Emmaus High School football has found success and won games during the regular season over the past few seasons, but when the lights get brighter and the postseason comes around, the Green Hornets have had trouble continuing the winning ways. Outside of a 2018 Eastern Pennsylvania Conference South Division co-championship, they haven’t hoisted any trophies.

In 2022, Emmaus finished the regular season 9-1 overall and earned the top seed in the District 11 6A tournament. The Green Hornets defeated Wilkes-Barre Area in the quarterfinal round before falling by a point to Freedom in the semifinals.

Head coach Harold Fairclough, entering his eighth season at the helm, is hoping his team is motivated to accomplish more this season.

“Last year, we won 10 games and came away with no championships at all,” said Fairclough. “That’s more motivation than anything else. We’re trying to make some history here. We’re trying to win the school’s first district title, that’s the motivation.”

Emmaus reached the district final in 2021, but also dropped the game to the Patriots.

The Green Hornets lost some talented seniors last season, but return more, led by senior quarterback Josiah Williams. Williams played behind Jake Fotta last year, but saw time as a sophomore when Fotta missed time due to injury.

“It’s huge for him having that experience,” said Fairclough. “Experience like that is invaluable going into this year now. He knows what a varsity game is. He has played in a championship game. He’s played in some tight games and come-from-behind games. He has that overall experience, that overall wherewithal.”

Some talented skill position players graduated following last season, including EPC MVP Dylan Darville, but Williams has a good group to throw to, including juniors Rafael Terrero and Ben Jones, along with seniors Jordin Mitchell and Cael Kratzer.

Mario Landino and Ben Mercado will anchor the line on both sides of the ball and are leaders of those units.

“They’re our rocks. They’re the cornerstone of this program,” Fairclough said. “Their hard work has paid off with scholarships to play at the next level to really good schools. We are going to lean on those guys for sure and it’s good to have two returning guys on both sides of the ball up front. They’ve done a great job of bringing along the other three guys on the offensive line.”

The defensive group will also be led by senior linebacker John Wassel, who is the top returning tackler from last season. Reilly Bechtel is another returning starter on both sides of the ball. Seniors Ryan Nimas, George Attar and Jasiyah Banks all return from last season.

The 2023 campaign for Emmaus began the season with a game at Pocono Mountain East August 25. The Green Hornets then have their home opener against Nazareth a week later.