Northampton head football coach John Toman was cautiously optimist entering the 2024 campaign last Friday night against Pennsbury.

The Konkrete Kids lost a number of players on both sides of the ball, notably all-time leading rusher Caden Henritzy. There was plenty of speculation on how the Kids would respond in their season-opener, and also the move into the new East Penn Conference (EPC) Northampton County Division, as they will meet their share of the old EPC South opponents.

However, it didn’t take long for Toman to put any fears to rest.

The Kids responded with a rather-convincing 24-2 victory over their District 1 opponent.

Toman welcomed the feeling.

“We are very proud of the coaches and the players in their prep for the game,” beamed the fourth-year head coach. “We had a great game plan and the players executed what was asked of them.

“We had no cramping or issues you typically see in Week 1. Offensively, we executed very well. And we got multiple players involved.”

Toman also was impressed with his defense that caused five turnovers and didn’t allow a single Pennsbury completion.

“Defensively, we caused turnovers and didn’t allow them a completion,” he added. “It was a solid effort.

“Overall, we are very happy with the start.”

The Kids will travel to East Stroudsburg South Friday night to meet the Cavaliers, who dumped Abington Heights, 33-14, in the opener. Toman understands his team has a challenge ahead.

“They are an athletic team that can push the ball downfield on offense,” said Toman about Friday opponent. “Their defense put pressure on Abington Heights all night. We will have to limit their big plays and handle their pressure.”

PREDICTION (Season Record 1-0): The Kids’ Billy Stuhldreher was the workhorse back, as he ran for 117 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns. Tymir Williams caught six balls for 92 yards with a touchdown, and Gavin Taff completed 11 of 15 attempts for 182 yards with a touchdown ... Joey High and Zeke Spencer each recorded five tackles on defense and Aiden Brearman had an interception ... The Cavaliers were led by Charles Capers, who ran for 90 yards and scored three touchdowns, Xaiver Pusateri caught eight balls for 149 yards, and Ivan Laubach threw for 201 yards ... Kids have won the last five contests in rather convincing fashion – 48-0 (2023), 35-0 (’22), 21-20 (’21), 51-21 (’19), and 21-14 (’18) ... Cavaliers have some firepower back, and the Kids defense will have to make their stance here. Kids got a big boost in the opening win, but traveling north always requires concentration after a long drive ... Williams can be the big difference in the offense if he stays healthy ... Kids can’t look ahead to a looming showdown with Parkland next week. Look for them to stay focused and jump out early. It won’t be a long bus drive home, and assistant coach Kevin Ronalds can pick up a cheesesteak from Sal’s in Wind Gap for me. I do miss them ... K-KIDS, 27-7.