With each passing week, the stakes get higher for Bethlehem Catholic’s football team. The Hawks will reach their regular season tipping point this Saturday night when they host Central Catholic at Frank Banko Field.

Kickoff is slated for 7:30 pm giving Bethlehem fans a double dose of football action on Saturday, as Liberty and Freedom square off at 2pm in the afternoon.

Saturday’s matinée will have plenty of allure for fans of both teams, as playoff implications come into play for both sides.

“I’m not sure what the game means for Central, but they probably need to win in order to qualify for districts,” said Hawks’ head coach Joe Henrich. “We know we’re already clinched, but this game certainly has ramifications on seeding.”

The Hawks (8-1) had little trouble dispatching Allen last week 46-8, while Central (5-4) had a ton of problems stopping Liberty during a 75-54 loss.

Liberty ran wild during the surprising affair, racking up 594 yards on the ground, led by Gunner Anglovich’s 391 yards and seven touchdown performance.

“It really was a surprising game,” said Henrich of the result. “Liberty ran the same plays they have been all season. Sometimes that kind of stuff just happens. Neither team was able to get many stops, but I don’t think you can look at one game and let that define them. It’s one week and I’m sure their coaches are going to get into them this week about that. They’ll be ready to play us Saturday.”

Lost in Central’s defensive woes, was their ability to put 54 points up on Liberty’s defense as well. Ethan Persa threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Alvin Pacheco rushed for 177 yards and four touchdowns.

The Vikings offense has been dangerous all season, only being held to less than 21 points twice this season--against Parkland and Freedom.

The Hawks, on the other hand, led 40-0 at halftime over the Canaries last week and had light work in the second half.

All that will change this week, as they prepare for one of their toughest opponents on the season.

“We only have two more weeks of football guaranteed,” said Henrich. “At this point of the season, every game from here on out is big for us. We want to do the right things heading into the postseason and that starts with Central this week.”