As Joe Henrich looks back on Saturday night’s 39-34 defeat to Liberty, the Bethlehem Catholic coach hopes there can be silver lining from a performance that surprised the veteran coach.

“I hope this can be a blessing in disguise,” said Henrich when asked what his team can learn from the loss. “You hope this motivates them to be a better team moving forward, but you won’t really know until down the road.”

That begins this week as the season continues with a road trip to Pleasant Valley Friday night, as both teams will be vying for their first wins of the season.

For Becahi, a team that has high expectations this season, Saturday night’s loss was stinging, not only because it was to city rival Liberty, but in the manner it occurred.

The Hurricanes accounted for 510 yards of offense, 303 came through the air, as Liberty quarterback Doug Erney enjoyed a marvelous night, completing 13-of-19 passes for 303 yards and two touchdowns. He also was a menace with his feet, running for 135 yards on 15 carries and two more scores.

Liberty built a 39-13 lead heading into the fourth quarter before the Hawks used a late rally with three touchdowns in the final quarter to draw close, but it was too little too late.

“It really comes down to mistakes and we made too many of them against a good team in a week one contest,” said Henrich. “I thought our defense looked good throughout the preseason. We were running well to the ball and tackling well, but they just kind of freelanced out there at times [on Saturday]. It really was surprising.”

Pius X transfer, wide receiver Nate Stewart, was part of the come back bid for the Hawks, as he hauled in four catches for 159 yards and three touchdowns.

Stewart hauled in a pair of fourth quarter scores from 60 and 47 yards. Quarterback Julian Spigner was 13-for-28 for 190 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

But if the Hawks needed any type of wake-up call, Henrich hopes it came last week as they prepare for the Bears Friday night.

Pleasant Valley nearly upset the Hawks last season, losing a 40-38 encounter, which saw Becahi score the final 19 points of the contest for the come from behind win.

“I think if there’s one thing that our guys will be better at this season, it’s taking these type of games more serious,” Henrich said. “I think last year, some guys didn’t respect the teams up north that much. After what happened against PV last year and our loss to Stroudsburg, guys should be ready to go.”