It didn’t take Bethlehem Christian Academy football coach Don Garmon long to sum up what the difference was in his team’s season opening loss to Augusta Prep.
“It’s real easy to break down,” Garmon said. “All of their scores were from our turnovers or a result of onside kicks they recovered.”
In addition, the Knights coach said his team did not capitalize when it had opportunities from turnovers. The end result was a 36-14 Augusta Prep win to spoil the season debut for BCA, which is playing a full varsity schedule for the first time in 2012.
“We also got beat in the trenches,” Garmon said. “They ran a lot of veer and used that dive play for big chunks of yardage. Any time they tried to run outside on us, we were able to stop it.”
Despite the loss, several Knight players had strong performances. P.J. Klein, playing at Sam linebacker, caused a fumble and made several backfield tackles. Jacob Fincher had an interception and Graham Doolittle recovered a fumble.
“On the bright side we were able to force five turnovers,” said BCA defensive coordinator Nick Pou. “Anytime we can win the turnover battle like we did, we are giving our team a chance to win. I think we are more football savy this year and know our assignments better and it showed in the game. I think we have a few issues to strengthen, but overall, I think it was a good first game for many players on the defensive side.”
On the other side of the football, there were some bright spots as well.
“Offensively, we were able to do some good things,” Garmon said. “We moved the ball at times. If we could have limited the turnovers, we would have had a good chance to win.”
Kevin Green had a touchdown reception and a 60-yard run for a score.
Chandler Garmon passed for approximately 150 yards in the opener.
Niko Mailloux had several receptions along with Klein. Danny Scevious also made positive gains from the offensive backfield.
On special teams, Mailloux excelled with his punts.
“After the game, I had our players look at the scoreboard and told them the score did not indicate what we were about,” Garmon said. “We have put too much work in and we have too much talent for the score to end up like that. We just have to get back at it.”
Garmon said he wanted to stress that Augusta Prep was well coached and knew their assignments.
“They are a AAA school and are one year ahead of us in building their program,” the BCA coach said. “I have to compliment them on how they played.”
