The Emmaus football program enters the 2022 season with cautious optimism as the Hornets again will be among the better teams in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 Class 6A.

It’s a familiar storyline under head coach Harold Fairclough, whose teams have been consistent winners since he arrived in 2016, amassing a 49-16 record. His approach is simple but effective - stay positive and keep plugging. Anyone can talk a good game, but the results show Fairclough has actually done it.

Last year’s edition was enigmatic. An early-season win over Freedom came before a lackluster 21-0 loss to Central Catholic eight days later and then consecutive losses to Easton and Parkland to end the regular season.

Emmaus proved it was clutch in the District 11 playoffs with come-from-behind wins on the road over Nazareth and Parkland to reach the championship. But Freedom proved to be too much in the championship game, defeating Emmaus 28-14.

Emmaus enters 2022 with the usual bevy of skill-player talent. Fairclough has two quality quarterbacks - Jake Fotta and Josiah Williams - from which to choose. An injury hijacked Fotta’s ‘21 season and Williams had a fine season last year as a sophomore. Williams showed poise and led the club through thick and thin.

Fotta and Williams can hand off the ball or throw it to versatile running back Tylik Jarvis, who gobbled up 508 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Wide receivers Dylan Darville and Chase Fotta both have good hands, smooth moves and will put pressure on defenses.

The past few seasons Emmaus has had challenges with their offensive and defensive lines. This year two husky young men - Mario Landino and Ben Mercado - will provide the Hornets with size and skill. Landino will handle offensive tackle and defensive end responsibilities, while Mercado will play offensive guard and tackle.

Fairclough will miss departed inside linebacker Jared Groller. How quickly boys such as Tyler Ruddick, Aiden Garrett, Austin Whitesell, Jahkari Christian, Connor Ravier and Jasiyah Banks could all factor into the linebacking equation.

Opening night finds Emmaus heading east to Bethlehem Area School District Stadium to battle Freedom in what is anything but just another season opener.