Reflecting on his football career, Chase Kessler was certain that he never scored three touchdowns in a game.

The Northampton sophomore picked an opportune time to do it for the first time.

Kessler ran for a game-high 168 yards and found the end zone three times to help the Konkrete Kids to a 48-19 victory over East Stroudsburg South last week.

With the win, the Kids (2-0) remained undefeated through the first two weeks of the season. They will travel to meet undefeated Parkland Friday night.

Stepping into a starting role due to the Kids’ running back injuries, Kessler made the most of the moment.

“It felt pretty good to be on the field as a sophomore and getting the ball as well,” said Kessler, who had 13 carries. “I’m just so grateful that the O-line blocked very well making holes for me to run through and making big plays.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity and the trust my coaches and teammates have in me. To score three touchdowns at this level feels pretty good and means so much to me.”

Kessler credited his father, John, for his steady encouragement and support.

“I started playing when I was young, and I’ve been playing football my whole life,” added Kessler. “My father has influenced me the most. He is always telling me to never give up and give 110 percent all the time.”

Head coach John Toman was also grateful to his newfound running back.

“With our injuries at the tailback position, it was important for someone to step up,” stressed Toman. “Zander Rickert was coming off an injury and as limited. We were looking for another tailback to step up, and he (Kessler) did in a big way.”

Toman also has seen continuing progress from senior quarterback Gavin Taff.

“Taff is doing a great job on and off the field as a leader,” said Toman. “He’s doing things you expect from a three-year starter.”

Aside from the offense, the Kids’ defense had been climbing steadily.

“Our defense is still learning a new scheme and making strides,” he said. “There’s still a ton more room for improvement. In both games, we have had ups and downs defensively, and we will work to become more consistent.”

The Kids’ defense will be tested against Parkland, which has won his first two games by close margins. Toman knows it will be a stern test for the perennial power.

“Parkland is a huge challenge and huge opportunity,” noted Toman. “They are defending district champs for a reason. We’re not going to think about Friday until Friday.

“Our focus was on Monday and getting better every day.”

KIDS KLIPPINGS: Northampton has outscored its first two opponents by a 68-33 margin, while Parkland has a 37-13 advantage ... Kids rushed for 372 yards on 49 carries with nine different ball carries last week ... Parkland’s Naquan Thomason returned a blocked punt 15 yards for a touchdown, which proved to be the difference in their 18-7 win over Freedom last week ... Parkland won last year’s game, 23-14, and held off a Kids’ fourth quarter rally in which they scored 14 points. Parkland’s T.J. Lawrence ran for 136 yards on 21 carries with a touchdown Taff completed three of four passes for 96 yards last week ... Parkland has won the last three meetings between the teams ... Rocco Amato led the Kids in tackles last week with seven, and Sincere Wadlington had five. Elijah Weidner and Luke Becker each had a sack ... Rickert added 91 yards rushing last week.

PREDICTION (Season Record 2-0): Digging back as far as possible, Northampton’s last win over Parkland was in 2004 by a 17-7 score during the Kids’ 7-6 season ... This will be a tough task for the Kids, and it will be up to their defense, putting the clamps on Lawrence ... Offensively, they will need to play ball control and grind out similar numbers as last week. Freedom had 183 yards rushing and 83 yards passing last week against Parkland ... This is heart vs. head moment. Know I should go with my head, but think Kids can come up with their biggest upset in years against a Parkland team that hasn’t heated up yet ... Kids assistant head coach and good friend Kevin Ronalds can keep a Sal’s cheesesteak in his freezer until I see him in October ... K-KIDS, 17-16.