Michael McDaniel scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime for Bethlehem Catholic against Southern Lehigh in last year's District 11 3A championship.

This past Saturday night, McDaniel opened and closed the contest with touchdowns as Saucon Valley proved to be no match for Becahi during a 49-7 mercy-rule route in the District 11 3A championship.

Saturday's championship made it back-to-back titles for the Becahi program, the first time they've achieved that since the 2001-2002 season.

McDaniel has been a consistent scorer for the Hawks all season and he continued to be a menace for the opposition last week, as he rushed for 267 yards and three touchdowns to lead his team into this Friday's PIAA first round contest against District 2 champion Crestwood at J. Birney Crum Stadium.

"It just shows that if you put the time in and work hard and are on the same page as everyone else, anything is possible," said McDaniel of winning his second straight district title. "I think last year we were a little more nervous going into the district final, but that experience really helped us this time around."

Saucon Valley did move the ball on Becahi in the first half, as they missed a 31-yard field goal on their first to give them the lead.

The Panthers moved inside the Hawks 25-yard line three of their first four drives, but stalled each time without any points, as running back Evan Kulver had an impressive night with 163 yards rushing to go with a score.

By the time Kulver reached the end zone in the third quarter, Becahi had already been up 35-0 with the mercy-rule in effect.

Quarterback Julian Spigner threw for 170 yards and three touchdowns, two of which were 49 and 50 yard TD throws to wideout Elijah Fineran, who caught four passes for 129 yards.

"We'll love every minute of it because two years ago we were 1-9," said Hawks head coach Joe Henrich. "We've come along way and our kids believed and bought in. There's always bumps in the road and I'm just really proud of where we're at as a program."

Henrich knows the importance winning can bring to a program, especially one that was as storied as Becahi's.

Bringing that back was important for the coach, as they transition into focusing on the state playoffs this week.

"We take a lot of pride in what we do and we have great kids here at Becahi," Henrich said. "These kids were here when we were 1-9 and they continued to work and do the right thing. I think every time you get in these situations, you'll be better when you come back. Hopefully, we have a different outcome this year in states as well."