The Whitehall Zephyrs, who had been on an upswing after their most recent victory over Allentown Central Catholic, stumbled last week in a 35-7 loss to the Nazareth Blue Eagles on Friday night at Whitehall.

The Zephyrs came out hot for the second time in two weeks but couldn’t capitalize on a Braden Bashore interception that took Whitehall to Nazareth’s 31-yard line, and after a fourth-and-1, the Blue Eagles took over on downs.

Thirteen plays later, Nazareth quarterback Sonny Sasso scored on a two-yard carry, and Chris Bugbee’s extra point made the score 7-0.

The Blue Eagles took over on downs for the second time when a sack on Whitehall quarterback Trey Dogmanits by Collin Wells threw the Zephyrs off their game after being well within Nazareth’s territory. Then, Sasso’s 80-yard pass to Nazareth wide receiver Mason Kuehner scored the Blue Eagles second touchdown of the night.

With 5:23 remaining in the half, Whitehall running back Nigel Linton (137 rushing yards) went 90 yards for a Zephyr touchdown, and Andrew Deutsch’s PAT was good.

Kaden Weaver broke up a pass from Sasso to the end zone, but Bugbee, entering the game at quarterback, found Kuehner seconds later for Nazareth’s third touchdown before the break.

Nazareth’s last two touchdowns came in the third quarter on a 43-yard and a 17-yard pass.

Whitehall’s defense saw Weaver, Chandeler Romain, and Logan Headman with six tackles apiece with Weaver tallying a sack.

This week is rivalry week in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference as Whitehall will travel to Northampton on Friday night.