Parkland scored every time it touched the ball in the first half against Pleasant Valley during a 58-13 rout on Thursday night in Orefield.

And if you count a spectacular punt return touchdown, Parkland found the end zone literally every time a Trojan touched the football in the first two quarters.

“They’re not a measuring stick,” Pleasant Valley coach Blaec Saeger said after the game. “They’re a perennial power, and they’re fifth in the state for a reason. [PHS head coach] Tim [Moncman] does an amazing job, and it’s no accident. They are where they are every single year, and they’re going to go compete for another title.”

The Trojans wasted no time establishing their dominance.

Just over one minute into the game, quarterback Finn Coen connected with Nassim Adams on a perfectly executed 54-yard receiver screen pass on the very first play from scrimmage.

Two plays later, TJ Lawrence punched it in from six yards out for a quick 7-0 lead that set the tone for the entire evening.

Pleasant Valley’s struggles compounded immediately.

On the ensuing drive, Bears’ quarterback Jaxson Haines rolled out on third-and-long, but his pass downfield was deflected and intercepted by Lawrence, who displayed excellent field awareness as he ran across the field and returned the pick to the Bears’ 7-yard line. Two plays later, fullback Jaren Sanchez powered his way into the end zone to make it 14-0.

Pleasant Valley showed resiliency late in the first quarter with a scrappy drive that included a gutsy decision to go for it on fourth down from its own 29-yard line. The Bears managed to sustain the drive before reaching their own 48-yard line, before ultimately deciding to punt the ball away.

That decision to punt proved costly.

Adams showcased his elite speed and vision, taking the punt and weaving around defenders for an electrifying 81-yard return touchdown that sent the home crowd into a frenzy and pushed Parkland’s lead to 21-0.

By late in the second quarter, with the score ballooning to 42-0, many teams might have folded.

Against many Trojan defensive substitutes, the Bears methodically put together a 12-play scoring drive, showing patience and execution that can go a long way for the rest of the season.

The drive culminated with Isaac Westerman’s 6-yard touchdown run just before intermission, giving Pleasant Valley something positive to build on.

Parkland sophomore Jason Brubacher broke through to block a Pleasant Valley punt that rolled out of the end zone for a safety late in the third period – a big-time special teams play from an underclassman getting his opportunity to shine.

Parkland has plethora of talented tailbacks at its disposal. Junior Naquan Thomason is a bowling ball with speed – he scored twice, punishing defenders. Senior Caleb Corsa could also probably start for most District 11 teams. He tallied nearly 100 yards in the game. Both play backup to the talented Lawrence.

The Parkland band put on a show at halftime with its rendition of GAGA. It was worth the price of admission – a job well done.

Parkland’s Greyson Dancsecs kicks, plays offense and defense. He was perfect on six extra points, while recording receptions on offense and tackles on defense.