VIDEO RECAP: Bethlehem Catholic’s Cayden Vassa Shines in 35-14 Victory over Emmaus

Tagged under: District 11, Game Photos-Videos, Gameday Hub, News, pfn

Cody Brady | August 30, 2025

Week 2 Becahi v Emmaus by PAFootball Newsdotcom

Cayden Vassa’s 55-yard touchdown run on the second play of the third quarter put Bethlehem Catholic ahead by three touchdowns in the Hawks’ 35-14 victory over the Green Hornets. Vassa accounted for five touchdowns and over 400 yards of total offense on a very productive evening at BASD Stadium.

Following a quick three-and-out for Emmaus to start the game, the Golden Hawks went on a 75-yard drive that culminated with a Cayden Vassa 17-yard touchdown run.

A turnover on downs at the Bethlehem Catholic 28 gave the Hawks the ball back. Vassa hooked up with Rodney Brodie for a 38-yard completion, but the drive ended on a 4th & 8 sack by Asher Dougherty.

Axel Burkart returned the favor on the very next play, catching Emmaus QB Jerek Cooper in the backfield for a nine yard loss. Emmaus would drive all the way to Beca’s 15, but another turnover on downs kept the Hornets off the scoreboard well into the second quarter.

On the opening play of Bethlehem Catholic’s ensuing possession, Cayden Vassa ran 87 yards to the house, putting his team ahead 14-0 with 5:30 left in the opening half.

Jerek Cooper showed off his own speed and responded three plays later when he went 49 yards to pay dirt. The touchdown marked the first of the season for Emmaus, who was shutout last week by Neshaminy.

Bethlehem Catholic responded just before halftime, as Cayden found brother Carter deep along the far sideline. Carter took it 26 yards for the score with 24 seconds to play in the quarter. Emmaus would have a shot to respond, as Cooper ran for 17 to set his team up at the Hawks’ 34. The next play would be a ball batted down in the end zone to end the half.

Two plays into the third quarter, Cayden Vassa notched his third rushing touchdown of the night, this time going 55 yards and increasing the lead to 28-7.

Following a Vassa interception, Emmaus took over on the Hawks’ 22 and Cooper cut the deficit to 28-14 with a 10-yard run. Plenty of time remained, with 5:39 to go in the third quarter.

Bethlehem Catholic only needed four plays to score again, as Cayden Vassa broke through the middle of the line for a 66-yard score. Both Vassa brothers picked off Jerek Cooper in the final stanza to squelch any hopes of a comeback.

On the night, Cayden Vassa ran for 271 yards and four scores. He threw for 155 and another. Meanwhile, Jerek Cooper was held to three passing yards and was picked off twice. The Golden Hawks compiled over 400 rushing yards and over 550 total offensive yards, overcoming ten penalties that included five personal fouls.

Despite playing a clean game with no penalties, Emmaus struggled to get going most of the night. Jay Santos ran 25 times for 112 yards. Kai Jefferson-Rushing was unavailable for the game due to injury. Emmaus is now 0-2 for the first time since the 2013 season.

Both squads will make a trip to Berks county next week; Emmaus takes on Reading and Bethlehem Catholic will square off with Berks Catholic.

Follow LSV Sports on X: @LSVSports

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews