Defense wins championships. That statement never held true for Parkland last Friday night at Cottingham Stadium.

A defensive stand in overtime clinched the Trojans' third straight district championship with a 13-10 victory over previously unbeaten Easton (12-1). It was the third time in a row these two teams met in the district playoffs, with Parkland (11-2) coming out on top.

After Jacob Bissell kicked an 18-yard field goal, the Trojan defense needed one more stop.

Red Rover running back Dalvyn Reynolds was stuffed on first down. On the next play, junior linebacker Erik DiGirolamo stepped intercepted a pass from Trey Durrah to end the game.

That final stand was the cap of an impressive night for Parkland's defense. DiGirolamo and Stephen Ewald in particular, were flying around the field, and made several key tackles and sacks.

"We knew we had to step up and we did just that," said Ewald. "We came together as a family. The coaches gave us a great scouting report and I just studied that and worked hard to contribute for my team. It feels amazing right now."

Easton running back Shane Simpson was mostly held in check.

Parkland's special team set up the it's only touchdown.

Preston Saylor came up with a blocked punt after the Red Rovers' first possession, and it was recovered on the 10-yard line.

Three plays later Devante Cross found Kenny Yeboah in the corner of the endzone. Yeboah out-jumped Simpson for the opening score and momentum.

"We've really connected over the years," Yeboah said. "We work hard on routes at practice with a lot of focus on back shoulder fades. He does a good job of putting the ball there for me. This is my first real title, and it just feels great."

The Trojan offense struggled to get anything going, with only 97 yards of total offense. But the defense unit kept Parkland in the game.

"Our defense was prepared," head coach Jim Morgans said. "They just did an awesome job. It seems like I say this ever week, but Timmy Moncman, I'm so fortunate to have him on my staff. And my other guys too. I've got four head coaches on this staff besides myself."

Bissell made two field-goal attempts in the game, from 34 yards and 18 yards.