The Parkland High School football team made the trek north to take on East Stroudsburg South in an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference game between two teams in different divisions. The Trojans are in the EPC South Division and the Cavaliers are in the North.

There were no tired legs after a long bus ride as Parkland scored the game’s first 19 points and staked to a 33-12 halftime lead, taking down East Stroudsburg South 43-24 last Friday night. It was the second straight victory for the Trojans (5-1 overall, 5-1 EPC) after losing by a touchdown to Central Catholic on September 25.

“I thought that the kids played well with all of the travel and it was a different type of schedule, having to leave earlier and the routine was a little out of whack,” said head coach Tim Moncman. “We were in pretty good command by halftime and then came out in the second half and scored early. They kept their starters in, so the game ended a little closer than it should’ve been, but we’re glad to get some younger guys some playing time.”

Quarterback Luke Spang finished with 159 yards through the air and two touchdown passes, both in the second quarter, one to Nakhi Bullock and the other to Jack Harrison. Harrison had a team-high seven receptions for 58 yards and the score.

Defensively, Andrew Khalife and Jendel Sanchez each had an interception. The Trojans also blocked a first quarter punt that resulted in a safety. The unit is something Moncman credits for the team’s strong start to the season.

“I think our defense is really improved and has been our strength,” Moncman said. “We’ve figured some things out personnel-wise. It’s been really tough to run on us and we get pressure on the quarterback. And I think offensively, with four new starters on the line, they’ve really come along nicely. [Luke] Spang has also stepped up in [Ty] Tremba’s absence.”

This Friday night at Parkland School District Stadium, Parkland hosts Bethlehem Catholic (2-4, 2-4). According to Moncman, the Golden Hawks have an athletic quarterback, speedy wide receivers and a very strong and physical offensive line.

“They have a real athletic quarterback, who probably throws the ball as good as anyone,” said Moncman. “They also have good speed in the wide receiver group and their offensive line is the biggest that we’ve faced so far.”

There are three games left in the regular season. Emmaus (6-1, 6-1) holds a half-game lead over Parkland for the top spot in the South Division.