Freedom’s football team is used to being in big games.The Patriots will have another one of those Saturday night at 7 p.m. when they play the role of visitor at BASD Stadium against Easton.

With a five-game schedule this year, both teams know that each precious game carries even more importance.

“I think with the news of the district tournament coming out last week, it certainly puts more of an emphasis on each game,” said Freedom head coach Jason Roeder. “The last couple of years we’ve been in contention for the league and district titles and this really is no different for us.”

The Pates opened the season with a dominating, 44-20 win over Northampton last Friday night.

Freedom built a 30-0 lead at halftime and was never truly threatened. They rushed for 317 yards with Matt Russin leading the way with 133 yards and three touchdowns, all in the first quarter after leaving the game with a leg injury.

Deante Crawford pitched in with 111 yards and two touchdowns in Russin’s absence, as Freedom had little trouble moving the ball on the ground.

New quarterback Brian Taylor performed admirably in his debut, going 11-of-17 for 193 yards and an interception. He also rushed for 72 yards, which included a 48 yard TD run.

“I thought Brian played really well,” said Roeder. “There’s always so much uncertainty coming into week one, but he managed things well for his first time out.”

The challenge for this week is now taking on an Easton squad that’s ranked ninth in the state and that features, perhaps, the best running back in the East Penn Conference in Nahjee Adams.

Adams ran for 120 yards and two scores in their 30-7 win over Liberty last week and Roeder knows he’ll be a focal point this week.

“Everything starts with Adams for them,” said Roeder. “We need to be gap sound and get hats to the ball and tackle well.”

With teams working through opening week rust, Roeder was happy with his team’s week one performance and hopes it can carry over this week.

“I thought we executed well last week,” he said. “It feels good to be back to normal and preparing for opponents and we know it’s going to be a tough one this week.”