The proverbial measuring stick for the Whitehall boys' soccer team began this week when the Zephyrs had games scheduled against undefeated Emmaus and front-runner Parkland.

While Emmaus has already edged Parkland for the top spot in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, the Zephyrs have been trying to establish their own identity.

They entered the week with an overall 4-4-1 record and look to regain some respectability.

"We have been playing really well," said first-year head coach Chris Bastidas. "We know we will get tested against Emmaus and Parkland. Our kids are anxious and excited to play against them and show what we can do.

"We have come up with some nice wins this season and we have been in the rest of the games.

However, Whitehall entered the week dropping three of the last four games, losing close contests to Northampton, Nazareth, and Pleasant Valley, while they posted a shutout over East Stroudsburg South.

"We have been right there," said the always energetic Bastidas. "We played very tough in those losses and we came up with a good game against (East Stroudsburg South). Right now, we are learning how to win those close games.

"We just have to keep playing better and we will get to where we want to be. These kids don't want t back down from anyone. Maybe in the past they felt a little nervous going out on the field against some teams, but these guys are different.

"We want to be out there in the middle of it."

Bastidas noted the contributions of seniors Brian Heckman and Photis Zographou along with junior Javaughn Hussett, who have been among the more consistent performers. Heckman has battled through a back injury all season.

"Javaughn (Hussett) has scored a good number of goals for us this season," said Bastidas. "Photis (Zographou) has played very well for us, and Brian (Heckman) has dealt with a back injury all year.

"But all of them have really picked up their play and have led the other guys."

In the next few weeks, the Zephyrs will have their series of tests including matches with Allentown Central Catholic and Pocono Mountain East, along with rematches with Nazareth, Northampton, Emmaus, and Parkland. Their push hopefully will lead them back to district play.

"We'll get through this week, and then we'll move from there," said Bastidas. "We need to play up to our opponents. We need to keep playing good games and we'll win our share of those."