Trevor Amorim worked through injuries and endured position-coach changes during his first three seasons with the Kutztown University football team.

The Northern Lehigh High School graduate has forged a regular role in his final season with the Golden Bears.

Amorim has played in all three games at wide receiver for Kutztown (3-0 overall), which heads to Shepherd (0-3) to open PSAC East play Saturday afternoon. He has contributed to a balanced passing attack with five catches, 77 yards and a touchdown.

Amorim also has a 30-yard touchdown run on his lone carry this season. He’s flashed the explosiveness he displayed at Northern Lehigh, where he graduated as the program’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.

“He’s been around and he understands the offense,” Kutztown coach Jim Clements said by phone Tuesday. “Mentally, it’s a lot easier for him than it was in the past, so he’s getting better in that regard. With time and experience, you’re just going to get that much more confident and better at your position. I believe that’s the case here.”

Amorim’s early success this season — he leads Kutztown in receiving yards and is tied for the team lead in catches — has come after he suffered a torn MCL while blocking during spring practice. He also has had to learn how to work with another new position coach in Chris Mignanelli.

Amorim said Mignanelli is his fourth wide receiver coach in as many seasons. The two have clicked on and off the field, giving Amorim added confidence.

“It was a tough grind getting back [from the MCL tear],” Amorim said. “Honestly, I looked at it as a blessing in disguise, to really show me what it’s like to work hard and not take things for granted and to appreciate every rep that I get.

“The fact that I get to play football, it’s not just a given. It’s an opportunity.“

Amorim and Clements both see this week’s visit to Shepherd as a chance to go 1-0 for the week.

While Shepherd doesn’t have a win, it had PSAC West member Slippery Rock on the ropes two weeks ago. Slippery Rock, ranked No. 4 in the latest American Football Coaches Association Division II poll, needed to overcome a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to win in overtime.

Saturday is also Shepherd’s home opener; it began the season with three straight road trips.

Neither Clements nor Amorim expects an easy day.

After the last three seasons, Amorim isn’t about to take any game day for granted.

“Shepherd always gives us a run for our money,” Amorim said. “They’re a great team. They’re well-coached. They’re athletic and fast. They play very physical.

“We’re looking forward to going down there. Coach Clements always says, ‘We’ve never lost in Shepherdstown [where Kutztown is 3-0 all-time].’ So, we’re not trying to start this year.”

Local ties to Lock Haven: Lock Haven, which hosts East Stroudsburg on Saturday, features several Morning Call-area players among its regulars.

Junior offensive lineman Christian Bundra (Northampton High) started each of the Bald Eagles’ first three games. He came to Lock Haven from Lackawanna College.

Senior defensive lineman Blake Griesemer (Quakertown) started and recorded three tackles in last week’s loss to California (Pa.). He has played in every game this season.

Redshirt sophomore defensive back Troy Miller (Bethlehem Catholic) has had at least 3 tackles in each game this season. He also forced a fumble in the season opener against Glenville State.

Redshirt freshman defensive back Rasu Wearing-Poindexter (Pocono Mountain East) totaled 12 tackles (11 solo) and one tackle for loss in the Bald Eagles’ first two games. He didn’t play last week.

Looking ahead: Here’s a look at this week’s games. Muhlenberg has a bye before starting Centennial Conference play Oct. 4 against Ursinus.

Kutztown (3-0) at Shepherd (0-3)

When: 12 p.m. Saturday

Taking note: Shepherd is winless despite scoring at least 27 points in all three of its games. … Kutztown has allowed 14 or fewer points in all three of its games. … Shepherd’s Jordan Barnett is averaging 106.7 rushing yards per game and 8.0 yards per carry.

East Stroudsburg (2-1) at Lock Haven (1-2)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Taking note: Lock Haven is averaging only 10.7 points per game. It hasn’t topped 16 points through three games. … East Stroudsburg ranks third in the PSAC in rushing offense (185 yards per game) and second in rushing defense (81.7 yards per game). … Ashton Blose leads ESU with 3.5 sacks.

The Warriors have 14 sacks overall, which is tied for No. 2 in the PSAC.

William Paterson (0-2) at Moravian (0-3)

When: 1 p.m. Saturday

Taking note: William Paterson has committed five turnovers through two games. … Moravian has managed only 26 points during its 0-3 start. It has scored just seven points in its last two games. … Avery Koser (Southern Lehigh) leads Moravian with 12 receptions, 152 receiving yards and two touchdown catches.

Stephen Miller is a freelance writer.