As we enter the final week of the poll, I know that all of us don’t want this to end. This fall season has given so many people hope around the area and given us an opportunity to think about something other than COVID.

With the winter sports season still scheduled to begin practices this Friday, there is fleeting hope that the season won’t get underway as scheduled. I hope I’m wrong, but the writing seems to grow greater on the wall each passing day.

That leaves us with one final week of high school sports ... until ... who knows?

I just hope everyone, whether you’re a player, coach, parent, fan or even a sports writer, appreciates it.

Here’s this week’s top 10.

1. Nazareth (7-0)

Last week’s rank: #1

Best game of the season comes down to the last one. Blue Eagles get the edge.

The Pick: Nazareth 24 - Freedom 17

2. Freedom (5-1)

Last week’s rank: #2

Pates will battle but not sure they can get enough big offensive plays.

The Pick: Nazareth 24 - Freedom 17

3. Eastburg S. (4-0)

Last week’s rank: #3

4. Emmaus (5-1)

Last week’s rank: #4

5. Parkland (3-1)

Last week’s rank: #6

Trojans are another victim to COVID.

6. Central (5-2)

Last week’s rank: #7

Always nice to see EPC and Colonial League teams go at it. Central has too much firepower though.

The Pick: CCHS 35 - Northwestern 21

7. Notre Dame GP (7-0)

Last week’s rank: #7

Let’s try this again. ND might get tested for awhile but will eventually pull away.

The Pick: NDGP 42 - North Schuylkill 13

8. Easton (3-3)

Last week’s rank: #5

Rovers tumble after an embarrassing loss.

9. N’western (7-1)

Last week’s rank: #9

Tigers got a week off, but can they turn that into an edge?

The Pick: CCHS 35 - Northwestern 21

10. Palisades (7-2)

Last week’s rank: Not ranked

Can Ramie Moussa’s Pirates finish off the job this season?

The Pick: Palisades 31 - Northern Lehigh 28

Last week’s record: 6-0

Overall record: 33-7