The Zephyrs closed out the season with a resounding win over Northampton Area High School, and in the process secured their playoff position once the postseason begins this week.

Whitehall rolled to a 35-7 win over the Konkrete Kids, maintaining possession of the Cement Bowl trophy, the annual prize awarded to the winner of this cross-river contest. It also cemented their fifth seed slot in the 4A subregional playoffs following Freedom High School's win over rival Liberty, setting up a rematch between the Pates and the Zephs.

The Zephs finish the regular season 8-2 overall and 6-2 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference South Division, placing them second in in the standings at season's end. Easton Area High School was first in the division, finishing the year undefeated.

Fast starts have been what head coach Brian Gilbert has preached since taking over the program, and his team delivered on their first play from scrimmage when quarterback Gianni Sinatore found Conor Sullivan on a screen pass resulting in a 60-yard touchdown.

Gilbert said that Sullivan took the short pass and utilized good downfield blocking to put the Zephs up 7-0. It was Sullivan's fourth touchdown catch of the year, finishing with five for the regular season after he caught his second of the afternoon midway through the second quarter.

On their ensuing possession, it was a heavy dose of Saquon Barkley who had eight carries in their 10-play scoring drive. Barkley, who needed only 73 yards to surpass the single-season mark of 1,662, gained 47 yards on that drive, laying the groundwork for his historic game and season. He broke the record on a 32-yard burst on the first play of the following drive. He now owns that record as well, finishing the game with 140 yards on 16 carries. Barkley finished the regular season with 1,730 yards.

Before the season, Barkley set some personal goals for himself. He set the seasonal touchdown mark last year with 27, and was now aiming for the career touchdown mark which he accomplished this year with 60 after the Northampton win. He also established the career rushing mark this season, eclipsing Nick Kurtz's mark of 2,764. The senior also wanted to break the single-season rushing record, something that's stood for 14 years.

During Saturday's game, Barkley said he didn't remember his name being called over the PA system, but knew he was on the verge of breaking the record.

"It was kind of cool that I broke the record," said Barkley who also has 29 touchdowns this season, breaking the mark he set last year. "That was around for a long time."

Barkley said the team has a lot of weapons at their disposal so defenses just can't concentrate on the run. In addition to Barkley, 10 other Zephyrs found pay dirt on offense this season.

"We really spread the wealth around," he said.

Barkley said that they all have a hand in making the offense click. With Sinatore leading the way, they have a number of options, including Jacob Buskirk who supplies the power from the fullback position, while receivers Sullivan, Dalton Burrows, Mustafa Mitchell, Chad Red and tight end Zach Hixson deliver the voltage in the passing game. Every one plays a vital role in helping the Zephs become one of the most potent offenses in the EPC.

"We also make sure we block for one another as well," said Barkley. "We know that if we make a block, that can spring a big run or a big passing play."

The Zephs rang up scores on their first five possessions, opening a 35-0 lead before halftime. Engineering those drives was Sinatore who finished the game 9-10 for 172 yards and three TDs. Sinatore connected twice for scores with Sullivan, the second following a Robert Tully interception on a fake punt that gave them the ball at the Northampton 31 after a 21-yard return. That TD pass covered 15 yards.

Sinatore also found Burrows for a 21-yard strike on the Zephs ensuing possession.

"Our passing game was very efficient," said Gilbert. "Gianni had only that one incompletion."

Sinatore's accomplishments this season rank him among the best passers in Whitehall history. The junior has thrown for 1,704 yards so far this season, tying him with Jeff Charles for fourth place all-time among Zephyr quarterbacks. He also has 20 touchdown tosses this year, placing him first in that category for a single season.

Also scoring for the Zephs was Buskirk. His one-yard TD plunge capped a five-play, 66-yard drive. The fullback finished the game with 38 yards, giving him 312 on the season.

While the offense once again set the scoreboard ablaze, the defense held the opposition scoreless throughout until late in the fourth quarter.

"Our defense played really well," said Gilbert. "Our starters only played the first half and they did a really good job."

Mitchell led the defensive effort with six tackles, while Bryce Crum and Tyler Cyriax also had strong showing with five and four, respectively.

The Kids lone score came on a 12-play drive that covered 76 yards, with Andrew Szerencsits taking it in from the 1-yard line.

For a young team that's struggling and trying to find an identity with a new coach, Gilbert had to make sure his team didn't suffer any letdowns.

"They knew it was for a trophy and I was proud of the way they came out and played," said Gilbert. "I was really proud of our guys that they didn't have a Saturday afternoon letdown."