Saucon Valley and Northern Lehigh are at opposite ends of the Colonial League standings at this point of the season, as the Panthers remain in contention with the league leaders, while the Bulldogs remain winless.

However, that didn’t seem to matter to any player or coach on the field, as the display of talent and motivation were on full display for the hosts’ Homecoming weekend game.

Phil Sams’ Panthers entered Week 7 with two losses to their credit, but have been steadily improving with each passing week. Their game a week ago against Northwestern was arguably their best of the season, and against the ‘Dawgs, they didn’t skip a beat, defeating Northern Lehigh, 54-6.

“In the first half of the season, we had a couple of stumbles that we weren’t too proud of,” Sams said after the game. “Week to week, we talk about getting better and I was very happy with the way our kids came out and responded.”

On their first play from scrimmage, Alstan Wolfe found a wide open Ryan Holub for a 35-yard reception and the game’s first score.

The Panthers (5-2) never looked back.

In fact, the winners produced touchdowns on their first four possessions, en route to the huge victory.

“I know Saucon has two losses, but other than Palisades, I think they might be the best team in the league,” Northern Lehigh head coach Joe Tout stated. “As far as the team is concerned, they might have the best team speed that we’ve seen and their quarterback is pretty special.”

The Panther senior signal caller had a stellar showing, as he ran in two scores, threw for two more and returned a beautiful interception for a 74-yard TD that all but sealed his team’s victory.

“I know Northern Lehigh doesn’t have the record they want,” Sams said. “But they’re a very hard-nosed football team and they fought hard against us for the entire game. They’re always tough and tonight, they were again.”

Despite the scoreboard showing a severe loss, the Bulldogs represented themselves tough.

“The kids played hard tonight and didn’t give up or quit on us,” Tout admitted. “Defensively, we just couldn’t handle their speed. Our kids had the right angles, defensively, but they were just too good.”

On their initial possession after intermission, the hosts put together an efficient drive from their own 33 to get on the board. Nine plays spanned 67 yards, highlighted by a picturesque pass from Zach Long to junior talent Gage Hunsicker for the scoring reception.

With Wilson, Notre Dame of Green Pond and Palisades remaining on their regular season schedule, the Panther program is hoping to gel at the right time.

“If the kids keep listening and improving like they’ve been, we have a shot at contention,” Sams said. “But tonight was just another step.”

HALFTIME ROYALTY ... At the break, the Homecoming King and Queen were revealed, as senior tailback Mason Seiler bore the crown, next to Jill Olewine, as queen.

PURPLE PRIDE ... The Northern Lehigh cheerleaders represented their support for one of their squad mates who passed suddenly last winter,

NEXT UP ... Northern Lehigh looks forward to next week’s clash with Salisbury, as both teams are hoping to nab a ‘W.’