It’s playoff week for teams across District 11 and while round one doesn’t offer many interesting matchups, Emmaus resurgence gifts them with one of the more difficult tasks in the opening round against Easton.

Northwestern takes on Lehighton in 4A, in what could be closer than people expect, while Notre Dame faces off against Jim Thorpe after an extended layoff.

There might not be much drama this week, but everyone should be happy they’re playing after Saucon Valley had to drop out of the tournament due to COVID reasons.

It just shows you how each week in this season really might be survival of the fittest.

1. Nazareth (6-0)

Last week’s rank: #1

Blue Eagles should get a blowout win.

The Pick: Nazareth 49 - Pleasant Valley 0

2. Emmaus (5-0)

Last week’s rank: #3

Hornets get a tough battle in their district opener, but should prevail.

The Pick: Emmaus 21 - Easton 7

3. Parkland (3-1)

Last week’s rank: #2

Last week’s loss should light a fire inside the Trojans.

The Pick: Parkland 42 - Stroudsburg 14

4. Freedom (3-1)

Last week’s rank: #4

Pates had an off week and they’ll probably get another one in this game.

The Pick: Freedom 42 - Pocono Mountain West 0

5. Allentown Central Catholic (4-2)

Last week’s rank: #5

Vikings look like the front runner in 4A.

The Pick: CCHS 56- Bangor 7

6. East Stroudsburg South (4-0)

Last week’s rank: #6

The Cavs look like a runaway favorite in 5A.

The Pick: ESS 56 - Pocono Mountain East 0

7. Notre Dame GP (6-0)

Last week’s rank: #7

Crusaders should romp through 3A.

The Pick: NDGP 42 - Jim Thorpe 13

8. Northwestern (6-1)

Last week’s rank: #10

One of the more intriguing matchups of the weekend.

The Pick: Northwestern 35 - Lehighton 21

9. Easton (2-3)

Last week’s rank: #9

Do the Rovers have any bite left?

The Pick: Emmaus 21 - Easton 7

10. Stroudsburg (4-1)

Last week’s rank: Not ranked

Have little faith the Mounties can pull an upset, but they crack the poll.

The Pick: Parkland 42 - Stroudsburg 14

Teams that dropped: Bethlehem Catholic

Teams that entered: Stroudsburg

Last week’s record: 6-1

Overall record: 24-6