It was about 10 days ago when Parkland pounded Central Catholic 17-0 in a game shortened to four innings by the mercy rule. The team huddled for its usual postgame meeting on the outfield grass at Pate's Park and then headed to pack up its equipment.

Not so fast.

Head coach Barry Search had a separate huddle with his coaches on the walk toward the bench and determined there was more work to do, so the team grabbed their gloves and headed back onto the field for some defensive work. None literally none of the players complained, rolled their eyes or questioned why. They simply pulled out their gear and took their positions on the field.

Perhaps that kind of focus is why Parkland has made it through the East Penn Conference with a perfect 16-0 record. Perhaps that kind of focus is why they lost just one nonconference game and finished with a 19-1 overall record. Perhaps that focus is what will make the Lady Trojans so tough in the postseason.

When you look back, the numbers really are staggering. In their 20 games this season, Parkland outscored their opponents 205-24, scoring in double digits in nine times and throwing shutouts in eight of its wins. Only twice this season did the Trojans win by less than four runs.

Of the nine other teams that comprise the top 10 Class AAAA teams in District 11 based on power points, Parkland has played six of those teams, including playing Northampton, Emmaus and Whitehall twice. They have outscored those teams 65-15.

So the question has to be asked: is this one of the best Parkland teams ever?

"That's always a hard question," said coach Barry Search with a broad smile. "A couple years ago, we had a team with one loss and we won the conference and the district.

"Our team last year only lost one game and there were teams that won state championships, so it's hard to say. Let's just say they're pretty good."

Search, who is in his seventh season at the helm of Parkland, is quick to give credit to his coaches for the work that they've done with the players and he's quick to point out the hard work that his players put in.

"These kids are great," he said. "We had some question marks coming into the season, but those are all gone. I think this team has improved and that's a credit to my assistant coaches and to the players for being willing to work to make themselves better."

After a hectic schedule, Parkland now has a little time off to prepare for the EPC playoffs, which begin on Monday. Parkland is the top seed, which will give them home games in the quarters and semis before moving to Pate's Park in Allentown for the championship game next Thursday.