Bethlehem Catholic head football coach Kyle Haas was relieved to have his team get their first win last week in a 55-7 thumping of Pocono Mountain West.

“It feels nice to get the first win,” said Haas. “Obviously, it takes a team some time to adjust to a new system. There are a lot of things we have to do better in order to compete in the EPC South.

“We have to identify the issues and fix them. But I was happy with the emotion the lids played with.”

Haas noted the team managed to shake the slow start they encountered in each of their first two games. The Golden Hawks trailed 7-0, but they reeled off 55 consecutive points and posted 437 yards of total offense.

“In our first game against Northampton, we didn’t execute well at the start,” said Haas. “We fell behind 20-0 against Whitehall, and it was difficult for the kids to come back.

“Pocono Mountain scored first, and we knew we had to respond. We need to have each person understand what they are doing. We don;t have that right now, and we’re continuing to work it out.

Haas was impressed with the play of quarterback Jared Richardson, who threw and ran for two touchdowns - one a 51-yard sprint - apiece and completed 19 of 28 passes for 231 yards passing. Richardson struggled to find his consistency in the team’s first two games.

“He has the ability to make big plays at any time in the game,” stressed Haas. “He also can quickly take over a game. He is a great leader and a good kid. He made some throws that I thought were outstanding.

“We would like him to be more patient in the pocket, but he is a dynamic player. He will get better as the season goes on.”

Haas expects to have a number of players -- mainly linemen -- soon, some possibly back this week against Nazareth.

Tackle/defensive end Eli Thompson has been in concussion protocol and should be back. Guard/defensive end Stephen Hattala suffered a stress fracture, and his timetable isn’t known. Defensive tackle Justin Kanyuk has an Achilles strain and should be back.

Running back Kyle Melson has a hip injury and his return is questionable at best, and running back Ramel Terry (ACL) and center/defensive end Mario Pastrana (ankle) are likely lost for the season.

“We have had some inexperienced people in there, and they have had their growing pains,” stated Haas. “We truly have had the best 11 we can put out there.

The Golden Hawks will host Nazareth (2-1), who is coming off a hard-fought 43-40 loss to undefeated Parkland, Saturday afternoon at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium. Nazaret quarterback Sonny Sasso threw for 388 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Nolan Lobb was the recipient of all four touchdowns with 12 catches for 253 yards

“They will like to pack the box, but they can also send a number of people on defense,” said Haas. “They have some fast skill people, and they will be a challenge for us.

“If we play our best football, we can compete with anybody. There is a lot of parody in the league.”

PREDICTION: Last week’s convincing win was huge for the Hawks. They aren’t a 0-3 team and haven’t played their best football yet. Richardson proved he can be one of the best players in the league. But this will be a test for the Golden Hawks’ defense against the high-powered Nazareth passing attack. They allowed just 36 yards passing last week.

Becahi should get some of their wounded back on the bench, and they can’t afford to get off to a slow start. Both teams need the game to stay in the EPC hunt, and this will be a good one. Richardson apparently has found his niche, and he should be able to post some impressive numbers. I have a sentimental feeling toward the Hawks here, but Nazareth head coach Tom Falzone is one of my favorite persons...BECAHI 27-24.