PIAA Class 4A State Playoff Preview: Bethlehem Catholic vs Selinsgrove

Tagged under: District 11, District 4, News, Playoffs

Daniel Reed | November 16, 2023

Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks(7-5)-Head Coach: Tyler Ward(1st. Season)

ABOUT THE GOLDEN HAWKS:
Bethlehem Catholic comes in this game with a 7-5 record, don’t let that record fool you however. the Golden Hawks are battle tested playing in District XI’s EPC South Division which mainly consists of both 5A & 6A schools such as Parkland(12-0), and Nazareth(11-1), both of which will be playing each for the DXI 6A title this weekend. Becahi scores just about 21 points a game which isn’t much at this point of the season but, its the defense that is keeping them in the game enough to win in the end. Last two playoff games, Becahi took down two very good teams in Blue Mountain 14 to 0, and ACC 29 to 0. On the season, the Golden Hawk defense has given up an average of 13 points per game. With the victory, the Golden Hawks secured the program’s 14th District title, which ties them with Central Catholic for the most in District XI.

WHO TO WATCH:
*offense*
Cayden Vassa(so)-(QB) – 77-177-6= 1386 yards, 16 touchdowns, 63 carries, 378 yards, 5 touchdowns
Jacob Sutton(sr)-(RB) – 188 carries, 888 yards, 6 touchdowns, 14 receptions, 265 yards, 2 touchdowns
Mekhi LaPierre(sr)-(RB) – 49 carries, 429 yards, 4 touchdowns, 12 receptions, 192 yards, 3 touchdowns
Carter Vassa(fr)-(WR) – 34 receptions, 691 yards, 8 touchdowns

*defense*
Carlos Perez(jr) – 74 tackles, 4 sacks
Ariel Awuah(sr) – 70 tackles, 1 interception
Solomon Sutton(sr) – 62 tackles, 1 interception(TD)

HOW THEY GOT TO THIS POINT:
Week-1: @ Pleasant Valley 28 to 0 (W)
Week-2: vs Whitehall 21 to 34 (W)
Week-3: vs Pocono Mtn. East 7 to 42 (W)
Week-4: vs Bethlehem Liberty 16 to 49 (W)
Week-5: vs Easton 19 to 20 (W)
Week-6: @ Emmaus 0 to 10 (L)
Week-7: vs Bethlehem Freedom 12 to 0 (L)
Week-8: @ Parkland 7 to 40 (L)
Week-9: @ Nazareth 14 to 17 (L)
Week-10: @ Allentown Central Catholic 14 to 24 (L)
Week-11: @ Blue Mountain 14 to 0 (W)-(DISTRICT PLAYOFF)
Week-12: vs Allentown Central Catholic 29 to 0 (W)-(DISTRICT PLAYOFF)
Week-13: vs Selinsgrove TBD ( )-(STATE PLAYOFF RD.1)

Selinsgrove Seals(11-0-1)-Head Coach: Derek Hicks(9th. Season)

ABOUT THE SEALS:
Selinsgrove claimed their second Class 4A District title last week when they defeated a very strong defending 5 time DIV champion Jersey Shore 44 to 19, a Bulldogs team the Seals tied earlier in the season 21 to 21 due to the game being called early from a terrible on field situation. Selinsgrove has other District titles in DIV in Class 3A. The Seals look like a state title contender with their potent offense and stingy defense. Points wise, the Seals are putting up an astounding 44 points per game, giving up just 11.

WHO TO WATCH:
*offense*
Tucker Teats(sr)-(RB) – 159 carries, 1948 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 receptions, 211 yards, 3 touchdowns
Mark Pastore(sr)-(QB) – 83-160-4= 1387 yards, 19 touchdowns
Gavin Bastian(jr)-(WR) – 38 receptions, 629 yards, 8 touchdowns
Ethan Miller(jr)-(RB) – 47 carries, 342 yards, 7 touchdowns

*defense*
Ethan Miller(jr) – 101 tackles, 2 interceptions
Ryan Gavason(sr) – 90 tackles
Devon Mitchell(jr) – 7 sacks, 54 tackles
Caleb Hicks(sr) – 4 interceptions, 24 tackles

HOW THEY GOT TO THIS POINT:
Week-1: vs Delaware Valley 21 to 28 (W)
Week-2: @ Juniata 38 to 8 (W)
Week-3: vs Jersey Shore 21 to 21 (TIE)
Week-4: @ Shamokin 42 to 7 (W)
Week-5: @ Shikellamy 54 to 14 (W)
Week-6: vs Mifflinburg 7 to 63 (W)
Week-7: @ Central Mountain 49 to 14 (W)
Week-8: vs Hollidaysburg 7 to 48 (W)
Week-9: vs Montoursville 7 to 35 (W)
Week-10: @ Midd-West 49 to 0 (W)
Week-11: vs Shikellamy 10 to 58 (W)-(DISTRICT PLAYOFF)
Week-12: vs Jersey Shore 19 to 44 (W)-(DISTRICT PLAYOFF)
Week-13: vs Bethlehem Catholic TBD ( )-(STATE PLAYOFF RD.1)

OUTLOOK:
Can the Golden Hawks score against the tough, stout defense of Selinsgrove, that remains to be seen. With the Becahi defense playing lights out the last two games, can the Seals find an opening to the end-zone, that also remains to be seen. We will all find out this Friday night at 7:00pm at Catasauqua Rough Riders Stadium. The Golden Hawks will need to play a perfect to be victorious. Who ever can bust a couple plays open will be the decider. The winner will get the winner of the Meadville/Juniata matchup.

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