While most high school football teams are playing their third games of the season this weekend, Parkland is one game behind as it prepares to host Nazareth for the Trojans’ 2021 home opener.

Parkland had it’s original season-opener against Pleasant Valley postponed. The Trojans opened the season with a win over Easton last Friday night.

Parkland will look to do the same this Friday night at Parkland Area School District Stadium when undefeated Nazareth (2-0, 1-0) comes to town.

The Blue Eagles are the two-time defending District 11 Class 6A champions. The two teams were supposed to meet in the district tournament last year, but COVID ended Parkland’s season before it got a shot.

“It’s going to be great to come back home to a full crowd for the first time since 2019,” said Parkland assistant coach Mike Facchiano. “Easton was a great opponent to open with. It provided us with opportunities to teach from film and correct those mistakes you expect to happen in the first game of the year.”

Nazareth will present a different challenge for Parkland. Instead of smash mouth football that Easton normally brings, the Blue Eagles have quicker players.

“Nazareth will utilize multiple formations and fast tempo to get the ball out quick to their running back and their skill position players,” Facchiano said. “They like to use RPO (run-pass-option) plays a lot. Defensively, they have athletes at every position and are very skilled.”