Much of the hype surrounding the Parkland football team coming into the 2013 season had to do with the speed and athleticism of the returning skill players on both sides of the ball. That group didn't disappoint on opening night.

The Trojans tallied three touchdowns on just six plays in their first three possessions on their way to a 50-8 season-opening win over Delaware Valley at Orefield Middle School last Friday night. It was a far different contest than either of last year's two meetings between the teams as last year's combined margins of victory were just 10 points.

Another uncertainty Parkland faced heading into the season was the quarterback situation. Head coach Jim Morgans elected to play both junior Nick Zambelli and sophomore Devante Cross early on.

On just the second play from scrimmage, Zambelli threw into the flat for Najee Redmond, who turned a short pass into an 87-yard touchdown.

Senior tailbacks Eli Redmond and Kareem Williams also showcased their skills. Williams broke free for a 53-yarder on the third play of the second series. After a Del Val fumble, Redmond added a 26-yard scoring run to open up a 19-0 lead in the first quarter.

"We have so much speed and depth on this team," said Williams. "I felt I had to make a statement and the coaches and everyone knew it. I knew my line would come through and I would just follow them. I wouldn't do anything without them."

Williams totaled 149 yards rushing on eight carries and scored three touchdowns on runs of 53, 5, and 74 yards.

Parkland took a 34-0 lead into halftime helped by a 33-yard pass from Cross to Legend Boyesen.

The defense was also dominant. David Barber, Nezar Haddad and Omar Haddad, Preston Saylor, and Anthony Pagliaro were seemingly always around the ball making plays. Barber, Nezar Haddad and Omar Haddad each collected a sack. Pagliaro was in on two of the Warriors five turnovers, collecting a fumble and intercepting a pass.

Morgans credited his team for playing well, but believes there are some things it can improve heading into this weekend's showdown at Easton.

"The kids are aware, they know," noted Morgans. "We had an extra-point blocked, and if that happens against Easton it's going to cost you. And then we had to blow a timeout because we were going for two points and the kids thought we were going for one. It was things like that. Let's just say next week is going to be a little tougher."

The Trojans look to defeat Easton and start the season 2-0 compared to a year ago where Parkland lost to both teams and began 0-2.