The Emmaus football program finished the regular season with two disappointing losses, but redemption could await this Friday night.

That’s because the District 11 Class 6A playoffs offer a new season, where the slate is wiped clean and the motto is win, or go home.

Emmaus head coach Harold Fairclough was not shy about stating his goal for the 2021 team, saying his goal is to “make history” by winning the program’s first District 11 title. That goal is still alive as the Hornets had a quality season in earning the district’s number five seed with a 7-3 record.

Those two defeats did cost Emmaus two things though. One was a home playoff game in the quarterfinals, and the other is that they’ll face a higher-ranked and more challenging quarterfinal opponent in number four Nazareth.

In the season’s eighth game, the Hornets bombed the Blue Eagles 35-7, utilizing a balanced offense and rugged defense that choked off the Nazareth rushing attack.

This time around, the Hornets know probably it won’t be that easy. Nazareth ended the season, like Emmaus, with a 7-3 record. Unlike the Hornets, the Blue Eagles are on a two-game winning streak, the latter being a 16-9 win over Easton.

Sonny Sasso had a fine year as the Blue Eagle signal caller. He completed 57.2 percent of his passes for 1,731 yards and 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. More important, the junior signal caller has shown poise in directing the offense and has minimized mistakes. His top receiver is Mason Kuehner, who had a superb season in catching 42 passes for 654 yards and six touchdowns. Jake Hilarczyk is another receiver who has good hands to go with his good moves.

The Nazareth running game has proved more than adequate. Senior tailback Tyler Rohn is a big reason why, as he gained 866 yards on 195 carries and 13 TDs. Rohn is explosive, but also reads his blocks better than most. He is also a consistent threat as a receiver. Michael Bonsignore should also receive carries behind a good offensive line.

Defensively this season at times the Blue Eagles proved suspect. In the Easton game however, the defense shined during a downpour and played physical. Matt Burton typically plays nose guard and uses his speed and strength to dispose of blockers to punish runners and rush quarterbacks. Chase Levey is an active middle linebacker who reads well and uses quickness to his advantage. The Nazareth secondary has sometimes been shaky, but overall they are good enough.

Junior Chris Bugbee is the Nazareth kicker and has performed well this season.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Andrew S. Leh Stadium.