The Emmaus football team won its second straight game as the Hornets came out of a defensive battle with previously-unbeaten Bethlehem Catholic last Friday on the better side of a 10-0 score.

While the 10 points were Emmaus’ second-fewest this season, the Hornet defense posted its second shut of 2023 to lead the team to the win.

Benjamin Mercado led the defense with eight tackles, including one for loss. Robert Edwards had five tackles, including two for loss as the Hornets made eight tackles in the Golden Hawk backfield in the game.

Rafael Terrero, who had a touchdown reception in the win, made four tackles and had an interception against Beca. Samuel Stephens and Connor Ravier each had four tackles, including one for loss. Jasiyah Banks had three tackles and one sack. Mario Landino had three tackles, including one for loss.

The Hornets controlled the ball in the game, running 53 offensive plays to just 30 for Bethlehem Catholic. They also outgained the Hawks with 230 total yards (105 rushing, 125 passing) to just 84 (29 passing, 55 rushing) fort Beca.

Emmaus had 22 first down in the win while its defense allowed just five for the Hawks.

Emmaus took the early lead on a 37-yard Will Buck field goal in the first quarter and capped the scoring in the second quarter when Terrero caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Josiah Williams for a 10-0 lead.

Terrero caught four passes for 81 yards in the win, while Williams completed 9 of 21 passes for 125 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Williams also led the Hornet running game with 49 yards on 15 carriers. Riley Guiffre ran the ball 11 times for 32 yards.

The Hornets (3-3) return to the .500 mark after snapping a three-game losing streak a week before beating Bethlehem Catholic. They travel to Cottingham Stadium to take on Easton Friday night. The Red Rover (3-3) have faced a tough schedule thus far, with their losses coming to Central Catholic (37-20), Whitehall (27-0) and Bethlehem Catholic (20-19).

With four games remaining in the regular season, Emmaus is in fifth place in the District 2/4/11 subregional rankings. The top eight teams qualify for PIAA subregional playoffs. After Easton, the Hornets host Liberty and Freedom before traveling to Parkland for the season finale.