The 2012 season is an overall learning process for the Bethlehem Christian Academy Knights.
The Knights learned the lesson Friday night that injuries are tough to overcome, especially when you end up four deep on the depth chart at running back.
“We had three running backs out of the game by the second quarter,” BCA coach Don Garmon said.
That factor, combined with a larger opponent, resulted in a 44-6 loss by the Knights to Westminster (Augusta) at Legion Field in Monroe. The loss drops BCA to 0-3 for the season while the Wildcats remained undefeated.
“We like to use a four-player rotation at running back and we were down to one,” Garmon said.
Running back P.J. Klein suffered a fluke, pregame injury when he was hit by a teammate who fell into him. The result was a severly bruised foot.
Kevin Green was initially injured two weeks ago with an ankle injury as he took a hard hit while making a tackle.
Starting fullback Danny Sceviour, who is vital to the run game as well as the team’s blocking scheme, also suffered a knee injury.
Wide receiver Jacob Finch was pressed into service in the offensive backfield Friday.
Westminster quickly took a 2-0 lead on a safety during BCA’s first offensive play of the game. The Knights began the series on their own 5-yard line after a penalty on the kickoff return.
The Wildcats then put their first touchdown on the board on a 1-yard quarterback keeper with 9:48 remaining in the opening quarter.
The Knights were unable to move the football and had to punt it back to Westminster, who marched 45 yards for another score and a 16-0 advantage with 7:25 left in the first quarter.
Field position was key for the Wildcats in the first half as they began their first three offensive series inside BCA territory. Westminster would eventually lead 37-0 at halftime.
The teams were even in the second half as the Knights scored on a pass play from quarterback Chandler Garmon to receiver Niko Mailloux.
The senior wideout finished the night with 78 yards on four catches from Garmon.
“I was very proud of our players,” Coach Garmon said. “When you are down 30-0 at halftime, it would be very easy to quit. We came out with as much fire power as we did to open the game. We are seeing our character grow each week. We are looking forward to continuing the season and improving as a team.”
