The Zephyr football team got its mojo back against Bethlehem Catholic High School, breaking out the big plays in a 55-14 romp.

It was important to regain that winning feeling after suffering their first league loss at the hands of Parkland High School last week, and Frank Banko Field provided the ideal setting as the Zephs racked up 41 unanswered points to begin the game.

Washing that bad taste from their mouth as they compiled 362 total yards in a game in which the depth chart was in full bloom, was the tonic they needed to get that swag back as they look forward to building another winning streak.

Senior quarterback Nick Shafnisky stressed the importance of bouncing back and earning another league victory.

"We needed a game like this," said Shafnisky who threw for one score and ran for two more. "After getting beat up by Parkland, this was a good game to win."

Shafnisky said their rushing attack was the key to putting points on the board, with Ryan Bonshak, and Saquon Barkley also finding pay dirt.

"They stretch their outside linebackers out so much that we kept running up the middle," said Shafnisky. "That's what really helped us. And once they started bring guys in the box, we let it go in the air."

One of those air raids was a 38-yard touchdown connection to Zach Delp. It was a rope to the streaking Delp who broke free for his second TD catch of the year.

"Everyone just cleared out and the tight end took the safety with him and the corners were occupied with the outside receivers, and he was just wide open up the middle," said Shafnisky. "It worked well."

Shafnisky finished the game 5-8 for 87 yards and that one score. He also rushed for 21 yards and now has 458 yards for the season. The senior signal caller helped lead his team on seven scoring drives, putting the game out of reach before halftime. It's that type of productivity that will keep the Zephs in the playoff mix.

Head coach Brian Gilbert also knew that getting back into victory lane was important for his team. He didn't want them to dwell on the loss once they returned to the practice field, only to concentrate on their upcoming game. However, a subtle reminder may have fueled that scoring outburst.

"It was good we got off to a fast start, and we needed that," said Gilbert. " I told them all week to forget about Parkland, and tonight I brought it up again so they kind of had that taste in their mouth, and the only way to get rid of it is to play a game like we did tonight."

Gilbert said his team was literally champing at the bit, eager to wipe away last Friday's memory.

Gilbert credited some big plays, specifically the interception by Stephen Buss for seizing the momentum from the Golden Hawks who had a rough time mounting any type of offensive consistency against the Zephs.

The Hawks were held in check for most of the game, managing only 147 total yards. The Zephs stifling defense, along with some Hawk miscues, signaled an extended workout for punter Nick Cortopossi.

"Our defense made some great opportunities for our offense," said Gilbert.

The defensive charge was led by a number of Zephs, including Barkley, Bonshak, Jarred Mittl and Jacob Buskirk who combined for 21 tackles.

He also indicated that in areas where they were deficient, they showed some marked improvement, most notably special teams.

"I'm really happy about that," said Gilbert.

The Zephs were able to dominate thanks to the work up front on the offensive line, allowing the team to rack up 253 yards on the ground. Gilbert said that success is bred in the fundamentals.

"We made sure we went back to basics this week, and made sure we knew what we were doing blocking the two fronts they gave us," said Gilbert. "I think it was more about desire tonight, and our guys had it."

A beneficiary of that work by the O-line was Bonshak who finished with 55 yards and two scores. Additionally James Wah had 35, while Barkley finished with 64.

In the second half, back up quarterback Jeffrey Charles led the team on one final score, fluttering a pass to Barkley in the corner of the end zone for a 22-yard score. That scoring combination had a famous ring to it as the stadium PA system announced a Charles to Barkley score.

With the win, the Zephs move to 4-2 and have Allentown Central Catholic on the horizon. It's another important step in their quest for a postseason berth.

"Central's a huge rivalry, and everyone thinks about that game," said Shafnisky. "And with our coach going over there, we're ready. This is a game we're going to be ready for, all of us."

Gilbert said their familiarity with the Vikings will come into play.

"We know them real well, and they know us real well, so it's a matter of who's going to execute next week," said Gilbert.