Friday's backyard brawl with Parkland has all the ingredients of a classic high school football game.

That could be said every time these two rivals clash, but this year's encounter has some intriguing storylines that are guaranteed to put a little extra spice in the game at Orefield Middle School.

These are two proud, storied programs, and this game always commands the biggest spotlight when it comes to Lehigh Valley Conference action the week that it's played. And this year will be no exception.

At stake will be the Joe Gerencser Trophy. It now resides in Parkland's case, and Whitehall is looking to wrest control over the coveted prize. Also at stake is the outright claim to a league championship, something the two schools shared last season. Finally, Whitehall is looking to avenge last season's 52-23 loss to the Trojans, their lone league defeat that still resonates among the players and coaches.

As the two teams head into Friday's tilt, the scenario mimics last year's confrontation, with Parkland entering the contest with one league loss, while Whitehall's record is unblemished. And Whitehall knows that if it wants to stay unbeaten, it must limit Parkland's big-play capability.

Head coach Brian Gilbert remembers last season as the Trojans racked up 494 yards, including two plays for touchdowns that went for over 60 yards. This season their defense has been stingier, and that should help them avoid those big plays.

"This season we're getting to the ball better than we did last season," said Gilbert. "We want to get all eleven guys to the ball, and play sound, fundamental defense."

He knows that it's nearly impossible to keep a good team like Parkland under wraps for 48 minutes, so they'll try and make sure they don't get the upper hand in the big play battle.

"We have to make sure that doesn't happen," he said.

Parkland comes into the game after a convincing 34-6 win over Liberty High School. Whitehall comes off a 27-7 win over Nazareth Area High School.

Parkland's potent offense is led by "dual threat" quarterback Devante Cross. They also feature wide receiver Jarey Elder, along with backs Elijah and Najee Redmond.

"They have playmakers all over the place," said Gilbert.

With all that firepower, their defensive effort in limiting the big play will tell the story. Gilbert said its imperative to make sure they don't allow the Trojans to run up and down the field.

The Zephyrs will try and keep their ground game rolling, with Killer Bs Ryan Bonshak and Saquon Barkley ready to unleash a little thunder and lightning on the Trojans.

Quarterback Jeff Charles will also look to put the Trojans in reverse, hooking up with tight end Nick Nejad, along with receivers Conor Sullivan and Darius Young.

Gilbert said that Parkland features some strong defensive players, notably interior lineman Omar Haddad and linebacker Nezar Haddad who will look to disrupt Whitehall's offensive rhythm.

Senior safety Ryan Bonshak knows what's at stake. He's been in the trenches since his sophomore season.

"We're definitely coming in with a chip on our shoulder," said Bonshak. They beat us here in the second half, so it's going to be a big emphasis this week.

I wouldn't expect anything new [in their playbook], so we're just going to come out here and play football the Whitehall way."

Bonshak also said that in the beginning of the season, LVC scribes and pundits were touting Parkland, Easton and Liberty, while off-handedly mentioning Whitehall as potential league champs. That assessment added to the chip on their shoulders as well.

This game is the one that players will remember most as they look back on their high school careers, and Gilbert understands the passion associated with it. It reverberates across the community.

"It will be an exciting week for everyone associated with Whitehall football," said Gilbert. "You'll always remember if you won your senior year game against Parkland."