The Emmaus football team was 4-2 heading into its previous road game two weeks ago against a Liberty team that hadn't tasted a victory yet in the 2012 season. The Green Hornets have lost their last two games, including a 27-14 homecoming loss to Whitehall last week. Emmaus (4-4) needs one win over the final two games to have a shot at a postseason berth.

"We had a short practice [Monday]," said head coach Joe Bottiglieri. "The kids came out, did a good job and were very focused. They're looking forward to getting to the next game."

The Green Hornets hit the road for the final time this season. They will travel to Nazareth this Friday night. The Blue Eagles are coming off a tough 27-21 loss to Central Catholic, and are also in desperate need of a win to get into postseason play.

"We have to really be focused and at the top of our game this week," said Bottiglieri. "Our practices are going to have to be very crisp. We need the players to be very focused because Nazareth is in search of a win. It's just going to be a matter of who makes the least mistakes and who plays harder. We need to finish the job for 48 minutes."

The Emmaus defense will need to key in on two explosive offensive threats Nazareth brings to the table. Senior quarterback Parish Simmons and sophomore running back Jordan Gray each had their hands in touchdowns last week. Senior wide out Anthony Gaetaniello possesses a threat as well. He was on the receiving end of a 39 yard touchdown pass from Simmons against the Vikings.

The play of Emmaus quarterback Andrew Kerson has improved down the stretch. Tailback Wyl Miller broke through in the loss to Whitehall last weekend. The sophomore rushed for two touchdowns and may see more touches this week.

"Wyl's been getting better each week," said Bottiglieri. "Provided he has some running room, he's a threat every time he touches the ball because he has great speed and is very elusive. We've been trying week after week to get him into the flow of the game more and more."

After the Whitehall game, Bottiglieri challenged his team to go out and get the win they need to continue play after the regular season. With games against Nazareth and rival Parkland left, the Green Hornets can go out and prove they are a playoff-worthy team.