Whenever Freedom and Nazareth tangle on the football field, it usually leads to some fireworks. The Blue Eagles dismantled the Patriots 42-26 last season and both district title contenders lace up the cleats this Friday night in Nazareth for the marquee matchup of the week.

Both teams enter 3-0 after decisive wins last week, as this matchup could be a preview of this year’s district championship.

Freedom coach Jason Roeder doesn’t look that far down the road, but he understands this week’s game has more juice than other weeks.

“We’re excited,” said Roeder. “We get to play in a week four game with two undefeated teams. This is where you want to be. It’s a league game against the defending champs and you could say it’s a barometer test.”

Freedom manhandled Central Catholic last week 49-15, racking up 212 yards on the ground and Chase Walked passing for 220 yards and three touchdowns.

It was an impressive follow up victory for the program after knocking off Parkland the week before. Roeder was happy his team didn’t show any signs of a let down.

“Just the way we practiced after beating Parkland was encouraging,” he said. “It was good to see them respond the way they did and play well.”

They’ll need their best effort of the year this week with the top-ranked Blue Eagles coming off a thrilling 35-31 win over Wilson West Lawn.

Quarterback Peyton Falzone leads the Nazareth attack, as the Virginia Tech bound recruit proves every week why he is the best player in the conference. He accounted for all five of Nazareth’s touchdowns last week, rushing for 77 yards and a score and throwing for 254 yards and four touchdowns.

“He’s a dual threat, he’s big and can chuck it around,” said Roeder. “I think he can beat you in so many ways. We got to be fundamentally sound and try to make them earn everything.”

Making Nazareth earn points will be the key, as all of their touchdowns last week came on explosive plays of 35 yards or more. If the Pates can keep things in front of them and not give up big plays, they’ll have a better chance coming out of Andrew Leh Stadium with a win.

“Limiting their explosive plays is crucial,” Roeder said. “If we can limit that and handle their pressure that’ll be the keys. We’re hoping we can win up front. We’ve played three physical football teams and our lines are battle tested.”