Jurkovec to test Bethel Park defense
After Bethel Park dispatched Norwin, 27-7, to run its record to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the Southeastern Conference, Hawks’ football coach Jeff Metheny said that he was most impressed with his defense. It was the second straight game the team has limited the opposition to one score and, in three games, the Hawks are allowing just 9.7 points per game.
Defense must be present this week if the Hawks are to continue their winning streak. They face their stiffest task when they host Pine-Richland at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22. The Rams are 4-0 overall, ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL and No. 2 in the PIAA. Plus, they boast Phil Jurkovec.
Jurkovec, a Notre Dame recruit, needs only 53 yards to become only the third player in WPIAL history to pass for 5,000 yards and rush for 2,000.
“No question, (Jurkovec) is the best quarterback we’ll face all year and maybe for some time,” said Metheny.
Jurkovec assuredly will apply pressure to BP’s defense, particularly its secondary. Metheny, however, is confident in his back four, which includes Tanner Volpatti, Austin Lewis, Ben Barnot and Jared Yantek, who had an interception against Norwin.
“Volpatti has been playing extremely well. Barnot is a kid who just came out for the team his senior year and he’s stepped up,” pointed out Metheny. “They’ve all been playing well.
“Defensively, we’ve had a lot of 3-and-whatevers. We’ll give up some yards but we’ve limited them and forced teams to punt the ball.”
The win against Norwin is a prime example. Jack Salopak threw for 235 yards for the Knights. Yet, the Hawks prevailed, primarily because of defense. They had three takeaways, including Yantek’s pick. Anthony Klase recovered a fumble and returned the ball 15 yards for a touchdown. Gavin Vargesko led the sack attack and Tiger Burkes played well in the middle.
“I was most impressed with our defense. We limited the run and had a lot of sacks. They gained four yards rushing,” Metheny added. “We had a lot of good plays and a lot of takeaways.
“Fundamentally, we were solid. Special teams played well and the defense was sound,” Metheny continued. “We are making people beat us.
“If we do things like play good defense, maintain the ball on offense with our running game and play well on special teams, then we have a good chance of winning our games.”
And that includes the Rams. Metheny said that because Pine-Richland relies on the passing attack, the Hawks will have “opportunities” to make plays. However, Jurkovec has a high completion rate. He has completed 70 of 99 passes for 1,133 yards and 10 scores already this season.
“(Jurkovec’s) a real threat. An excellent football player,” said Metheny. “He’s protected well in a game. It’s hard to get to him and he doesn’t get pressured too much. Plus, he’s elusive. He can hurt you with his feet. He’s got a great presence in the pocket. We’ll have our hands full for sure.”
If the Hawks keep the ball in Volpatti’s hands and they grind it out behind the blocking of their offensive line, which includes James Gmiter, a WVU recruit, along with Vargesko, Dan Kwiatkoski, Liam Williams and Connor Wholey, they will be in the game. Volpatti rushed for 141 yards and three scores in the win against Norwin. The senior has 367 yards rushing and nine touchdowns this fall.
“Volpatti is playing well and taking care of the ball,” Metheny said. “Plus, he’s making tackles and plays on defense.
“We’ll need that this week. We’ll need good plays from everybody all over the field,” Metheny said. “With out kids, though, they’ll rise to the challenge.”