Although it was a very low scoring game, the North Penn Knights have added another win to their streak. Going against Bethlehem Catholic (BECA), who was coming off of a tough loss, the Knights hoped to control the tempo of the game. North Penn kicked off to the Hawks, placing them deep in their own zone to start the game. The Knights played tough defense, with big stops by John Kalis and Ian Carpenter. After working their way up the field and taking close to 6 minutes off the clock BECA was forced to punt. Quarterback Adam Hearns made things happen with a 37 yard pass to #5 Jeff Gill after scrambling in the pocket and dodging the Hawks swarming defense. This play led to a 31 yard field goal by Jon Striefsky, giving the Knights a 3-0 lead. BECA could not answer on the next drive and opened up the second quarter with a punt.

The Knights were given poor field position and started the quarter on their own 6 yard line. After a big 8 yard gain by Hearns, North Penn was unable to get more points on the board and punted the ball back to the Hawks. After another long 6 minute drive the Hawks punted the ball away leaving North Penn at their own one yard line. Junior Pete Stoll and senior Adam Hearns combined for 31 yards in the following two plays. After an injury time out, senior Shane Gallagher ran for 15 yards to give the Knights great field position. The Knights were 4 th & 4 and attempted to go for it, but lost the ball on the Hawks 23 with about 30 seconds left in the half. A fumble recovery by Peter Lee gives the Knights great field position and an even better chance to score. However, the Knights could not score a touchdown, with a pass dropped in the end zone. A 40 yard filed goal was attempted but before they could get the kick off, penalties pushed North Penn back, leaving them with few options. This ended the half, with the Knights still leading 3-0.

BECA kicked off to start the second half, and senior John Kalis led the charge with some big carries to give the Knights better field position. Unfortunately a fumble later in the drive gave the Hawks control of the ball. Big yardage was gained on ensuing drives by both Gallagher and Hearns. To end the quarter BECA punted the ball to the Knights leaving them with excellent filed position to start the fourth quarter.

After QB Adam Hearns suffered a minor injury and was taken out (he would later return to the game) number 13, Jimmy Levins came in to lead the Knights on offense. The drive ended on the Hawks 5 yard line as the Knights tried to convert on 4 th & 4. BECA punted the ball away on their possession, giving the Knights the ball on BECA’s 37 yard line. The Knights found their way to the end zone this time, and senior John Kalis scored with just about 2:30 left on the clock. An interception on one of the following plays almost led to another touchdown, but penalties called the ball back to the Hawks 40. North Penn ended the game with possession of the ball inside the Hawks 20 yard line.

The Knights shut out BECA in tonight’s non-league match up, final score 10-0. Their next game is at Cardinal O’Hara on Saturday the 18th, at 1:00 . - Megan Halberstadt, NP 2005