became a track meet in first half. Neither Bethlehem Catholic or Whitehall could stop one another as they combined for 47 points and 0 punts in the half. Whitehall lead 27-20 at intermission en route to a 48-27 win in a battle of two first place teams in the LVC.“They (Bethlehem Catholic) have a lot of playmakers on that team. It took our defense a little time to adjust to that speed. I feel we did that in the second half.” Whitehall coach Brian Gilbert stated.
Whitehall got the scoring started on their opening drive on a nine yard touchdown pass from Jeff Charles to Conor Sullvan and the PAT by Connor Ilgenfritz gave the Zephys a 7-0 lead. That lead did not last long. On the ensuing kickoff Antwon Keenan took the ball at his own 15 and retuned it 85 yards to paydirt and tied the game at 7. On the Zephyrs next possession, Charles connected on a 56 yard scoring play with Nick Nejad giving Whitehall a 14-7 lead.
Saquon Barkley ran for 99 yards and three scores. One of which was on the very last play of the first half on a one yard run as the horn sounded giving Whitehall a 27-20 advantage.
Whitehall got the first defensive stop of the game at the nine minute mark of the third quarter, as they stopped Keenan on a fouth and three. Becahi returned the favor on the next series.
Then the turning point of the game came, as Becahi had a fouth and nine from near midfield. Jarred Mittl blocked a punt. Mustafa Mitchell scooped up the ball at the 20 and scampered in for a score giving Whitehall a 34-20 lead.
“The game of high school football is about momentum. The blocked punt gave us that momentum. Our defense took advantage.” Gilbert stated.
Whitehall (5-1 overall, 4-1 LVC) keeps pace with both Easton and Parkland atop the LVC. Emmaus, plays Saturday night against Northampton. Becahi falls to 3-2 in LVC.
“This was a very big game for our kids.” Beca coach Joe Henrich stated. “I was disappointed with the way we played tonight.” He added.
The Zephyrs take to the road next week to J. Birney Crum and a matchup with Allentown Central Catholic.
