Over the past two weeks the Emmaus football team got rid of the sour taste in its mouth after two straight losses.

Games against Pocono Mountain West and Northampton were the cures to an early losing skid. After two wins by an average of over 42 points, the Green Hornets (3-2 overall, 1-2 EPC South) will be tested on Friday night.

“The kids are feeling confident but they’re not satisfied,” said Emmaus head coach Harold Fairclough. “We know the back half of our schedule does not allow for any letdowns. And the first test is Friday against a good, hungry Freedom team.”

The Hornets travel to Bethlehem Area School District Stadium Friday night to take on a Freedom team coming off a loss to Parkland.

The Patriots (3-2, 1-2) were in control through most of the first half, but were not able to capitalize on turnovers and slow play from the Trojans before falling 23-7.

Abdul Beasley led Freedom’s running game against Parkland with 18 carries for 125 yards. Beasley and Alec Huertas (5 catches, 85 yards vs. Parkland) will likely be a focal point of the Patriot offense Friday night.

“Their run game is very efficient,” Fairclough said. “It is definitely something we will be working on this week. We need to contain their running backs and control the line of scrimmage.”

Emmaus made plays in the passing game and running game last week and hopes to continue growing it’s aerial assault.

“It’s crucial from here on out that we get major contributions from different people,” said Fairclough. “We need to be as balanced as possible and have different people step up each week.”

With both teams having identical records at the midway point of the regular season, this game will be valuable in deciding district playoff positioning.