The Bethlehem Christian Academy football team enjoyed the thrill of victory for the first time in 2012 last Friday as the Knights held on for a 31-26 victory against Central Fellowship on the road.
BCA (1-3 overall) built what seemed to be a safe 31-6 second half lead before the Lancers stormed back with the help of two onside kick recoveries.
“It’s great to be on the winning side, even though we tried to give it back to them,” Knights coach Don Garmon said. “We weren't trying to be real conservative with it although we did try to run the football some to keep the clock going.”
Instead, the coach said, some “unfortunate” things began to unfold and what had been a sure victory, suddenly became in doubt. In fact, Central Fellowship had possession as time expired.
It was a huge effort by senior Niko Mailloux who scored four touchdowns, including two on pass receptions, one on a blocked punt return and one on an interception return. Mailloux caught six passes for 74 yards.
Quarterback Chandler Garmon threw for three scores and 174 yards.
“We still left some points out there,” Coach Garmon said. “We had some overthrows and under throws.”
Jacob Fincher also caught a 48-yard touchdown reception.
“In the fourth quarter especially, we had some penalties which brought back some good plays,” Garmon said. “On the other side of the football, our defensive backs were exhausted.”
“A win is always a good thing but we have to get better at finishing games,” said BCA offensive coordinator Lance Fendley. “We played a better football game than they did, but if you were to look at the score it wouldn’t seem that way. But, all in all, I think this win will produce a different BCA team for this week. I thought we ran our offense well at times, but we are still turning the ball over way too much. We have to become more consistent with the way we are operating.”
Defensively, BCA had 11 tackles for negative yards, two blocked punts and two quarterback sacks.
“We had two interceptions and a fumble which helped them get back in the game,” Garmon said. “They were a very physical team. They didn’t have a great number of players, but pound-for-pound, they were a bigger team. Even on third and 12, they weren’t able to run it. Their lead blocks and offensive line were key for them.”
Fincher intercepted two passes as did Mallioux. Matt Masters recovered two fumbles.
“I am so proud that we forced six turnovers,” Garmon said. “That says a great deal about our defense.”
The Knights open Region 1-A play this week in Stillmore as they face David Emanuel Academy.
