When asked before the season about replacing eight starters on defense from last year’s team, head coach Jim Morgans was quick to note that there are still a lot of players back that have valuable experience and that this may be the most depth the Trojans have had in years.

The Parkland defense proved its head coach correct in shutting out Dieruff over the first half of last Friday’s season opener. The Huskies got their two touchdowns in the second half after Parkland’s first team had mostly been on the sideline.

And on offense Parkland still has an abundance of weapons. Five different players scored touchdowns in a 51-13 victory over Dieruff at Parkland School District Stadium Friday night.

One of those scores, the first score of the night, came from a sophomore playing in his first varsity game and scoring on his first touch of the game.

Running back Jahan Worth found pay dirt from eight yards out on the Trojans first drive of the game.

“It was a big change going from freshman football to varsity football in a year,” Worth said. “I realized that as soon as practice started, but once practice started moving along I got used to it more and more. The first game was nerve-wracking, but once I got out there it went away. I just played football.

“Starting at doubles, I didn’t even think I would get a lick of playing time, let alone start. But I just kept trying and working hard. I love playing football so I knew as practice went on I earned playing time. It’s an honor.”

Along with Worth, Donovan Berger made his first start and connected from 18 yards out for a field goal. He also hit six of seven extra-point attempts.

The Trojans were dominant on both sides of the ball, but the Huskies did not help themselves out either. Three turnovers in the first half led to three touchdowns for Parkland.

Devonte Robinson fumbled on the first play after the Berger field goal made it 10-0. Senior quarterback Devante Cross then made two straight completions to Juan Salas and Nolan Ridgway, and followed those up with a five yard scamper into the end zone for a 17-0 lead just halfway through the first quarter. It was the first of two rushing touchdowns for Cross on the night, the second came from 58 yards away.

Cross also connected with Kenny Yeboah after Worth gave Parkland the ball back on an interception.

Yeboah felt he should score on both sides of the ball, and he did just that with a 30-yard pick six.

Senior Erik DiGirolamo got his name on the scoresheet with a four-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter, and the Trojans held a commanding 45-0 lead at halftime.

Parkland took the foot off the gas in the second half. The only score came when Jacob Svetz recovered a fumble and rumbled in for the score.

“I think it’s a nice win, a good start to the season,” said Worth. “I think we did pretty well as a whole, and we just need to keep progressing as the season goes on. We have more to progress than just this one win.”