OREFIELD — Parkland scored every time it touched the ball in the first half against Pleasant Valley during a 58-13 rout on Thursday night in Orefield.

And if you count a spectacular punt return touchdown, it found the end zone literally every time it touched the football in the first two quarters.

“They’re not a measuring stick. They’re a perennial power, and they’re fifth in the state for a reason,” Pleasant Valley coach Blaec Saeger said after the game.

“Tim (Moncman) does an amazing job, and it’s no accident. They are where they are every single year, and they’re going to go compete for another title.”

The Trojans wasted no time establishing their dominance.

Just over one minute into the game, quarterback Finn Coen connected with Nassim Adams on a perfectly executed 54-yard receiver screen pass on the very first play from scrimmage.

Two plays later, TJ Lawrence punched it in from six yards out for a quick 7-0 lead that set the tone for the entire evening.

Pleasant Valley’s struggles compounded immediately.

On the ensuing drive, Bears’ quarterback Jaxson Haines rolled out on third-and-long, but his pass downfield was deflected and intercepted by Lawrence, who displayed excellent field awareness as he ran across the field and returned the pick to the Bears’ 7-yard line. Two plays later, fullback Jaren Sanchez powered his way into the end zone to make it 14-0.

Pleasant Valley showed resiliency late in the first quarter with a scrappy drive that included a gutsy decision to go for it on fourth down from its own 29-yard line. The Bears managed to sustain the drive before reaching their own 48-yard line, before ultimately deciding to punt the ball away.

That decision to punt proved costly.

Adams showcased his elite speed and vision, taking the punt and weaving around defenders for an electrifying 81-yard return touchdown that sent the home crowd into a frenzy and pushed Parkland’s lead to 21-0.

By late in the second quarter, with the score ballooning to 42-0, many teams might have folded.

But Saeger’s squad demonstrated the character their coach has instilled in them.

Against many Trojan defensive substitutes, the Bears methodically put together a 12-play scoring drive, showing patience and execution that can go a long way for the rest of the season.

The drive culminated with Isaac Westerman’s 6-yard touchdown run just before intermission, giving Pleasant Valley something positive to build on.

“I love these kids. I don’t ever question their desire, their will, or their fight,” Saeger said. “Can they execute against the speed and size of Parkland? Not today. On another day, maybe, but it wasn’t meant to be today. But that’s who our kids are – they don’t quit, they don’t back down.”

After halftime, Saeger continued to let his offense get valuable reps, and the Bears rewarded his faith with their best sequence of the night.

Haines rolled out and found Niko Payan, who made a spectacular contested catch over a defender before turning upfield for a massive chunk play that energized the Pleasant Valley sideline.

On the very next play, Chris Ward, who flashed his talent throughout the evening, took a beautifully executed option play to the outside and used his speed to scamper 31 yards for a touchdown that capped an impressive second-half drive.

After Ward’s score, both coaching staffs gave their younger players and reserves valuable varsity experience on both sides of the ball.

Parkland sophomore Jason Brubacher broke through to block a Pleasant Valley punt that rolled out of the end zone for a safety late in the third period – a big-time special teams play from an underclassman getting his opportunity to shine.

“The last two weeks don’t show up, but those teams are very good. That’s all I can say. Exeter’s fourth in the state, and Parkland fifth in the state,” Saeger explained.

“And we signed up for the challenge, and we went and gave ‘em everything we got, and we survived. And we’re going to come out better for it.”

“(East Stroudsburg) South is all we care about right now. We’re going to focus our attention there, and that’s a huge game for us,” Saeger said.

WEALTH OF RBs … Parkland has almost an unfair number of talented tailbacks at its disposal. Junior Naquan Thomason is a bowling ball with speed – he scored twice, punishing defenders. Senior Caleb Corsa could also probably start for most D11 teams; he tallied nearly 100 yards in the game. Both play back-up to the talented Lawrence.

GAGA … The Parkland band put on a show at halftime with its rendition of GAGA. It was worth the price of admission – a job well done.

TRIPLE THREAT ... Parkland’s Greyson Dancsecs kicks, plays offense, and defense. He was perfect on six extra points, while recording receptions on offense and tackles on defense.

Parkland 58, Pleasant Vy. 13

Pleasant Vy. 0 6 7 0 - 13

Parkland 28 14 9 7 - 58

P - Lawrence 6 run (Dancsecs kick)

P - Sanchez 1 run (Dancsecs kick)

P - Adams 81 punt return (Dancsecs kick)

P - Nassry 40 pass from Coen (Dancsecs kick)

P - Thomason 5 run (Dancsecs kick)

P - Thomason 17 run (Dancsecs kick)

PV - Westerman 6 run (Kick fail)

PV - Ward 31 run (Kick good)

P - Brubacher punt block safety

P - Corsa 12 run (Sanders kick)

P - Barnes 21 run (Sanders kick)