Pete’s Top-10: Plenty of story lines
We are slowly coming down to the final few weeks of the football season, but enter Week 11 with some great district matchups on tap.
Freedom travels to Emmaus for a rematch of last year’s District 11 6A championship, while Northampton hosts Parkland in their biggest game in years. Yes, the Kids took on Freedom last year in the postseason, but they were never really expected to win. This week, however, they have a shot to punch a ticket to the district finals.
Becahi and Central have a rematch of their Holy War series for the 4A title, while Whitehall and Southern Lehigh battle for the 5A championship.
Northwestern and Notre Dame round things out with a 3A semifinal showdown, giving all the teams in the poll exciting matchups heading into the weekend.
1. Freedom (9-2)
Last week’s rank: #1
The rematch we’ve all been waiting for, but unfortunately the two best teams in the district have to meet in the semifinals.
The Pick: Freedom 24 - Emmaus 21
2. Emmaus (10-1)
Last week’s rank: #2
Can Emmaus beat Freedom when it really counts?
The Pick: Freedom 24- Emmaus 21
3. N’ampton (11-0)
Last week’s rank: #3
Northampton struggled with Stroudsburg and get their toughest test of the season to date.
The Pick: Parkland 21 - Northampton 17
4. Nazareth (9-2)
Last week’s rank: #4
Tough way to end the year for Nazareth without having Sasso. Blue Eagles deserved better.
5. Parkland (7-4)
Last week’s rank: #5
Can Parkland’s pedigree out muscle Northampton for a win?
The Pick: Parkland 21 - Northampton 17
6. Whitehall (6-5)
Last week’s rank: #6
Zephyr offense might be too potent for Southern Lehigh.
The Pick: Whitehall 35 - Southern Lehigh 28
7. Bethlehem Catholic (6-5)
Last week’s rank: #7
They say it’s hard to beat a team twice in a season. Hawks are now seeing Central Catholic for the second time in three weeks.
The Pick: Central Catholic 21 - Bethlehem Catholic 20
8. Central Catholic (6-5)
Last week’s rank: #8
Can Coach McGorry make the adjustments needed to win a district crown?
The Pick: Central Catholic 21 - Bethlehem Catholic 20
9. N’western (9-2)
Last week’s rank: #9
Great matchup against Colonial League foes this week, but do the Tigers have more punches in them than Notre Dame?
The Pick: Northwestern 35 - Notre Dame GP 31
10. Notre Dame (9-2)
Last week’s rank: #10
Crusaders can score, but can they play enough defense to win?
The Pick: Northwestern 35- Notre Dame GP 31
Last week’s record: 8-1
Season total: 70-15