Freedom surely looked like they had the week off due to an outbreak of COVID-19 at their rival Liberty.

That is on the positive side.

The Patriots played a first-half to near perfection in their 42-0 dismantling of Pocono Mountain West in a PIAA Class 6A quarterfinal game at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium (BASD) Nov. 6.

With the win, the third-seeded Patriots will host seventh-seeded Easton Friday night at BASD.

Senior running back Matt Russin gave the Patriots the jump three plays into the game with a four-yard touchdown, and they rolled into halftime with a 42-0 advantage and a running clock for the half.

“This isn’t about me,” said Russin. “It was about the offensive line and everybody else. We all did our jobs.”

Freedom’s defense caused two turnovers and stifled Pocono Mountain West’s offense in the opening half. The visiting Panthers (3-3) were manhandled by the Patriots (4-1) throughout the first half, and they couldn’t get into any offensive rhythm. They managed just 72 yards of total offense.

Lineman Braelin Moore scooped up a fumble and raced into the end zone, only to be called back by a penalty, and safety Quin Hoke snared an interception. However, both turnovers resulted in scores.

“We have been pretty solid on defense all season,” said Freedom head coach Jason Roeder. “We just have to keep making good decisions on both sides of the ball.”

Quarterback Ethan Neidig completed all eight of his passes, threw for one score, and ran for two others. Russin ended the night with 64 yards, Deante Crawford ran for 58 yards and a score, and Neidig added 50 yards on the ground.

Next up is Easton, who is coming off a 28-23 upset of Emmaus last weekend. The Red Rovers have recovered after a slow start. Running back Marcel Williams scored four touchdowns in the victory, as he stepped into the spotlight for injured running back Nahjee Adams.

Freedom downed Easton, 21-10, in the lone meeting earlier this season on Oct. 10.