It’s no secret around the Parkland community, and even as far as the Lehigh Valley, that the Trojan football program has been a dominant force over the last few years. They have won four straight District 11 Class 4A titles, and also come league championships along the way.

After a 7-3 regular season, Parkland uncharacteristically is limping into the district tournament after dropping the season finale, and a share of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference title, to rival Emmaus. It is the second loss in the last four games for the Trojans. But a lot of these players know what districts means, and have been a part of multiple title winning teams. A small win-streak starting Friday night can go a long way at righting the ship.

“The drive for five is our motto,” said senior DJ Hohman. “Last weekend hurt, but we’re already off to a great week of practice and that loss is behind us. We’re refocused, confident and ready to go play football. It’s a new season now. There’s nothing more that we want than another district gold and a run at a state championship.”

First up for number three seeded Parkland is a quarterfinal match up at home against sixth seeded Nazareth. The Trojans beat the Blue Eagles 38-13 during a week two contest that was closer than the final score showed.

The two teams were actually tied at halftime, and then Parkland scored 21 straight points to take control.

Nazareth is led by senior, do-it-all quarterback Travis Stefanik. In last weekend’s 42-39 loss to Easton, Stefanik accounted for five of his team’s six touchdowns. He threw for three scores and ran for two others. He brings a dual-threat that not many others in the league can.

“He is one of the best quarterbacks I have faced in my coaching career,” said head coach Tim Moncman. “He brings so much to the table that makes it tough to plan for. We will have to be focused and know our assignments.”

Stefanik’s favorite target through the air is classmate Julian Liaci, who caught two touchdowns last Friday night.

The Trojans defense was strong against Emmaus. Moncman said it was the bright spot of the game. They will have to bring their normal energy and play if they want to continue their season.

“Nazareth is a great team, they are starting to peak at the right time,” said Hohman. “They may have lost last week, but they have been playing well. They have weapons all across the roster. On defense our focus is to stop any type of run and pressure their quarterback. If we make him uncomfortable, it will play into our hands.”