BETHLEHEM — Football fans got a chance to break in the new bleachers on Friday, Sept. 6 but the Eagles lost its Suburban Council opener to Shen 40-7.
The new bleachers and press box were recently completed along with a multi-million renovation project in the Bethlehem Central School District that includes athletic facility improvements like a new baseball diamond.
The student section, always one of the largest and loudest in Section II, is now at the far end, away from the concession stand.
They did, though, have little to cheer about.
Shen took a 7-0 lead after the first quarter with a 13-yard pass from Michael Becker to Billy Beach. Bethlehem quarterback Derek Martelle his Zach Zonca from three yards out to tie it up early in the second but then it was all Shen.
Becker threw a screen pass Dyvante Terrelonge on third down and the junior scampered 66 yards up the sideline for a touchdown to give Shen a 14-7 lead.
Later in the quarter, Bethlehem intercepted a Becker pass, but the play was called back because of a questionable roughing the passer flag. Shen scored on that drive, a seven-yard run by Beach and a two point conversion, to take a 22-7 lead into the half.
In the third, Beach scored his third of the game and Becker hit Dustin Lewis for a 20-yard touchdown. Lewis caught his second touchdown of the game from Brody Vincenzi to round out the scoring.
Bethlehem will play at Saratoga and Shen will host Shaker on Friday, Sept. 13.
Click on a photo below to view a slideshow of the rest.
