Talent, depth and leadership are all traits that have separated the Northwestern Lehigh track and field program from its peers over the past few seasons.

Those skills were on full display last Thursday as Northwestern swept Colonial League rival Palmerton, with the boys picking up an 84-66 win and the girls claiming a 104.5-40.5 victory.

The Tigers (5-0) claimed victory in a highly competitive boys' meet by placing at least two in the points-earning places in seven events and by sweeping all three relays.

Northwestern coach Dave Kerschner knew it wouldn't be easy, but with a roster littered with talent, he was sure the team was capable of such a performance.

"We knew Palmerton would be one of our toughest meets for the boys team," Kerschner said. "But the kids came through in a big way and kept the undefeated season alive."

While disappointed with the loss, Palmerton (3-1) coach Jeff Minnich felt his team benefited from facing a squad the caliber of Northwestern.

"Northwestern is definitely a big measuring stick for us and that's kind of how we were using today," he said. "It kind of lets us know how strong we are, and in other cases where we're weaker, because they don't have a lot of holes."

One of the reasons the Tigers don't' have many flaws is because of Cam Richardson, who claimed two individual wins (100, 200) and also helped Northwestern earn victories in the 400- and 1600-meter relays.

For Richardson, it was more than just the wins that were satisfying.

"I definitely knew that I had to run the 200 hard," Richardson said of the race, which also featured Palmerton's Austin Shupp. "I knew he was going to push me and I think it was good to be tested and have to work for it."

The race was one of the few Shupp didn't win after claiming victories in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles. But the Palmerton senior still came away from the race against Richardson content with his result in an event he doesn't always compete in.

"That's the first time in competition, in any event, that I've competed against him so far this season," Shupp said. "Obviously, he's very fast and I knew it wasn't going to be easy. But I'm happy with how I did and I know I can get better."

While Richardson proved to be unstoppable in the sprints, teammate Collin Furchner showed the way in the distance events, winning the 1600 and 3200 while helping the Tigers run away with the 3200-meter relay.

Northwestern's Alex Partington continued his strong season, winning the shot put and discus in convincing fashion.

In the girls' meet, Northwestern (5-0) won all but four events and swept both relays.

Haley Yost (800, 1600) and Alexis Gawelko (100H, 300H) paced the Lady Tigers with multiple event wins.

For Palmerton, Brinn Doherty claimed two individual victories, winning the 100 and long jump.

While satisfied with the sweep and the performances of both teams so far, Kerschner knows the season is far from over, especially with critical Colonial League meets looming.

"We have two of the most talented teams in school history and our kids are working very hard to make sure that carries over to the win column," he said. "We have our meets of the year coming up this week for both the boys and girls teams on Thursday in a double dual against Bangor and Southern Lehigh, which will go a long way in deciding the league champions."

Thursday's meet looks like the deciding contest for the league's regular season championhips trophies. Along with both Northwetsern teams, Southern Lehigh girls and the Bangor boys. The winners of Thursday's meet will wrap up their season a week later, but would be in great position to finish 2014 as undefeated league champs.