Chase Kessler scored the game-winning touchdown last week against Liberty, but he knew it meant a little bit more in the 13-12 win.

The Konkrete Kids were coming off a 31-19 loss to rival Whitehall in the annual Cement Bowl.

“Our last drive was very successful because we kept moving down the field against them,” stated Kessler, who rushed for 139 yards. “We think we are a different team than last year because after our first loss, it went badly for us.

“This year, that’s not us. Everyone can see that because we played strong and didn’t quit after we lost last week.”

Head coach John Toman saw their victory that raised their record to 3-1 as a credit to his defense.

“Defensively, it was a team effort,” beamed Toman. “We changed some things up and played as a team. We got pressure in the box and the secondary limited the big plays.

“It was our best defensive performance of the year, limiting them to eight first downs. Our defensive staff did an awesome job getting the kids ready and making adjustments in the game.”

The Kids have a challenge ahead Friday night as they will host Parkland (3-1), which has won three straight, their latest a 35-0 shutout over Stroudsburg.

Linebacker Robert Wambold, who had seven tackles last week, saw a solid team effort as the key to their success against Liberty.

“I looked at the game as an opportunity to get back in the win column,” evaluated Wambold. “I think my defensive play was a big part of the game, because we knew they were going to attack the edge since that’s what hurt us against Whitehall.

“Being able to set the edge and have good coverage all around helped us a lot. The guys on defense were super focused, and we knew this game was going to depend on us. On Monday, we came in with a clear mindset and got back to work.”

Wambold is confident his team can keep the positive vibes flowing.

“I think this is a big win for us going into Parkland, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” added Wambold. “We should enjoy the win now but come Monday we will be focused on Parkland and nothing else.”

Fellow linebacker Logan Rusnock had a similar outlook.

“As far as the season goes, I think the defense has been playing good football,” offered Rusnock. “Whitehall was, of course, a setback, but I think we learned a lot from that game. Going into Liberty, our coaches got us prepared and ready.

“On the field, we played as one with a lot of energy and intensity. Beating a team like Liberty gives us confidence since a lot of teams on our schedule are very talented.”

Like Wambold, he believes the Liberty win can be a true motivator for Parkland.

“I believe it is perfect timing for Parkland because we are going to carry our momentum and this intensity moving forward in the season,” added Rusnock. “Our week is going to be in preparation to battle a very good Parkland team next Friday.”

Kessler agrees with his teammates about facing Parkland.

“I see Parkland as a challenge,” said Kessler. “But definitely a challenge we can win, and we going to be ready.”

Despite his team’s stellar defensive effort, Toman knows his team still has offensive issues.

“We still need to improve on throwing the football,” stressed Toman. “The (East Penn Conference) South teams are putting more players in the box, and we need to be able to throw the ball in order to get them out of the box. Our offense is a work in progress right now.”

KIDS’ KUDOS: Parkland won last year’s meeting, 38-27, and the Trojans have won 17 straight. The last Northampton win was in 2004 by a 17-7 score ... Kessler has run for 615 yards with eight touchdowns ... Quarterback Zion McKinney completed five of 10 passes for 43 yards and an interception against Liberty. He has completed 12 of 23 passes for 152 yards with three interceptions this season ... After their opening-game, 28-21 loss to Phillipsburg, Parkland has outscored their opponents, 120-35 ... Parkland’s TJ Lawrence scored on a 72-yard run, a 55-yard pass, and a 65-yard punt return last week ... Lawrence has rushed for 578 yards with eight touchdowns ... Blake Nassey has caught 11 passes for 268 yards with four touchdowns ... Quarterback Finn Coen has completed 33 of 52 attempts for 485 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.

PREDICTION (My season record 4-0): This is bad timing to face Parkland. But has there ever been a good time in recent years? The Trojans are back in high gear the past three weeks ... Toman stated his team needs to open up the passing game more, and that is truly imperative against Parkland. Kessler was bottled up for 33 yards last year, and quarterback Gavin Taff threw for 146 with two touchdowns ... Getting McKinney heavily involved will be the key, but the first-year signal caller has struggled so far ... All signs here point to Parkland, and the Kids need some magic and luck ... Coach Toman, this time the pizza from a place of your choice is one me ... PARKLAND, 28-14.