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BETHLEHEM- The game plan was easy, Bethlehem Catholic wanted to take it to a stout Parkland defense and put them on their heels. That plan was executed better than they could imagine Friday night at BASD Stadium as the Golden Hawks dominated both sides of the ball in a lopsided 34-7 victory over the Trojans on Homecoming night.
The Hawks were led by quarterback Javon Clements and by all-purpose player Randy Terry III. Clements connected with four different players for scores and threw for 247 yards on 12 of 17 passes with no turnovers. Terry contributed 115 rushing yards and a rushing score as well as one receiving in the contest. Bethlehem Catholic(6-1 overall, 5-1 EPC South) is now in the driver’s seat in the conference, as Nazareth upset previously unbeaten Emmaus Friday night.
Becahi built a 20-0 lead by halftime, that Parkland who only allowed 47 points all year, could not overcome. The first score came on a screen pass from Clements to Terry, who dodged and weaved his way for 43 yards to pay dirt with under two minutes left in the opening quarter. After the defense picked off an errant Parkland pass at the Becahi 46 midway through the second quarter. The Hawks wasted little time taking advantage as Clements hooked up with Daizhun Rhoades for a 43-yard score with 4:43 left before halftime and a 13-0 lead. Bethlehem Catholic struck once again right before the half. The ball was on the Parkland five. Facing a third down situation, Clements’ pass over the middle was tipped by Parkland’s Jahan Worth, but Karim Powell was Johnny-on-the spot for the Hawks as he cradled the ball in the back of the end zone and closed out a dominating half for the home team.
“We wanted to take Parkland out of their comfort zone. Coach Moncman does a great job of disguising defenses. We just wanted to take it to them early and often. Our offense did a tremendous job tonight. We worked hard all week, all year. This is great group of kids,” said an elated head coach Kyle Haas.
The Hawks weren’t about to sit on that lead as the second half started. After receiving the kickoff just over a minute into the third quarter, Clements lofted a perfect pass down the home sidelines. Nick Petros, managed to stay inbounds on his way for a 59 yard score and a 27-0 lead. Bethlehem Catholic’s defense stopped the Trojan run game all evening and held them to under three yards a carry as a team. The Trojans were forced to the air, where the Hawks secondary intercepted QB Michael Ruisch twice.
Parkland, in desperation mode, did manage to avoid the shutout on a 16-yard pass from Ruisch to Connor Bernecker on a fourth and 12 with about six minutes left in the third quarter to cut the lead to 27-7. Becahi sealed the deal, after another interception set the Hawks up at midfield. They drove inside the Trojan five yard line, aided by several penalties on the defense. Terry capped off the drive with a two-yard run with about five minutes left in the contest giving his team the final margin of victory.
Bethlehem Catholic goes on the road next Friday night to face Whitehall(4-3 overall, 3-3 EPC South). Parkland tries to get back on track against winless Pocono Mountain East in Orefield on Friday.
