Rocco Fonzone and Henry Shultz both have played major roles in the Whitehall’s success this season, but the duo has recognized their constant team effort.

Fonzone recorded two interceptions and Shultz had eight receptions in helping Whitehall to a 41-19 victory over Liberty that raised the Zephyrs overall record to 4-1. It was their third straight victory, and the Zephyrs have averaged 36 points in each game.

Fonzone saw the victory as a total effort.

“The win was a great team win Friday night,” beamed Fonzone. “Liberty was a really tough team and had great athletes. All around we played great among our offense, defense and special teams. It felt great being able to contribute to the team on defense. Our coaches have really helped us prepare with being in the right spots and pass coverage that really helped us on defense.”

Schultz agreed with his teammate.

“I thought our defense showed up big time,” boasted Shultz. “We had some big plays on special teams that really impacted the game for us. Our coach always preaches special teams and how important it is and it showed. At halftime we knew our offense couldn’t take our foot off the gas and keep making plays, and our defense had to keep being physical by making stops.”

Schultz believes he and his teammates’ lifetime bond has played an integral part.

“A big key factor in our team is that we have a lot of chemistry,” he added. “A lot of us have been playing together since middle school and that really allows us to connect as a unit. Overall it was a great team win and we just have to focus on our next opponent now.”

Zephyrs’ head coach Andy Marino credited his defense after his offense got off to a slow start.

Quarterback Tanner Dogmanits completed 14 of 22 passes for 140 yards with two touchdowns and one interceptions. His prime target was Schultz, who caught eight balls for 94 yards with a touchdown, and running back Jeziah Gregory ran for 172 yards with three touchdowns.

“Our defense did a great job with the game plan and limiting their best wide receiver,” said Marino. “We also ran to the ball well and tackled well.

“Offensively we were able to overcome any penalties, which is a bit concerning. We have to be much more disciplined.”

The Zephyrs will travel to Allentown School District Stadium Friday night to battle a reeling Dieruff squad (1-4), which is coming off a 61-0 loss to Freedom.

Yet, Marino wants to keep his team focused.

“The last two years we’ve been trailing in the second half against Dieruff,” said Marino. “They match up against us very well. We have to practice with great detail and execution this week.

Fonzone doesn’t anticipate his team to have a letdown.

“We have to prepare for them like we do every week,” stressed Fonzone.

ZEPHYR ZITES: Whitehall won the last meeting between the two teams, 39-20, in 2025. The Zephyrs have won the last three meetings between the team dating back to 2020 ... Dieruff posted a 31-0 victory over East Stroudsburg North, but the Huskies have been outscored 189-31 in their four defeats ... Fonzone has 13 tackles and three interceptions and also nine receptions for 87 yards with a touchdown ... Dogmanits has completed 71 of 103 attempts for 968 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Gregory has 577 yards and seven touchdowns, and Shultz had 31 catches for 494 yards with four touchdowns ... Aiden Hannis had 10 tackles against Liberty and has a team-high 42 for the season. Iskander Blanco has 36 tackles.

PREDICTION (Season record 4-1): The Zephyrs are playing as well as any team in the Lehigh Valley, and they are tied with Parkland and Nazareth atop of the Class 6A bracket. They have a typical trap game here with Dieruff and need to take control of this game early. Whitehall should have an early night in Allentown. Ex-cross country legendary coach Mike Lelko can pick up a Wawa Italian hoagie for me ... ZEPHYRS, 48-7