Through their first two games, Whitehall’s football team already had experienced a range of emotions.

In an opener against Allen that was expected to be closer than the outcome, the Zephyrs routed the Canaries 53-0 and dominated in every phase of the game. It was a welcoming first game for first-year head coach Andy Marino and cast of new faces in new roles.

Marino had good reason to call it a “good team win” as the Zephyrs registered two defensive touchdowns as well as a special teams one.

The Zephyrs felt confident facing an also undefeated Bethlehem Catholic team last Saturday in a game that would better test their mettle and character.

This time around, Becahi opened up a close game with 21 unanswered points in the third quarter en route to their 34-21 victory.

Beca quarterback Cayden Vassa connected with his brother, Parker, for the three passing touchdowns in the third quarter, and the Zephyrs were also stunned by Jacob Sutton’s 81-yard touchdown scamper. Overall, Sutton ran for 136 of the Golden Hawks’ 205 rushing yards, and Beca accumulated 358 total yards.

Whitehall senior quarterback Trey Dogmanits threw for 315 yards with three touchdowns, but he also was touched for three interceptions. Fellow senior Dalton Wickel was the Zephyrs’ leading ground gainer for the second consecutive week, as he gained 62 of their 125 yards.

Dogmanits and his teammates are anxious to play against his former coach.

“Playing Easton has been a game we have been looking forward to since we got our schedule,” said Dogmanits. “It will be interesting because he has coached us seniors for two years and he knows our tendencies.

“However, we have played under him for two years, so we know what he likes to do. This game is not just important because we are playing our old coach, but it is also important because we want to get back into the win column.”

Marino realized his team needs to clean up some things before they host Easton Friday night.

“Becahi executed at a high level,” said Marino. “They are talented and well coached. We did not play a clean football game. Turnovers, penalties, and a lack of execution played a large role in the game.

“We are in the process of finding our identity.”

Easton (1-1) suffered a 37-20 defeat at home to Allentown Central Catholic last week. The Red Rovers routed East Stroudsburg North, 42-0, under new coach Matt Senneca, who was the Zephyrs’ mentor for the previous four seasons.

“It is a new week and a new opponent,” said Marino. “We will have a well-coached Easton team coming to our stadium.

“They will be a challenge.”

PREDICTION (Overall record 1-1): Whitehall downed Easton, 37-14, last year. They had dropped their previous three decisions – 46-28 in 2019, 41-21 in ’18, and 55-28 in ’17. The Zephyrs beat Easton, 27-10, in 2016 ... Easton’s William Day rushed for 101 yards with three touchdowns against East Stroudsburg North (ESN) ... The Red Rovers gained 197 yards rushing. However, Day was held to 11 yards and the team had 134 against Allentown Central Catholic (ACC) ... Red Rovers quarterback Joseph Martinez was 10-for-10 for 59 yards with a touchdown against ESN and was 10-for-15 for 85 yards with two touchdowns against ACC ... Easton had two turnovers and nine penalties for 85 yards against ACC ... Whitehall’s Braden Bashore has seven receptions for 61 yards with a pair of touchdowns against Bethlehem Catholic ... Dogmanits had thrown for 257 with four touchdowns and interceptions apiece through the first two games. Wickel has rushed for 113 yards with a pair of touchdowns ... Carter Troxell has a total of 14 tackles through two games ... Zephyr faithful will be anxious for this one, especially with Senneca’s return ... Marino knows his team is still finding its way, and they can take some major steps here ... Zephyrs will need to hold Easton’s running game in check, and Dogmanits needs to get back on track ... Easton allowed 232 yards passing against ACC. If Dogmanits can have a big game and Zephyrs’ defense steps up, it can be an unwelcoming return for Senneca ... Tough game to call, and have a feeling Senneca will pull some tricks out of the bag ... Something tells me Easton finds a way. If so, coach Marino, a Wawa hoagie and soft pretzel (they are the best there) are on me ... EASTON 24-21.