With this week marking a month into the football season, we finally get the marquee matchup of the year with Freedom traveling to Nazareth Friday night. It’s a battle between the two, clear-cut favorites in District 11 and should prove to be one of the best games of the season.

Liberty is 3-0 for the first time since 2007 and Easton is creeping its way back to becoming their old selves again.

So, let’s jump into this week’s picks.

1. Nazareth (3-0)

Last week’s rank: #1

Game of the week in the area and probably most of the state.

The Pick: Nazareth 31 - Freedom 28

2. Freedom (3-0)

Last week’s rank: #2

Pates have a chance to really make a statement this week.

The Pick: Nazareth 31 - Freedom 28

3. Parkland (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #3

Trojans get an easy week.

The Pick: Parkland 42 - Pleasant Valley 7

4. Emmaus (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #4

Hornets look to pick up some momentum.

The Pick: Emmaus 27 - Stroudsburg 14

5. Liberty (3-0)

Last week’s rank: #5

Pivotal week for both teams, but a win puts Liberty in great position for a postseason berth.

The Pick: Liberty 24 - Northampton 14

6. Bethlehem Catholic (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #6

Outside of Freedom and Nazareth, this might be the most fun game of the week.

The Pick: Easton 28 - Bethlehem Catholic 27

7. Northwestern (3-0)

Last week’s rank: #7

Finally someone they can play their starters for four quarters.

The Pick: Northwestern 28 - Blue Mountain 20

8. Easton (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #8

I really don’t know who wins this game.

The Pick: Easton 28 - Bethlehem Catholic 27

9. Northampton (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #9

Kids trying to keep their wheels on the track.

The Pick: Liberty 24 - Northampton 14

10. Blue Mountain (3-0)

Last week’s rank: Not ranked

The Eagles enter the poll right at the time they play one of the state’s best.

The Pick: Northwestern 28- Blue Mountain 20

Teams that dropped: Stroudsburg

Team that entered: Blue Mountain

Last week’s record: 8-0

Overall record: 21-4