Business as Usual, Becahi Advances to District Semifinal.
Tagged under: District 11, Gameday Hub, News
Brian Ptashinski | November 3, 2019
Halftime score @Becahi_Hawks 14 @BMEFootball 0. @PaFootballNews @circlewsports @skook_sports @HardCoalCanary @Mommmyto4 @NazarethNo1Fan @BlackDiamondSN @NEPAFootball @SteveLloydWNEP pic.twitter.com/5OWnrOTbDd
— Brian Ptashinski (@BPtashinski) November 2, 2019
BETHLEHEM-It hasn’t come easy this season for the Hawks of Bethlehem Catholic on the gridiron. Coach Joe Henrich’s squad dropped four games in the regular season, including a 31-24 decision to rival Allentown Central Catholic, but when playoff time comes around, win and advance is the motto.
Saturday afternoon before a sparse crowd at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium, the Hawks did just that in a 24-6 victory over a game Eagles of Blue Mountain to head into the semifinal 4A contest next Saturday afternoon at Pottsville, who defeated Wilson Area 42-20.
Blue Mountain’s Delaware Wing-T offense had the Hawks on their heels on the opening drive as the visitors drove from their own 25 into Bethlehem Catholic territory, but a couple of plays went backwards and the Eagles were forced to punt. The rugby-style kick died at the Hawk one yard line. From there enter running back Tavion Banks.
Banks, sitting on 35 touchdowns in his career tied with Eddie Scipio, for the school record broke off tackle and sprinted in for a 99 yard score with 7:41 left in the opening quarter. He finished with 134 yards on just 9 carries.
“He is a hard working kid, he will do whatever it is we ask of him. He leads by example. I couldn’t think of anybody better to hold this record.” Coach Joe Henrich said.
Tavion Banks 99yd run on his 1st carry sets school record for TD"S. 7:41 left 1st quarter. Becahi leads 7-0. @PaFootballNews @circlewsports @skook_sports @HardCoalCanary @Mommmyto4 @NazarethNo1Fan @NEPAFootball @KeithGroller @NEPAFootball pic.twitter.com/Ch4tpk1QKY
— Brian Ptashinski (@BPtashinski) November 2, 2019
Wide Receiver Matt Stianche added two scores on touchdown passes from Jared Richardson. His first on a 20 yard post post pattern with 4:19 left to go in the half to extend the lead to 14-0.
Richardson to Stianche 20yd score. 4:16 till half. Bethlehem Catholic up 14-0. @PaFootballNews @circlewsports @Mommmyto4 @BlackDiamondSN @HardCoalCanary @skook_sports @NazarethNo1Fan pic.twitter.com/yR8LkUQ19X
— Brian Ptashinski (@BPtashinski) November 2, 2019
Stianche’s second score, came after he blocked an Eagle punt that was recovered at Blue Mountain 43. Richardson wasted little time as he connected with his wide-out along the sideline, who outran the defender making it 21-0 with 10:58 left in the game.
After a punt block Richardson to Stianche 41yards @Becahi_Hawks lead @BMEFootball 21-0. 10:58 left in the game. @PaFootballNews @KeithGroller @Mommmyto4 @NazarethNo1Fan @skook_sports @BlackDiamondSN @HardCoalCanary @circlewsports @NEPAFootball pic.twitter.com/xwaHa2OvXC
— Brian Ptashinski (@BPtashinski) November 2, 2019
Blue Mountain avoided being shutout with a 1 yard run by Toby Renniger on a fourth-and-goal situation, after a 61 yard pass play setup the Eagles with its deepest penetration into Hawk Territory.
Placekicker, Anthony Barczynski closed out the scoring with a 30 yard field goal with 4:16 left.
“We were a bit lethargic at the start of the game. We were just a step behind it seemed early. We did enough to win the game, but we are going to have to play much better as we go forward. I believe our kids will respond.” coach Henrich stated.
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