It took one play, but the Parkland Trojans were behind.

Against Bethlehem Catholic on Saturday night, Tyler Horton returned the opening kickoff 92 yards, and the Trojans trailed for the first time in three weeks.

It didn't take long for Parkland (6-2) to turn on the gas. The uncomfortable feeling of being behind in a game fired the team up. The Trojans would score the next 45 points in another comfortable win.

"You can talk to your kids until your blue in the face about not taking teams lightly," said head coach Jim Morgans. "After being down, I still thought we were the better football team. We just had to settle down."

Parkland will welcome Central Catholic for its final home game of the regular season this Friday. The Vikings are coming off a big 27-21 victory over Nazareth last weekend. The win gave Central some much needed confidence and momentum in trying to secure a postseason berth.

The Trojans defense has been the key to the current six-game winning streak. The first team hasn't given up a touchdown since October 5, a win over the Blue Eagles. They will have to contend with a powerful and do-it-all running back Colin McDermott.

"Colin McDermott is probably the best big back in this conference," said Morgans. "No question about it. He has over 1,000 yards and he's been doing this since his sophomore year. We're going to have to be aware of him and their quarterback and wide receiver."

The defense had their hands in two touchdowns last weekend. Jarel Elder and Andrew Fuehrer each returned interceptions for touchdowns. The offense was paced by senior quarterback Tim Baranek, who led the team with 67 rushing yards. Elder, Eli Redmond, and Kareem Williams each ran over 50 yards.

"That's who we are," said Morgans. "When we have the opportunity, we want to run the football. The thing that makes that work is Timmy's ability to throw the football."

It is a bit of a rivalry for each team, as Morgans pointed out. Morgans and offensive coordinator Tim McGorry both were on Vikings coaching staffs in the past.

With games remaining with Central and Emmaus, Parkland looks to keep chase with Whitehall (6-2) and Easton (8-0).