Northern Lehigh Unleashes Dominance, Securing Sweet Revenge Against Pen Argyl

Under the Friday night lights, a palpable energy of redemption filled the air as Northern Lehigh's Bulldogs took to the field, driven by the memory of a season-ending defeat just a year prior. This was more than just a non-league opener; it was a reckoning. And when the final whistle blew, Northern Lehigh had not only settled the score but emphatically declared their intentions for the 2025 season with a resounding 42-14 victory over Pen Argyl.

Last year, Pen Argyl had unceremoniously halted Northern Lehigh's perfect regular season run, a sting that lingered throughout the offseason.

Bulldogs head coach Joe Tout made it clear that this revenge match was a crucial test of his team's physicality. "We were challenged last year from a physical standpoint, and we needed to respond," Tout stated, emphasizing the team's commitment to their ground game. "We're still going to be a run-first team, and we were able to establish that tonight."

And establish it they did.

The Bulldogs' offense was a relentless force, chewing up yardage and clock with a powerful rushing attack that amassed an astonishing 370 yards on the ground. Quarterback Grady Newhard ignited the scoring with an 11-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for what would be a dominant performance. John Abid was a standout, racking up 153 rushing yards and two crucial touchdowns, showcasing his agility and strength.

By halftime, the scoreboard told a story of one-sided dominance, with Northern Lehigh holding a commanding 28-0 lead.

Jack Steigerwalt and Bryce Dye also found the end zone with powerful runs, each contributing to the Bulldog's unstoppable momentum. The defense was equally formidable, stifling Pen Argyl's attempts to gain traction and ensuring the slate remained clean for the first half.

While Pen Argyl found some rhythm in the second half, with quarterback Riley Palese connecting with Ethan Miller for a 53-yard touchdown and later adding a rushing score himself, it was too little, too late.

Green Knights coach Mark Csensits acknowledged the tough outing. "Northern Lehigh is a physical team. We weren't physical enough tonight," Csensits admitted, highlighting areas for his team's improvement moving forward.

This decisive victory not only avenged last year's heartbreak but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: Northern Lehigh football is back with a vengeance.

With a strong running game, a tenacious defense, and a burning desire to compete, the Bulldogs have set a high bar. They will carry this momentum into their next challenge against Lehighton, while Pen Argyl looks to regroup against Palisades.