Last week was night off for the majority of the teams in the poll, as the EPC crossover games took place. All the North teams lost to their South counterpoints, except for Northampton.

This is the second straight year the K-Kids have knocked off Bethlehem Catholic, but last week’s 31-21 victory was even more convincing than their season opening win last season over the Hawks.

Now, Northampton goes back to reality of playing in the North, while the focus shifts back to the marquee games in the South this week.

Freedom hosts Whitehall on Friday night in the game of the week, while Nazareth and Central Catholic should put on a show Saturday night.

We’re hitting the home stretch of the season, so let’s see which teams can keep riding their momentum toward clinching district berths.

1. Emmaus (6-0)

Last week’s rank: #1

Hornets don’t want to peak ahead with a looming tilt against Nazareth next week.

The Pick: Emmaus 28 - Liberty 14

2. Freedom (4-2)

Last week’s rank: #2

Pates will get a feisty Zephyr squad, but they should impose their will up front.

The Pick: Freedom 31 - Whitehall 21

3. Nazareth (5-1)

Last week’s rank: #3

Sonny Sasso will lead his group to another win Saturday night.

The Pick: Nazareth 35 - Central Catholic 21

4. Northampton (6-0)

Last week’s rank: #4

K-Kids get their biggest test in the EPC North.

The Pick: Northampton 45 - Pleasant Valley 13

5. Central Catholic (4-2)

Last week’s rank: #5

Central just needs to survive the regular season.

The Pick: Nazareth 35 - Central Catholic 21

6. Whitehall (4-2)

Last week’s rank: #6

Whitehall has played above the public’s expectations. Can they do it again?

The Pick: Freedom 31 - Whitehall 21

7. Parkland (3-3)

Last week’s rank: #7

Nothing like back-to-back games against the EPC North to invigorate your season.

The Pick: Parkland 38 - East Stroudsburg South 14

8. Notre Dame GP (5-1)

Last week’s rank: Not ranked

Crusaders jump back after an impressive win over North Schuylkill.

The Pick: NDGP 3 5- Northern Lehigh 24

9. Pleasant Valley (5-1)

Last week’s rank: #9

I guess they didn’t have much fight in them at Parkland.

The Pick: Northampton 45 - Pleasant Valley 13

10. Southern Lehigh (5-1)

Last week’s rank: #10

Spartans keep their train rolling.

The Pick: Solehi 28 - Saucon Valley 7

Last week’s record: 7-0

Season total: 34-11

Teams that dropped: Bethlehem Catholic

Teams that entered: Notre Dame GP