Whitehall won many battles within the football game when they met Allentown Central Catholic last Saturday afternoon, but it wasn’t enough to overcome one critical battle that ultimately led to their first loss of the season.

They won the first down battle (20-16), the total yards battle (358-221), and the third down conversion battle, but lost the all-important turnover battle (4-2) resulting in a 35-23 loss to the Vikings.

The loss puts the Zephs at 1-1 in the EPC South, tied with Nazareth, Northampton and Emmaus. All the other schools in the division are 2-0.

Since he took over the reins at Whitehall, head coach Brian Gilbert has always stressed the importance of winning that battle. It’s an area that often decides a football game.

“That was the demise of us against ACC,” said Gilbert. “We did a lot of good things, but we didn’t win that turnover battle, and that hurt us.”

The Zephs started strong, scoring on their first possession of the game. They went 58 yards in eight plays, capped off by a 12-yard TD run by quarterback Gianni Sinatore.

Their strong start continued on their next possession when they marched 65 yards to the Vikings 9-yard line. That’s when the first of their four turnovers occurred as Dallas Kassis intercepted Sinatore’s pass in the end zone.

That turnover resulted in an ACC touchdown as they capitalized on their opportunity with a 39-yard drive set up by Kassis’ 61-yard interception return.

With the score tied 7-7, Sinatore was once again leading his team into Viking territory when Thomas Kleppinger picked off his pass and returned it 49 yards for a score.

Sinatore kept pushing after those first two picks, leading them down the field on their ensuing possession, setting up a Conor Ilgenfritz 29-yard field goal to cut the lead to four.

That drive was followed by a Ryan Klaugh interception that gave the Zephs the ball at the ACC 45-yard line, but the drive stalled at the 8-yard line, keeping the score 14-10.

The Zephs made plays throughout the game, including a blocked punt that scooted through the end zone for a touchback, something that Gilbert will take away from Saturday’s loss.

“We did some positive things, both on offense and defense,” said Gilbert. “We made some plays, and had our opportunities.”

After the Vikings increased their lead with a workmanlike 14-play drive to pad their lead to 11, Sinatore answered that score with a 6-play drive that covers 66 yards. That drive culminated in a 25-yard TD toss to Devin Castro.

Sinatore finished the game 16-27 for 183 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 110 yards on 10 carries, including a TD.

“Gianni had a really good game,” said Gilbert.

The Zephs were also hampered by the loss of seniors Bryce Crum and Nick Kovalchick, two players with varsity experience who were going to play big roles this year. Without Crum, Sinatore shouldered much of the running duties. Tavion George also got some carries, finishing with 36 yards on eight touches.

Gilbert said that they played with the young guys and they responded with a strong effort, including the offensive line that paved the way for 177 yards on the ground. He also liked the work of the secondary which allowed just 56 yards through the air.

Another backbreaking blow came on special teams. After the Zephs cut the Vikings lead to 21-17, Alvin Pacheco took the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for the score.

Last year the Zephs won a thriller in overtime. This year they couldn’t repeat that magic as a critical fumble in the red zone and some big ACC stops on fourth down sealed their fate in the second half. The Vikings allowed just two completions over the final 12 minutes and also limited the Zephs to just two first downs.

The Zephs come back home this week to host Pleasant Valley High School.