The roster may be dominated by underclassmen, but Perkiomen School's football team has plenty of experience, according to head coach Casey Perlstein. In its second

Perkiomen School Quaterback Michael Boyole delivers a pass against the Delaware County Christian School.  Boyle threw for two touchdowns.

season in the playing 8-man football, the team started the current season with three consecutive victories.

          Last week, Michael Boyle led the Panthers to a 38-0 victory over Delaware County Christian School in the Keystone State Football League. The freshman quarterback threw for three touchdowns in his first game under center on Saturday, Sept. 28.

          Nathan Pedrick, a junior, ran for two touchdowns for the Panthers (3-0), who led 32-0 at halftime. Bobby Rosenberger, a ninth grader, caught four passes for 88 yards and two scores. Drew Malone, a sophomore, finished with three receptions for 24 yards.

          Though they have 10 ninth graders on the roster, the team has several returning players in their second year of eight-man football, according to Perlstein

          "We've been able to build on their experience this season," the coach said.

          Perkiomen School's scheme has evolved on both sides of the ball, according to Perlstein. The run-first offense is utilizing more misdirection plays and options. Instead of going with four linemen, the defense features three and an extra defensive back, which has created more coverage and blitzing options. Pedrick, a Pennsburg resident, credited Perlstein for the strong start.

          "He's done a real good job coaching up the younger guys," Pedrick said.

          Boyle – filling in for Hunter Eschailler, who the coach described as injured – led the Panthers to a touchdown on four of their five first-half possessions. His 16-yard scoring throw to Rosenberger opened the scoring. He added a 7-yard TD pass to classmate early in the second quarter.

          Boyle's 2-yard TD pass to Rosenberg midway through the third quarter capped the scoring and invoked the mercy clock, which runs continuously with a 35-point lead.

          "Mikey is a real competitor," Perlstein said of Boyle, who completed 8-of-12 passes for 120 yards. "I knew he would do the right things on the field. It looked like he was never under duress. He played with a lot of confidence."

          Eschailler took a few snaps late in the fourth quarter. The coach declined to comment on the nature of his injury and would not elaborate on how future playing time between both quarterbacks would be allocated.

          Pedrick contributed three touchdowns during the first half. His 30-yard interception return put them ahead 12-0. He delivered scoring runs of 13 and two yards, respectively.  Playing without Tony Holden, who was dressed in street clothes on the sidelines, Pedrick handled the bulk of Perkiomen School's carries. He finished with 66 yards on 20 carries.

          The Panthers defense did not allow a first down. Rosenberger recorded one of their four sacks and recovered a fumble. C.J. Blair, a ninth grader, intercepted a pass just before halftime.

          Perkiomen School will host Mercersburg Academy at 4p.m on Friday in a showdown for first place in the conference. The Panthers opened the season with a 20-14 victory over the team. Perlstein said he expects a challenge from the improving Blue Storm, who posted a 30-8 victory over Valley Forge Military Academy over the weekend.