Football Game Preview: Bethlehem Center Bulldogs vs. Mapletown Maples

The Bethlehem Center Bulldogs will face off against the Mapletown Maples at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have had a bumpy ride up to this point with three consecutive losses for Bethlehem Center and five for Mapletown.

On Friday, Bethlehem Center lost to Jefferson-Morgan on the road by a 37-19 margin. While losing is never fun, the Bulldogs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania football rankings (they are ranked 481st, while the Rockets are ranked 231st).

Despite the loss, Bethlehem Center had strong showings from Enzo Brown, who rushed for 197 yards while picking up 7.9 yards per carry, and Teagan Veatch, who rushed for 108 yards on only 15 carries. An impressive showing, but Brown really ramped things up playing D: he picked up two sacks, forced one fumble, and made 11 total tackles (4.0 for loss).

Even if they lost, Bethlehem Center's defensive line still kept up the pressure with seven sacks. It was truly a group effort as Homer Headlee, Brown, and Brody Bebout picked up two apiece.

Meanwhile, Mapletown had to suffer through a 48-12 loss at the hands of Avella.

Bethlehem Center's defeat dropped their record down to 1-6. As for Mapletown, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 1-6.

Everything came up roses for Bethlehem Center against Mapletown in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, as the team secured a 46-6 victory. Will the Bulldogs repeat their success, or do the Maples have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.