Whitehall first-year head coach Andy Marino couldn’t have asked for much more in his team’s 53-0 shutout over Allen in their season opener.

The Zephyrs returned a kickoff for a score and registered two defensive touchdowns.

Jack Kocher opened the scoring when he ran the opening kickoff back 74 yards for a score. Carter Troxell returned a fumble 17 yards and Justus Miles returned one five yards, both for scores in the opening half as the Zephyrs built a unsurmountable 50-0 lead.

“We started fast with a kickoff return and a defensive touchdown,” said Marino. “It was a complete team win with two defensive touchdowns and a special teams one.

“We were able to play a lot of guys. It was a great way to start the season, but it only counts as one win.”

Senior quarterback Trey Dogmanits, who needed only two completions on six attempts for 55 yards with a touchdown and an interception, cherished the opening, dominating victory.

“Friday win was a huge team win that we really needed,” he said. “We had multiple touchdowns not only offensively but also defensively and on special teams.

“Since we have a younger team that is not as experienced as year’s past, it was nice to get everyone in the game and get them some valuable reps.”

Dogmanits also knows he has to step up his game.

“I feel that I need to do better at taking what the defense gives me,” he added. “It was an overall great team win and was a nice way to welcome coach Marino to Whitehall football.”

Saturday afternoon, the Zephyrs will meet Bethlehem Catholic for a 3 p.m. kickoff. The Golden Hawks, under another first-year head coach in Ty Ward, shutout Pleasant Valley, 28-0, in their opener.

“We have to regroup and get ready for an explosive and well-coached Bethlehem Catholic team,” noted Marino.

PREDICTION (record for the season, 1-0): Whitehall dropped a 35-7 decision to Bethlehem Catholic last season. The Zephyrs have lost four of the last five decisions against the Golden Hawks, their last victory a 40-14 victory in 2021 ... Dalton Wickel led the team in rushing with 49 yards on six carries and had a pair of touchdowns. Kocher has both receptions for 55 yards ... Justus Miles had 14 tackles and Troxell had 13 ... Bethlehem Catholic also got some big plays in the their victory. Quarterback Cayden Vassa threw a 53-yard touchdown pass and ran for another. Running back Jacob Sutton broke free for a 66-yard jaunt ... This is an interesting game to call because both teams have young nucleuses. Becahi likely got a better test from Pleasant Valley than Whitehall did with Allen ... Like both teams, but will give the edge to Dogmanits, who should be the difference maker as Vassa is a sophomore, first-year starter ... Hey AD Bob Hartman, those SMP Mini-Mart cheesesteaks sound pretty good for a weekend meal. You’ll have to send me some ... ZEPHYRS, 28-24.