The Emmaus football team opened up its 2012 season in convincing fashion with a dominating 40-0 victory over Germantown last week.

For the Hornets (1-0) and head coach Joe Bottiglieri, they'll be riding a boost of confidence, and hope to continue that momentum when they take on Bethlehem Catholic (0-1) this weekend.

"It's important to start the season off with a win and we did," said Bottiglieri. "It's good to get that win under your belt. It gives you a sense of confidence and a sense that, coming out of preseason, a sense that the hard work paid off."

Saturday night's contest against the Hawks will open up the 2012 LVC schedule for both squads. The Hawks fell to Pocono Mountain West last week, 35-26.

"The kids are always excited about every game, especially when it's the LVC," said Bottiglieri. "It's like 10 mini-seasons. Each game is a season in itself. Each game is also a playoff game, because in the LVC if you want to make it to the postseason, you have to win your share of games."

The Hawks are led by senior quarterback Anthony Trapani, who has the capability of making plays both on the ground and through the air. Trapani went 16-for-29 for 158 yards and two touchdowns against Pocono Mountain East. He also ran for 34 yards on seven carries.

"Their quarterback is a big, strong kid with a great arm," said Bottiglieri. "They have an outstanding running back in [Michael] McDaniel and the other running back [Joseph] Ruggiero. They're good. They're a solid, solid team."

McDaniel led the Hawks out of the backfield - rushing for 142 yards and a score - and provides a nice compliment to Trapani through the air. Ruggiero scored a 10-yard touchdown on his only carry.

"I think they were a little snake-bitten in the early part of the game against Pocono Mountain West," said Bottiglieri. "But they did move the ball, sustain drives, and they scored four touchdowns. That's pretty good for your first game. There's no doubt they're a much better team than they were a year ago."

Junior wide receiver Chris Figler was Trapani's number one target after week one. Figler showed off his big-play ability by recording 135 receiving yards on just seven catches, while also scoring a touchdown. Meanwhile, senior wideout Tyler Horton had a solid start to the season as well, grabbing five balls for 56 yards and a score.

"We have to be consistent at reading our keys and getting in position to make plays," said Bottiglieri. "We were out of position the other night in certain situations. There's no secrets - it's just read your keys and get to where you have to go and be in your zone or be on your man and make a play. So we need to do that on a consistent basis because they have the ability to score on any play."

Despite putting up 40 points in the opener and pitching a shutout, Bottiglieri would like to see his team polish a few things going forward.

"We have to get some consistency on offense," said Bottiglieri. "We have to get the ball and drive it down the field and score. We really didn't do that."

"We have to sure up our pass defense. I thought we gave up too many yards passing. And we can't turn the ball over like we did on the punt return with them. We got to sure up our special teams."

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Satuday at BASD Stadium in Bethlehem.