It looked as though the inaugural East Penn Conference final would be a blowout, and that Parkland wouldn't be able to defend its conference title. But the Trojans weren't going to go down without a fight.

Down 8-3 heading into the final quarter, there were players yelling in the huddle, the Trojans scored three quick goals within the first five minutes to trail by just two with a little under seven minutes to play.

But the Easton defense proved to be strong all game and didn't allow another goal, winning the championship 8-6 last Monday night at Nazareth High School's Andrew Leh Stadium.

"It's tough," said head coach Brad Schifko. "Easton is a great team and they played a great game. We had our chances at the end, but you have to play a full game."

It wasn't all bad at the start for Parkland. Senior AJ DiPasquale found the back of the net just a minute and a half into the game. The Red Rovers tacked on two, and then Gavin Saylor (3 goals) tied it at two a piece right at the end of the first.

But in the second and third quarters, Easton showed why it was the top seed.

The Rovers scored three goals in each quarter, and held the Trojans to just one over that same period of time.

Penalties and turnovers killed Parkland. Senior Dante Cavallucci seemed to win nearly every draw, but Parkland could not create good chances on the Easton net.

"Self-inflicted," said Schifko of his team's early struggles. "We played [poorly] in the first half, and it hurt us."

And then the light came on at the start of the fourth. The seniors that yelled that they didn't want to lose, stepped up, and everyone else followed suit.

Ethan Howell, Ryan Geroulo and Saylor all tallied a goal to put Parkland within striking distance and liven up the bench and the stands. After a couple of other opportunities were stoned by the Easton goalkeeper, time ran out on Parkland's quest for another league title.

Parkland will face Central Catholic in the quarterfinals of the District 11 tournament Thursday at Orefield Middle School.