Northern Lehigh football coach Joe Tout admitted that he and his coaching staff tend to compare themselves to Pen Argyl and their football program in many ways. Looking at the statistics, personnel and overall outlook, the Bulldogs and Green Knights resemble each other again in 2018.

Both teams entered Friday’s game with winning records and with excitement building around their programs.

It was Northern Lehigh that built on the excitement as it prevailed with an impressive 14-3 victory.

“We always compare ourselves to Pen Argyl because they are very similar programs and very similar communities,” Tout said. “So entering into the game, we kind of expected that blue collar type of atmosphere tonight.”

A second-quarter connection from senior QB Gage Hunsicker to Damion Rodriguez provided the Bulldogs with the early cushion, which they maintained the remainder of the outing.

“We knew we were going to need some kids to step up their roles for us tonight,” Tout said. “We faced some adversity late in the week and I’m just so proud of the kids and I let them know that.”

Between Hunsicker, sophomore tailback Mike Repsher, senior Cameron Kline and the lanky senior tight end, Rodriguez, Pen Argyl’s defense was tested throughout.

“We had some injuries that tested our depth ... we were down two guys,” said Tout. “I told the kids we had to suck it up tonight.

“We’ll get some of those guys back next week, but we knew tonight we would have to rally around each other.”

Neither team threatened through a majority of the first half until the ‘Dawgs took the ball 80 yards in seven plays to finally score and with39 left on the clock, Hunsicker lofted a pass up for Rodriguez in man coverage for the easy six.

Following Quinton Mack’s PAT, the Knights got right back on their horse, taking it downfield in the final seconds.

Quarterback Tadd Barr hit three straight receivers to move it into field goal position with time running out, and Eric Lobb drilled home a 31-yarder for the 7-3 halftime score.

Out of the intermission, Pen Argyl looked to be riding the momentum, as it drove down the field. But the ‘Dawgs defense stiffened, forcing their foe to attempt another field goal. This time, however, Lobb’s boot sailed left.

After several changes of possession, the Bulldogs finally put the game away in the fourth quarter when sophomore Mike Repsher took a handoff on a reverse play and went 15 yards for the score.

“It felt really nice to stick it in at the end,” Repsher said. “Everyone did very, very good tonight.”

PAY DAY ... Hunsicker was elated after the game, saying, “It feels great to be at 3-1. We all put in that hard work during the week. Tonight, we cashed that pay check.” Hunsicker finished with 106 yards passing on seven of 12 attempts.

GOOD ‘DAWGS... Northern Lehigh had a strong showing all around, including not committing a single penalty in the outing. Pen Argyl was whistled for six flags on the night, totaling 45 yards.

TOUGH TESTS ... The Bulldogs have some tough tests on the road coming up. “We have a little bit of a tough test with Saucon and Southern Lehigh in two road games coming up,” Tout said. “So we have to take this in stride, let the kids build confidence, and hopefully it continues next week.”