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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Pete’s Top-10: Playoff time here

It’s playoff week and we all know it’s put up or shut up this time of the season. The poll has some shuffling in the top five with Nazareth quarterback Sonny Sasso’s arm injury last week. If Sasso can’t be the signal caller for the team the rest of the way, it’s a huge blow for the Blue Eagles.

Freedom and Emmaus look on track to meet in the semifinals, while Northampton looks to keep making noise.

Bethlehem Catholic suddenly is the favorite to win their district race and Northwestern enters this week’s fray after pummeling Southern Lehigh last week.

So, let’s take a look to see who will be playing into next week and which teams will be packing their gear for the fall.

1. Freedom (8-2)

Last week’s rank: #1

Pates are riding into the postseason with a ton of momentum.

The Pick: Freedom 35 - Hazleton 14

2. Emmaus (9-1)

Last week’s rank: #3

Hornets shouldn’t have too much trouble this weekend.

The Pick: Emmaus 40 - Wilkes-Barre 20

3. N’ampton (10-0)

Last week’s rank: #4

Kids keep blasting teams. This week will be no different.

The Pick: Northampton 42 - Stroudsburg 7

4. Nazareth (9-1)

Last week’s rank: #2

Sonny Sasso’s arm injury is the biggest story heading into districts. This isn’t the same team without him at QB.

The Pick: Nazareth 28 - Parkland 17

5. Parkland (6-4)

Last week’s rank: #5

There is a window for a Trojan win, but not sure it happens.

The Pick: Nazareth 28 - Parkland 17

6. Whitehall (5-5)

Last week’s rank: #6

Can Whitehall put it all together for a district title run?

The Pick: Whitehall 35 - Pleasant Valley 20

7. Becahi (5-5)

Last week’s rank: #9

Hawks suddenly have confidence back in their corner.

The Pick: Bethlehem Catholic 28 - Blue Mountain 13

8. Central (5-5)

Last week’s rank: #8

Vikings still have a shot at their ultimate goal of district gold.

The Pick: Central Catholic 31- Bangor 21

9. N’western (8-2)

Last week’s rank: Not ranked

Tigers pounded Southern Lehigh last week and get an easy one before the 3A semifinals.

The Pick: Northwestern 45 - Jim Thorpe 17

10. Notre Dame (8-2)

Last week’s rank: #10

Rematch of both team’s season opener, but Crusaders have been rolling.

The Pick: NDGP 35 - Saucon Valley 21

Last week’s record: 6-1

Season total: 62-14

Teams that entered: Northwestern

Teams that dropped: Southern Lehigh

Emmaus enters this week's poll as the number-two team and is expected to win their opening round matchup.