It’s officially been one week since the varsity football team took the field. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to see what this year has brought to the team.
For starters, on Friday, Aug. 23, the Hawks kicked off their season with a 50-16 win at Seneca Valley.
That was the start of a 7-game win streak. They defeated Mars (46-13), Armstrong (46-7), West Mifflin (62-14), Trinity (49-7), Moon (45-36) and Baldwin (56-6). The Hawks averaged 51 points per game.
Bethel Park only lost two games in the regular season. Both losses were from rivals Upper St. Clair (10-14) and Peters Township (28-31).
The Hawks claimed a spot in the playoffs after a big conference win against South Fayette, 35-14.
The Hawks also broke many records this season. For starters, senior QB Tanner Pfeuffer passed the 6,000 career passing yard milestone. Only 22 QBs in WPIAL history have every done this.
“I am happy to be one of the few all time WPIAL QBs to do so. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without my offensive line giving me the time to throw and my wide receivers making great plays!” Pfeuffer said.
The two-year running back JaVaughn Moore had over 2,000 rushed yards for this season and had over 30 touchdowns!
Senior Jack Bruckner was also a big impact on Hawks’ offense but also on the defense! Bruckner had seven touchdowns, four interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 30 tackles!
“Football is truly more than a game,” Bruckner said. “These past four seasons have been the best years of my life. I have learned so many life lessons that will help benefit me. This team was like my second family and I’m happy to say I will be friends with these guys for the rest of my life. Football has opened up opportunities that I never could have imagined. There’s nothing better than playing at home on a Friday night with the community supporting you.”
After missing seven games, senior Ryan Petras returned to the field against USC. Petras had six touchdowns this season.
“It means so much to me,” Petras said. “High school football brought so many memories over the past four years. Getting to play this game with a bunch of your friends is something really special. Especially when the whole town is being you supporting you in the stands.”
In the playoffs, the Hawks demolished Greater Latrobe 42-7. Moore had four touchdowns and Petras had two.
On the road, the Hawks took care of business against Woodland Hills in the playoffs. The Hawks beat the Wolverines 42-22. Bruckner and Pfueffer each had one touchdown, Petras had two, and Moore had three touchdowns! With the Hawks win, the Wolverines lost their first home playoff loss in school history.
Unfortunately, the Hawks lost to the No. 1 seed Pine Richland 28-7 in the semifinals.
The Hawks had a team record of 8-2, 3-2 in the conference play and 2-1 in the playoffs. Congratulations Bethel Park on another amazing season!
