With a good offseason and a new system in place, Whitehall is anxious to shake the rust from a 2-8 season last year.

The Zephyrs will get their first shot and have a true test when they host East Stroudsburg South for their opener Friday night.

New head coach Matt Senneca has increased the tempo in camp, and he was pleased with their first showing in a tri-scrimmage against Lehighton and Notre Dame.

“I thought we did well,” he said. “It has been exciting so far about what we have going on. We definitely saw some good things. But we also have some things that we have to clean up.”

Whitehall will need to have a productive night from senior quarterback Anthony Nanoah, who threw for over 1,200 yards with 16 touchdowns and also ran for over 400 yards. His primary target will be senior Allen Negrete as well as fellow senior Ali Barkley in the backfield.

Up front, there also is a sense of optimism with four of the five starters back in the fold.

But the Zephyrs will have a challenge to corral the Cavaliers, who posted an overall 8-4 record last season and also captured a PIAA Class 5 A district championship.

East Stroudsburg South will have a new quarterback, but they do return wide receiver Christian Sapp, who caught 47 balls for 800 yards receiving. Sapp is one of several skill people back as well as three linemen.

The Cavaliers likely are to keep their high-tempo offense that generated a league high 434 points – leading the league in points scored for the second consecutive year – in place.

They also were shrewd on the defensive side of the ball, as they allowed 21 points or less in eight of their games. Seven starters will return on defense including their secondary, considered to be the anchor of the unit.

“They are a big team up front,” said Senneca of the Cavaliers. “They have some skill people and speed as well. They did lose some people and they aren’t too bad.

“We will have to come ready to play against them. We have had a good week of practice and we expect what they will want to do against us.

“Our kids have been great and they are ready. When the lights go on, we’ll see what happens.”