Football Game Preview: Bethlehem Center Bulldogs vs. California Trojans

The Bethlehem Center Bulldogs are taking a road trip to square off against the California Trojans at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Bethlehem Center will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more points each game than the last.

Bethlehem Center took a loss when they played away from home last Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. Their defense stepped up to hand Mapletown a 48-0 shutout. The win was some much needed relief for the Bulldogs as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Bethlehem Center found their leader in sophomore Enzo Brown, who rushed for 54 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only seven carries, and also picked up 39 receiving yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Bethlehem Center's defense and their three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Homer Headlee, Blake Stopko, and Brody Bebout, who each picked up one sack apiece.

Meanwhile, California won against Carmichaels last Friday with 50 points and they decided to stick to that point total again on Friday. The Trojans didn't even let West Greene on the board, marking the Trojans' second-straight 50-0 shutout. Considering the Trojans have won five contests by more than 29 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Bethlehem Center better keep an eye on Malachi Peak. He was instrumental in California's win, rushing for 200 yards and three scores on only 15 carries. Those 200 rushing yards gave Peak a new career-high. Landon Abercrombie was another key player, rushing for 67 yards and a pair of TDs on only nine carries.

Bethlehem Center's record now sits at 2-6. As for California, their record is now 7-1.

Bethlehem Center was dealt a bruising 56-14 loss at the hands of California when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Bulldogs, Lee Qualk (who rushed for 261 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 12.4 yards per carry) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.