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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Beca shocker: Haas resigns as head coach

The Kyle Haas era has come to an end at Bethlehem Catholic, as the football coach and teacher abruptly resigned last Thursday.

Haas was in the midst of his second season at Bethlehem Catholic, but an email sent out last week by Principal Luke Wilde confirmed Haas was no longer part of the school.

“I am writing to let you know that effective immediately, Mr. Kyle Haas has resigned his teaching and coaching positions at Bethlehem Catholic High School for personal reasons,” Wilde’s email said.

The Hawks named offensive line coach Chuck Sonon as interim coach, making it Sonon’s third term with the program during his 40-year career.

The 68-year-old coached the Hawks most recently from 2002-04, going 22-12 during that stint. He originally led Becahi from 1979-82 and then was the head coach at Emmaus from 1988-93.

The Hawks were 4-3 this season under Haas, but subsequently lost to Parkland 38-14 on Saturday. Becahi went 2-7 last season under Haas, but had the look of an improved team this year.

Athletic Director Chris Domyan didn’t elaborate on Haas’ decision when reached for comment, but thanked Haas for his time.

“I want to thank Coach Haas for his work at Becahi and I wish him the best of luck in the future,” Domyan said. “Coach Sonon will take the reins and lead our football team through the remainder of the season.”

Haas led Northampton to a 19-10 record from 2018-20, before leaving the K-Kids to come back to Becahi, where he served as an assistant from 2011-15 before serving as interim coach in 2016 when Joe Henrich took a year off for personal reasons.

When Henrich returned in 2017, Haas left and coached at Moravian for a season before taking the Northampton job.

Coming into this week, Bethlehem Catholic (4-4) sits atop the District 11 4A power rankings above Central Catholic (4-4), Bangor (6-2) and Pottsville (4-4).

The Hawks may need one victory out of their last two games to clinch a postseason berth, as they play Freedom this Friday night and close out the season with Central Catholic.

Photo by Don Herb Chuck Sonon took over the BC football team.