Week eight taught us a few things as we head down the home stretch of the football season. The top four teams in the poll stay the same, but Emmaus and Freedom both seem to be finding their stride, which makes their contest the best one of the slate this Friday night. On top of that, the winner pushes themselves into the top four of the district power rankings.

Southern Lehigh and Northwestern both keep chugging along with unbeaten marks, as they have one more week of action before facing each other in the regular season finale.

Whitehall and Liberty both find themselves in the midst of losing streaks during their Thursday night showdown and Bethlehem Catholic failed to reach the end zone for the third straight week.

1. Parkland (8-0)

Last week’s rank: #1

This train keeps rolling.

The Pick: Parkland 42- Easton 7

2. Nazareth (7-1)

Last week’s rank: #2

Blue Eagles eyeing that second seed in districts.

The Pick: Nazareth 31- Bethlehem Catholic 10

3. Central Catholic (6-2)

Last week’s rank: #3

Vikings get an easier week.

The Pick: Central Catholic 38- Pocono Mountain West 7

4. Northampton (7-1)

Last week’s rank: #4

One more game till the real season begins for the Kids.

The Pick: Northampton 49- East Stroudsburg North 0

5. Emmaus (5-3)

Last week’s rank: #5

Huge game this week for playoff seeding.

The Pick: Freedom 24- Emmaus 20

6. Southern Lehigh (8-0)

Last week’s rank: #7

Another blowout on the schedule for the Spartans.

The Pick: Southern Lehigh 42- Pottsville 14

7. Freedom (4-4)

Last week’s rank: #8

Pates gaining momentum.

The Pick: Freedom 24- Emmaus 20

8. Whitehall (4-4)

Last week’s rank: #6

Zephs facing a must win.

The Pick: Whitehall 20- Liberty 17

9. Northwestern (8-0)

Last week’s rank: #9

Tigers looking to finish this game by half.

The Pick: Northwestern 56- Wilson 13

10. Bethlehem Catholic (5-3)

Last week’s rank: #10

Hawks need to find the endzone.

The Pick: Nazareth 31- Bethlehem Catholic 10

•Last week’s record: 8-0

•Season record: 46-7