Turnovers were the key component in the 37-35 season opening loss at Delaware Valley last Friday. A slow start didn't help, but the Trojans shot themselves in the foot by turning the ball over three times, while still eclipsing over 400 yards of total offense.

What helps Parkland is that they were not the only Lehigh Valley Conference favorite to lose the opener. Whitehall and Liberty also got off to 0-1 starts. The Trojans will look to not only get off the schneid and into the win column, but to prevent a 2-0 start from a fellow LVC title hopeful in Easton.

"Absolutely a win this weekend is big," said head coach Jim Morgans. "Their win was against a team out of conference, but a win is a win. This is a district game and our kids are well aware of that. We had a good practice [Tuesday] and look to stay strong all week."

Parkland will be playing for the first time this year under the lights at Orefield Middle School, and in front of their home fans.

"We understand what it means to beat a top team," said Morgans. "We want to be the top team. I feel that we are a top team in the conference. If you don't win, it's going to hurt you."

One of the keys for this weekend is going to be stopping, or slowing down, Red Rovers running back Shane Simpson. The sophomore can do some special things when he has the ball in his hands and an open field in front of him. He recorded five touchdowns in Easton's 32-14 win over Pennsbury.

"He's an outstanding player," said Morgans. "He had a great game against us last year. He's one of those kids that is going to do some things that are on both sides of the ball - making plays. We're going to need our kids to make plays, and to try and keep him out of the end zone. But we can't solely concentrate on him when they have plenty of other good players."

Offensively, Parkland has some special skill players of their own. A three-headed monster in the back field consisting of Jarel Elder, Eli Redmond and Kareem Williams rack up some incredible numbers.

Elder rushed the ball 17 times for 126 yards and a touchdown and Williams rumbled for a 95 yard touchdown last Friday night. Quarterback Tim Baranek threw for 155 yards and a touchdown.

Those four, along with senior receiver Andrew Fuehrer, are expected to see a lot of the ball according to Morgans.

The problem won't be putting up points on the scoreboard, it will be preventing them. Look for a shootout in Orefield Friday night at 7 p.m.