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Payback is Sweet as Bethlehem Catholic Captures District XI Gold Over Rival

Tagged under: District 11, Gameday Hub, News, pfn, Playoffs

| November 12, 2023

Bethlehem Catholic Overcomes Adversity to Romp in the District XI 4A Championship.

WHITEHALL- Revenge Is Sweet! The last two times that the Golden Hawks of Bethlehem Catholic faced off with their rivals from Allentown Central Catholic did not end well for the brown and gold. In week 10 of the regular season, what has been known as the “Holy War” in the Lehigh Valley, the Vikings came out on top 24-14 and in the 2022 District 4A championship a disappointing 14-7 loss, in which there was a skirmish among fans in the stands after that game.

Saturday night at Zephyr Stadium in Whitehall, all that disappointment was put in the rear-view mirror as the Golden Hawks posted a convincing 29-0 victory over the Vikings in capturing a District XI 4A championship. The program’s 14th title but first since 2018.

Allentown Central Catholic came in ranked in the top ten in the state in the latest Pennsylvania Football News Rankings, but that didn’t impress Becahi as they controlled bot sides of the ball much of the contest. On the opening drive the Golden Hawks drove 80 yards and capped off the drive with an eleven yard pass from Sophomre quarterback Cayden Vassa connected with WR Bryce Medina on a fourth down play, as Medina made a fantastic catch along the sidelines in the end zone for a 6-0 as the PAT was unsuccessful.

Running back Mekhi Lapierre scored on a six yard score with 5:55 left in the second quarter. Again though the PAT was no good leaving the score at 12-0.

Vassa, who struggled two weeks ago by throwing for just 31 yards on 3 of 13 passing, came out and put up some efficient numbers going 8 for 12 passing and 15 yards and three scores. He also gained 90 yards rushing on eight carries.

The Golden Hawks offense left some points on the field as a long 54 yard pass from Cayden to his younger brother Carter Vassa was wiped out by a penalty and they had two drives stall in the red zone that ended on loss of downs.

The defense played quicker and tougher as they kept the vaunted Viking offense off the scoreboard. Central Catholic only managed three first downs for the entire game and QB Antonio Fontenez was harassed all night by the swarming Hawks defense. The deepest penetration that Central Catholic could muster was to the Becahi 24 late in the game.

Vassa struck again with a 43 yard touchdown pass to Jacob Sutton in the flat and Sutton did the rest breaking tackles down the sidelines and diving into the end zone for a 20-0 lead as the Vassa to Vassa connection hooked up for the two-point conversion with just 46 seconds before half making the score 20-0 at intrmission.

After a perfectly placed punt backed the Vikings up in the shadow of their goal line. RB Dante Hamilton was dropped in the end zone for a safety and Beca had a 22-0 lead with 5:09 left in regulation.

The final touchdown of the night came on a 32 yard pass from Vassa to Bryce Medina with 3:55 left making it 29-0.

Bethlehem Catholic (7-5) had a roller-coaster ride this season, winning their first five games followed by a five game losing streak, but now has two straight shutout wins as they defeated two loss Blue Mountain last week 14-0. The Golden Hawks will now have a PIAA state playoff game next Friday at 7pm against District $ champion Selinsgrove Seals (11=0-1) who knocked off Jersey Shore 44-19. Catasauqua MS is looking like the host of that game.

Bethlehem Catholic coach Ty Ward had this to say after his team’s win Saturday.

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
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