By Katie McDonald

Bethlehem Catholic put up the first points in the District XI Class 4A final against Allentown Central Catholic, but the Vikings scored all the rest and were declared district champs in their 14-3 victory over the Golden Hawks on Saturday afternoon at Whitehall High School.

“They made some plays, and we left some plays on the table. That’s the bottom line,” said Becahi coach Chuck Sonon. “Months ago, people counted us down and out, so to get to the championship game, it’s a hell of an accomplishment, but it still stings.”

Jeremy Fyrer’s early field goal gave the Hawks a 3-0 lead and Beca’s defense held the Vikings scoreless for the first quarter.

Robert Williams recovered a Central Catholic fumble for the Hawks, but Becahi couldn’t capitalize on the turnover.

After Central running back Caiden Shaffer scored the Vikings’ first touchdown four minutes into the second quarter, Becahi had an opportunity to answer with a fourth-and-one from Central’s 34-yard line, but the Vikings ended up taking over on downs.

Central quarterback Tamlin Ferguson was sacked consecutively, however; first by Antonio Ramos-Dobbins and then by Joshua Doane, setting up the Hawks on Central’s 37-yard line with 2:28 remaining in the half.

Becahi quarterback Luke Thomas’s pass to Jaiden Ellis-Lahey was dropped in the end zone, but Thomas connected with his wide receiver on the next play after a 15-yard penalty against the Hawks, who were unable to score before halftime.

After a 0-0 third quarter, Thomas completed a pass to Ellis-Lahey for 25 yards and a first-and-10 from Central’s 20-yard line, but the Hawks were intercepted in the end zone on third-and-6, and with 3:48 remaining in the game, Shaffer made the interception count for Central to put the Vikings up, 14-3.

The Hawks rushed to make something happen with time winding down but were intercepted in the end zone by Travis Foster.

“They worked so hard and have had to overcome so much adversity. It’s just a shame to end this way,” Coach Sonon said. “It’ll take a little bit of time. The sun will come up tomorrow. They worked so hard, and

I was very, very proud.”

Central Catholic will advance to the PIAA State football tournament on Friday night when they will face undefeated Jersey Shore at Williamsport High School.