Ryan Bonshak performs a host of duties on the football field: he plays halfback, quarterback, safety, and is a punt and kickoff return specialist. And you can also add stadium emptier after Friday's win over Easton Area High School.

When Bonshak intercepted Bradley Wilkins' pass, one of three turnovers committed by Easton, with 6:00 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Red Rover fans began filing out of Cottingham Stadium. Then two plays later, Saquon Barkley expedited that exit with a 22-yard TD burst that closed the door on Easton, as the Zephs won 31-14.

With audible groans accompanying that exodus, Easton fans realized that their school won't be retaining a share of the Lehigh Valley Conference title this season. Conversely, Whitehall (8-1) holds their fate in their own hands, with a home game against the Konkrete Kids as the final hurdle to share a second consecutive LVC crown.

The ability to come into Cottingham Stadium and walk out with a win was a big achievement since the Red Rovers only had one loss. The Zephs last accomplished that feat in 2010, but then lost the District XI Championship game in that same stadium a month later.

That feat resonated with Bonshak, who had two interceptions and a rushing TD against the Red Rovers. He said that they may have been written off before the season began, and there may have been naysayers since graduation took its toll on their offense, but the team rallied behind one another.

"We took up the slogan, rise," said Bonshak. "Rise means rise above the occasion, rise above expectations. Some people expected us to not do as well, but we rose above, and we took it to teams, and we're coming out on top."

Head coach Brian Gilbert said that the win reflected how hard his team worked this year. While some of the other schools in the conference may have gotten a lot of notice before the year began, he felt like their big win over Easton made a statement.

"That win was really a nice identity win for this year's team," said Gilbert.

Big plays played an enormous part in the win. It's been one of the major factors in their ability to stay atop the Lehigh Valley Conference this season. In addition to the interception, they also had a 77-yard kickoff return by Mustafa Mitchell for a touchdown, and a 55-yard scoring pass from Jeff Charles to Conor Sullivan.

Gilbert has always stressed winning the big play battle and getting off to a fast start. They were able to accomplish both those things, getting scores to begin the game and the third quarter, as well as forcing turnovers.

"Fast starts and explosive plays are key," said Gilbert.

Bonshak's had a hand in a number of those big plays this season, and in Friday's game, his interception in the end zone, as well as his "not-to-be-denied" TD run in the third quarter, gave him a couple more arrows in that quiver.

"Whenever you create turnovers, you win ball games," said Bonshak. "Turnovers are a big part of our game, and a lot of credit goes to our defensive lineman for putting pressure [on Easton's quarterback], and our secondary for getting those huge turnovers."

His seven-yard TD run to cap a six-play 80-yard drive was fueled by desire with Red Rover defenders hanging onto him as he crossed the goal.

"Whenever I get into the red zone, it's move my feet, move my feet, and then find the white stripe and go across," said Bonshak.

Bonshak, who gained 55 yards on eight carries, credits the line for opening the holes. That line allowed the Zephs to compile 295 yards on the ground, with Barkley finishing with 58 yards and Jacob Buskirk adding 12.

Quarterback Jeff Charles had another impressive night through the air. The senior signal caller was 10-16 for 174 yards, including the aforementioned 55-yard TD strike to Conor Sullivan to open the scoring for the Zephs.

Charles also helped silence the crowd, connecting on a number of big passing plays to put them in position to score. He hit Darius Young on a 46-yard strike to set up Bonshak's score, and hit Barkley on a pretty wheel route for 26 yards a few plays before the Young bomb. He targeted Sullivan six times, with the WR making four catches for 81 yards and a score.

Beating Easton on their home turf was something he'll savor, having remembered the district loss there as a freshman.

"It's huge," said Charles. "Not too many opponents come in here, into Cottingham, and score that many points. It's usually a neck-and-neck game."

Charles was able to exploit their secondary, completing a number of passes along the right side. He said they constantly watch film, including his one-on-one sessions with Gilbert to see what plays they can run.

"We watch film all the time, so we saw that right side was going to be open," said Charles. "And we just attacked it."

Gilbert said that he spends time with all the quarterbacks on the roster, with Charles getting some extra time in film sessions. That preparation has helped Charles guide the Zephs to a share for first in the LVC.

"He's improved every game this year," said Gilbert. "We're excited at how well he's developed as a quarterback this year."

While it was hard to establish a strong running game against Easton, Charles was able to soften them up with some big passes.

"Our running game was stopped a little in the beginning, but it meant our passing game was open a lot," said Charles. "Our passing game was open early and just got some deep passes, and then hit Conor Sullivan with a little five-yard slant, and he broke it for a 60-yard touchdown. That's huge. He's one of the best wide receivers I ever played with."

Gilbert said that he noticed Easton had blown a coverage when they had Barkley wide open along the right side. While that play ended in an incompletion, he said they went back to see if Easton fixed that situation, but Young's big catch proved it was a problem.

Gilbert said the team prepared for the game, doing all the things the coaching staff asked them to do. They had a number pf players whose preparation led to big plays, including Orlando Bonilla's big sack that stalled a drive, and Tyler Williams' interception.

Additionally, their ability to keep explosive running back Shane Simpson corralled for most of the game, limiting him to just 99 yards on 18 carries, the bulk of those on a trick play, forced Easton to gain yards through their passing game.

"Making them put the ball in the air worked to our advantage," said Gilbert.

The rich tradition of playing and winning at Cottingham is something Bonshak will always remember.

"The atmosphere is outstanding," said Bonshak. "Full crowds on either side and the big band. Our coaches put us through with the loud noises, but this is a great atmosphere. It feels great to play in such a historic stadium and come out with a W."