When the ball kicks off up north to begin the District XI AAAA playoffs, the Zephyrs will have their hands full trying to corral an offense that is anything but cold.

Whitehall faces Delaware Valley High School, owners of a 9-1 record who enter the tourney as the fourth seed. The Warriors lone loss came at the hands of Scranton High School, the top seed in this year's D-11 playoffs. They're also currently ranked eighth in the state, and defeated Parkland High School 37-35 to open the season, the only LVC team to hand the Zephs a loss this year.

When looking at the Warriors, their offense numbers simply stand out. They averaged 41.3 points per game, and have four players who rushed for over 200 yards. Among those players who eclipsed that mark on the ground is senior quarterback Bryan Schor who ran for 206 yards, scoring six touchdowns.

However, it's Schor's passing stats that jump off the page. Schor threw for 1,999 yards, averaging 199.9 yards a game. Inside those numbers are also 21 TDs, with a completion rating of 65 percent.

"It all starts with the quarterback," said Zephyr head coach Brian Gilbert whose Zephyrs enter the game as the fifth seed. "That's where it begins."

Gilbert said that the Warriors have been moving toward being a top program in the area, having been a district playoff team in the past (they lost to eventual champs Nazareth 43-28 last year in the opening round), but this will be their first time hosting a playoff game.

Del Val is also an experienced senior-laden team, and getting the upper hand will require a maximum effort on both sides of the ball.

"They're solid on offense, and they have big time skill players surrounding them," said Gilbert.

In addition to Schor, the Warriors will unleash running back Joe Santiago who rushed for 885 yards this year. He'll be joined by backs Lex Rosario (269 yards), and Martin Strenk (242 yards) who can also do damage on the ground.

They can also hurt a defense through the air with senior Lucas Markowitz serving as Schor's favorite target. Markowitz hauled in 30 passes for 572 yards, including three touchdowns.

While their offense may get the notice, Gilbert said that the Warriors are stout on defense as well. He said they have a big, experienced front that's very physical.

That physicality appears on film, and receiver Nick Sommer said that aspect of their game is something they're concentrating on during their preparation.

"We watched them and they're very balanced, both running and passing," said Sommer. "They're also very physical, that's another thing that stood out. If we're not physical, we're not going to win."

Gilbert said that they're a strong bunch, especially up front, and compares them to Easton Area High School. That means they'll need to be primed every snap, making sure they play smart and aggressive.

"We're going to bring our brand of football to the game," said Gilbert. "We're going to be fast and physical."

While the Warriors bring a veteran presence, the Zephs also boast an experienced group of seniors who don't want their season to end. Led by quarterback Nick Shafnisky, the Zephs, will feature backs James Wah, John Johnson and Jacob Rex, receivers Zach Delp, EJ Setar, Nick and Seth Sommer, kicker Tyler George, along with linemen Aaron Genevese, Jacob Wygant, Pat Lynch, Stephen Buss, Tyler Carter and Thomas Ritter.

Gilbert said that it's all going to boil down to which team takes care of the football and doesn't make errors.

"For us to be successful, we must limit our mistakes," said Gilbert.

Gilbert also said that the team is looking forward to the opportunity and wants to extend their season as long as possible.

"We're excited for the challenge," said Gilbert.