After a combined 56 points in the first half, the Zephyr football team found the brake pedal and kept visiting Pleasant Valley in the slow lane for most of the second half, defeating the Bears last Friday in the opening round of the district tournament.

The 56-28 win catapults the Zephs into a much-anticipated rematch with Parkland High School this Friday at Zephyr Stadium. These two teams will meet in the semifinals of the District XI AAAA subregional tourney, with the winner advancing to the finals and a possible district crown.

Head coach Brian Gilbert has always preached fast starts, and his team certainly adhered to that credo, reeling off 14 unanswered points in the first quarter. However, their maroon and gold Ferrari was being tailed by a blue and white Porsche, with the Bears trading touchdowns with the Zephs in the second quarter as they remained within striking distance heading into the break.

Their final score of the half was a pick six as the Zephs were trying to drive a nail in the coffin by turning their two-minute drill into a score before halftime. But Nyiem Nevarez spoiled those plans, returning the interception 47 yards for the score.

As they went into the half, linebacker Jacob Kerchner felt he wasn't playing up to his standards on defense. They allowed the Bears to gain some momentum, and letting a talented team like Pleasant Valley gain some confidence could have proved disastrous.

"Personally, I played really poor in the first half and a bunch of us weren't playing the type of defense that we play," said Kerchner. "I took it upon myself and told our guys, 'Let's come out better.'"

Kerchner said they needed to come out strong, and that's exactly what they did, forcing a three-and-out on the Bears first series to open the third quarter.

"We then started playing the kind of defense that we've been playing all year," said Kerchner.

Kerchner's message sank in, and he ramped up his own game, finishing the game with six tackles to lead the team, including a six-yard sack.

He said that they were just a bit out of sync in the first half, missing assignments and not doing the things they were taught.

Kerchner said they'll need to correct those against Parkland if they expect to come away with a win.

Senior Ryan Bonshak was also not pleased by their defensive performance in the first half, even though the offense was lighting up the scoreboard.

"This team is never content, and that's what I love about it," said Bonshak. "We're always striving for more and anything less is a shame for us."

While he voiced his opinion about their defensive performance, he let his actions on the field speak loudly, intercepting two passes to halt drives and finishing with three tackles.

Head coach Brian Gilbert understands that establishing your game plan early makes for an easier road the rest of the way.

"High school football is so much about momentum and motivation," said Gilbert. "When the kids feel good about themselves, and they feel confident, it's a steamroll effect."

He said it was the first time in two years that they didn't start off a game on offense, and wanted to make sure they got off the field quickly in that first drive.

Even though all seemed well in hand, Gilbert said that he shares that same self critical eye with Bonshak.

"I don't know if we can ever play a perfect game, against a quality opponent like Pleasant Valley, or Parkland, but we sure want to look at the film and make corrections," said Gilbert.

The Zephs then hit the gas again in the second half, with Bonshak bursting up the gut for a 40-yard gain in their opening possession. Darius Young finished the drive with a 5-yard run to get the Zephs off and running.

The Zephyr offense was picking up huge chunks of yards on the ground, with Bonshak and Saquon Barkley gaining over 100 yards. They finished with 376 rushing yards as a team.

The win also provided a little history. Saquon Barkley broke the single season touchdown record of 27 set by Eric Fiore in 2011. The fleet-footed junior opened the scoring with a 44-yard run, igniting the Zephyr's high octane attack. Both backs had two rushing TDs, with one of Bonshak's scores a direct reflection of his off-season training.

After an initial hit that made him lose his balance, he recovered and made it into the end zone.

"All that work in the off-season, working on my balance, helped me get those extra yards," he said.

Quarterback Jeff Charles made sure the engine was well oiled. The senior completed 12 passes for 188 yards and a score. He found Bonshak for a 23-yard TD for their second score.

While the offense was clicking on all cylinders, Chad Rex made sure the defense got into the scoring act as well. He anticipated Brandon Leap's throw, intercepting the pass and returning it 78 yards for the score. That put the mercy rule in effect and a speedier end to the Bears visit to the maroon and gold pit.

While it was a good feeling to get a win, Kerchner said their job is far from over.

"It's my first district win and it feels good to go to the next stage, but we have to stay hungry and stay focused," said Kerchner. "This isn't what we want; were not satisfied at all. We want a district championship."

Bonshak also knows the challenge that lies ahead.

"Every time we get an opportunity against the Red team, we're definitely going to get a good ball game," said Bonshak. "That's what we expect next week."

He said it's a matter of staying focused, studying film, and working hard all week in practice.

"This has to be our best week of practice," said Bonshak. "This is a great team, and it's like a championship match."

Gilbert said the team is ready to go, indicating they would be willing to stay after the PV win and work on Parkland.

"It's another opportunity to play the team that beat us," he said.