For the third week in a row, the Northampton football team dug an early hole that it could not escape from.

Whitehall’s Dez Boykin returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown as the Zephyrs defeated their Cement Belt rival 35-0 on Oct. 27.

Following Boykin’s kickoff return, it looked like the K-Kids would immediately answer. Northampton engineered a drive that lasted nearly 10 minutes, but ended in a fumble at the Whitehall five yard-line.

Whitehall’s offense had the ball for a total of seven minutes in the first half, but built a 28-0 halftime advantage. Quarterback Ethan Parvel connected with Allen Negrete on a 39-yard touchdown pass, Boykin added a 41-yard run, and Joseph Herman hauled in a 23-yard pass.

The Zephyrs scored on their first possession of the second half to push the lead to 35-0 and send the game into mercy rule timing.

Northampton found success running the ball and strung together a handful of drives, but struggled to capitalize in Whitehall territory. The K-Kids had nine first downs in the first half.

Aiden Jones, Ethan Deter and Hunter Wacik each rushed for over 35 yards. Tyrese Brandon recorded two catches for 18 yards.

Northampton (2-8) will travel to Pottstown (2-8) on Friday, Nov. 3 in a contingency game.