Bethlehem Catholic head coach Kyle Haas was happy with his team’s 21-0 victory over Pocono Mountain West last Saturday, but he wasn’t happy with the way they got there.

“We needed to figure out a way to put them away,” said Haas about his offense. “The defense played great again. We held them to 100 yards to total offense.

“It seems like our defense is ahead of our offense right now.”

Haas realizes the importance of the situation as his unbeaten Golden Hawks (2-0) will travel to Nazareth Friday night with the unbeaten Blue Eagles (2-0) in a game that could either solidify or fracture their season.

Nazareth is coming off a dominating performance over previous undefeated Parkland in which they posted an impressive 28-10 victory. Nazareth rolled up 313 yards of total offense, balanced well between 169 yards rushing and 144 yards passing. Quarterback Sonny Sasso is regarded as one of the best in the Lehigh Valley.

“We had too many dropped passes and blown assignments,” reflected Haas. “We couldn’t get a rhythm going all night. We need to mature as an offense. We weren’t as mentally ready to play against them as we were Whitehall. The kids were probably thinking about Nazareth next week and that they would get through this one.

“We can’t afford another effort like that one.”

Haas knows the cupboard will be filled Friday night.

“I watched their game against Parkland and it was packed at Nazareth,” said Haas. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many people.

“They have a very good quarterback, good wide receivers, and a good running back. One of their tackles is a very good wrestler. They must be in good shape because most of their guys are two-way players, and they play a lot of man-to-man defense.

“We can’t afford mistakes.”

Against Pocono Mountain West, quarterback Luke Thomas went 12-for-20 for 145 yards with a touchdown. Running back Rahmel Terry rushed for 98 yards with a score, and wide receiver Jaiden Ellis-Lahey caught four balls for 74 yards with a score.

Haas stated Terry left the game early due to an ankle sprain. He was held out of practice until Wednesday, and should be able to go against Nazareth. Jacob Sutton added 42 yards.

“We share the wealth running the ball,” said Haas. “When (Terry) gets holes, he can find a lot of room. He is still getting his legs back from his surgery last year.”

The key to success for the Hawks for the rest of the season will be to find their identity on offense.

“We need to figure out what we do well and stay with that,” stressed Haas. “We have been doing a combination of things.”

Yet, Haas appreciates the overall climate around his team this year.

“I’m glad we had this game,” he said. “We’ll take the win and we need to put it behind us.

But there is no finger pointing this year. That’s big for us.”

PREDICTION: Nazareth has allowed 16 points defensively in two games. They plastered Dieruff, 48-6, in their opener…Many will remember last year’s matchup between the two teams in which Nazareth rallied for 28 second-half points to stun Becahi, 42-41 ... In the shortened 2020 COVID season, Nazareth blanked the Hawks, 21-0 ... The Golden Hawks hold the top spot in the District 11 Class 4A bracket, while the Blue Eagles are No. 3 in the 6A bracket ... This looms as a huge character test for Becahi, and Haas will rely on his defense. Their offense has to be more consistent, and the Golden Hawks have the firepower. Becahi can’t afford to fall behind early as Nazareth will bring plenty of momentum to the table ... Hawks can hang tough here, but it looks to be too much firepower to handle. If they can play ball control with Terry and the running game, it will be tight in the end ... Hawks will challenge the Eagles ... Coach Haas, there is a Pott’s in Nazareth. Tell the bus driver to make a stop for three dogs with everything for me ... NAZARETH 28-21.