When the Parkland football team knocked off Whitehall 21-12 almost two months ago, the defense was able to slow down the effective running game of the Zephyrs.

Ryan Bonshak and Saquon Barkley were held in check for a better part of the game. Bonshak was a nonfactor and, besides a 44-yard touchdown run, Barkley did not see the end zone more than once.

Head coach Jim Morgans hopes that what worked once will work again in favor of his Trojans.

"They are two really good backs," Morgans stated. "One is a more speed-type guy (Bonshak), and one is more power (Barkley). Our main focus is going to be on slowing them down."

Parkland's defense has been solid all year long. Led by seniors Naze Haddad and David Barber, and junior Preston Saylor, the Trojans have given up a little over eleven points per game. This unit will again have to step up and remain strong on the big stage.

Offensively, Parkland (10-1 overall) utilized the air game more in last weekend's quarterfinal game against Stroudsburg. Morgans said that will continue to be the case if teams keep stacking the box to try and stop the Trojans rushing attack.

"I feel real confident in our passing game," said Morgans. "We have great receivers, and Devante [Cross] is coming a long and throwing the ball well. We will not even hesitate to go to the passing game."

Parkland's bread and butter is its running game. Last time these two teams met, senior tailback Kareem Williams rushed for 216 yards and three touchdowns. The Trojans offense totaled 344 yards on the ground against a Zephyrs defense that has allowed a mere 287 yards all season.

If Parkland is forced to pass, Eli Redmond and Jarey Elder, who both scored touchdowns last weekend, along with Ryan Hunt and Najee Redmond will look to get open for Cross.

It will be a different venue this time around, and much more on the line when the third-seeded Trojans meet second-seeded Whitehall (10-1) Friday night at Whitehall High School.

"I expect it to be a typical Parkland-Whitehall football game," added Morgans. "They're a pretty physical football team. They have some weapons and are going to play as hard as they can. They're going to be motivated for obvious reasons, but no more than what we are. I told our kids to forget all about the first game. These are two different football teams playing each other. Each of us has changed and come a long way since then."