What can I say about this week’s rankings other than all schools are hanging by a thread?

With COVID cases popping up all over, schools like Parkland and East Stroudsburg South were forced out of the postseason

Nazareth thought they were facing the same fate until they were able to push things to Monday night.

At this point of the season, each team is just hoping that they get to play the game in front of them with COVID cases wiping out athletic calendars at the drop of a hat.

This week Nazareth looks for a shot at defending their 6A crown if they can get through Stroudsburg, while Thursday night we see the 5A title game go down between Whitehall and Pocono Mountain East.

The Holy War Part II takes place in Allentown on Friday night and Notre Dame looks to add a championship trophy to their mantle on Saturday in the 3A final.

Let’s just hope all teams still involved can make it through the final two weeks of the season.

1. Nazareth (7-0)

Last week’s rank: #1

Crazy week for the Blue Eagles, but it shouldn’t be tough for them Friday.

The Pick: Nazareth 35 - Stroudsburg 7

2. Freedom (4-1)

Last week’s rank: #4

Pates have the toughest matchup of the week, but I don’t expect them to fail.

The Pick: Freedom 21 - Easton 14

3. East Stroudsburg South (4-0)

Last week’s rank: #6

Cavs might have been the best team in the area this year, but we’ll never know as COVID took their season away.

4. Emmaus (5-1)

Last week’s rank: #2

Disappointing finish for the Hornets after coming off that Parkland win.

5. Easton (3-3)

Last week’s rank: #9

Rovers with the shocker last week. Can they continue the ride?

The Pick: Freedom 21 - Easton 14

6. Parkland (3-1)

Last week’s rank: #3

Trojans are another victim to COVID.

7. Allentown Central Catholic (4-2)

Last week’s rank: #5

Vikings look poised to get back into the championship game.

The Pick: CCHS 28 - Bethlehem Catholic 7

8. Notre Dame GP (7-0)

Last week’s rank: #7

ND might get tested for but will eventually pull away.

The Pick: NDGP 42 - North Schuylkill 13

9. Northwestern (7-1)

Last week’s rank: #8

Tigers should roll.

The Pick: Northwestern 42 - Wilson 18

10. Stroudsburg (4-1)

Last week’s rank: #10

Mounties sneak their way back into the tourney, but it won’t give them a win.

The Pick: Nazareth 35 - Stroudsburg 7

Other games:

Class 5A championship

Whitehall 45 - Pocono Mountain East 14

Class 2A semifinals

Palisades 56 - Catty 7

Northern Lehigh 31 - Palmerton 21

Last week’s record: 3-1

Overall record: 27-7