The Parkland offense scored on its first possessions of each half, but it was the Trojans defense that received the praise in holding off Freedom last Friday night.

Devante Cross ran 68 yards for a touchdown less than three minutes into the game, and Kareem Williams broke through for a 44 yard score on the second play of the third quarter, but three very timely interceptions from the defensive unit helped to preserve a 21-0 win over the Patriots at Bethlehem Area School district stadium.

Parkland (6-1 overall, 5-1 LVC) finds ways to move the ball and put points on the scoreboard, but the defense, led by coach Tim Monceman, has stifled teams this season and Friday was no different.

Naze Haddad and Anthony Pagliaro had their hands in on three interceptions that potentially stopped Freedom scoring drives on the way to Parkland's second shutout of the season.

"We prepare the same every week, just being fast, physical and all of that stuff," said Haddad. "It's a tough conference. You can't just show up and play sloppy. We know that our defense is something we take pride in on our team. We know that sometimes we have to play strong to help out our offense and put them in a good position."

The Trojans extended their winning streak, which now at five in a row. And it wasn't the prettiest of wins, with three turnovers and four punts, but the energy shown from the 11 on the other side of the ball fueled Parkland to victory.

"Coach Monceman preaches to just keep grinding and eventually our offense is going to break through," said Haddad. "I think if we don't give up many points on the scoreboard, we can win a lot of games."

Head coach Jim Morgans was excited about the effort from his defense.

"They were incredible, unbelievable" Morgans stated. "Timmy Monceman does a great job getting those kids ready week in and week out. Some of the situations we put them in tonight, they had the ball inside the 30-yard line how many times? We almost gave it to them, fumbling twice and throwing an interception. I can't say enough about the defense, outstanding effort."

Williams rushed for a total of 211 yards on 26 carries and recorded two touchdowns, the 44-yarder and a 72-yard effort. The second one came with 7:35 remaining and took off some pressure after the earlier turnovers and Freedom threatening inside the red zone two straight possessions.

Parkland will now return home after two straight road games. The Trojans will take on Bethlehem Catholic this Friday night for homecoming.