Is this the year that Freedom’s boys lacrosse team punches their way into the upper tier of the District 11 lacrosse scene?

The program is off to the best start in program history, as the Pates entered the week undefeated at 10-0, marked by some resounding wins to help punctuate their record at the moment.

Head coach Tony Fabrizio is enjoying the moment, but also understands this team is special.

“I couldn’t be happier with our start,” said Fabrizio. “Our team this year has the best chemistry I’ve seen since I’ve been at Freedom. This group understands the value of hard work and the results are showing.”

The Pates have two notable wins on the season that they haven’t really had in past seasons, as they easily handled Crestwood, a 2A state semifinalist last year, 19-2 and then picked up one of their biggest wins in program history last week by knocking off Emmaus 10-8.

The Green Hornets were district champions last season and have always been one of the premier programs in the area. Being able to knock off one of the best teams shows the Pates are moving up the ladder.

This week the Pates face their toughest stretch on the calendar as they have Easton (11-2) and Parkland (10-2), as well as Moravian Academy (5-3) early in the week.

“This week will be a great test for us,” said Fabrizio. “We have a tough Moravian Academy team anchored by a standout goalie, and two perennial powerhouses in the EPC with Easton and Parkland. We have the firepower and defense to beat all three, but know it will not come easy. I’m hoping the team comes ready to work hard to get those wins.

“We talk to the team every year about building on the foundation that previous alumni have laid for the program. I believe we’re doing that, and our alumni couldn’t be happier to see it. Every game I get numerous messages from previous players sending their well wishes and good lucks to the team. It’s a wonderful thing to see as a coach, and I couldn’t have been luckier to coach all of these great young men.”

Freedom’s girls team is 8-2 heading into the week, as the Pates are leading the city in the lacrosse battle.

The girls, however, lost their last match to Emmaus 18-2 last week and face a similarly tough task this week with Easton (10-2) and Parkland (7-5) on this week’s docket.