For the first time this fall, the Parkland High School football team will have game film to work with after its first competition of the season, a 41-24 victory against Whitehall last Friday night in Eastern Pennsylvania Conference action.

Senior running back Isiah Rico picked up where he left off last season, rushed for 152 yards on 17 carries. He scored three touchdowns in leading the Parkland offense, which jumped out early and often against the Zephyrs (1-2), scoring 34 straight points in the first half to take firm control of the game, leading 34-3 at halftime.

All involved with the program were just happy to take the field this fall.

“There was a feeling of relief and normalness for us,” said head coach Tim Moncman. “I expected more mental mistakes, but we kept those to a minimum, which I was happy to see. I also liked our intensity and execution on both sides of the ball, especially with all of the newer kids in the starting lineup this year.”

The Trojans had only three returning starters out of 22 on both offense and defense.

Parkland (1-0 overall) will now look forward to hitting the road for the first time this season as it travels to J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown to face Dieruff (0-2 overall). The Huskies have not won yet this year, falling to Whitehall (49-7) in the opener and then to Emmaus (63-0) last Thursday.

Moncman still sees some areas on the Dieruff roster that he has to prepare his team for.

“Dieruff has some talented athletes at the skill positions that can present problems,” Moncman said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Friday.