This week’s poll was too hard to decipher who should be the top ranked team, as Freedom and Emmaus are playing outstanding football at the moment. The Pates are clicking on both sides of the ball, while the Emmaus defense has been lights out. Both teams are worthy of the No. 1 designation.

Central continues to slide, while Easton hopes they can play a game this week after another COVID cancellation.

Meanwhile, Northwestern and Pottsville have a massive game this week with playoff implications.

1. Freedom (5-2)

Last week’s rank: #1

Pates are on a steady climb upward.

The Pick: Freedom 49- Pleasant Valley 0

1. Emmaus (6-1)

Last week’s rank: #2

Hornets defense is the best around and they can make a statement stifling Nazareth this week.

The Pick: Emmaus 24- Nazareth 14

3. Parkland (5-1)

Last week’s rank: #3

Does Parkland get this game in this week?

The Pick: Parkland 45- Bethlehem Catholic 14

4. Nazareth (5-2)

Last week’s rank: #5

Blue Eagles registered an impressive win under extenuating circumstances last week.

The Pick: Emmaus 24- Nazareth 14

5. Central Catholic (4-3)

Last week’s rank: #4

Vikes are struggling, but can they end their two-game skid?

The Pick: Central Catholic 24- Whitehall 21

6. Easton (3-2)

Last week’s rank: #6

Rovers have gotten bad luck with COVID cancellations this year.

The Pick: Easton 31- Liberty 14

7. N’ampton (7-0)

Last week’s rank: #9

Kids get a bump, but have another easy game on the schedule.

The Pick: Northampton 35- Pocono Mountain East 7

8. N’western (7-0)

Last week’s rank: #8

This might be the game of the week and will have huge implications in the 4A power ratings.

The Pick: Pottsville 31- Northwestern 28

9. Whitehall (3-3)

Last week’s rank: #7

Zephs are undermanned at the moment.

The Pick: Central Catholic 24- Whitehall 21

10. Notre Dame (5-1)

Last week’s rank: #10

Crusaders got it handed to them by a more physical North Schuylkill team, but they’ll rebound this week.

The Pick: Notre Dame 42- Palisades 14

Last week’s pick: 5-2

Season records: 43-9