Bethlehem city football games always mean more and we finally get the first battle in the city title series this Thursday night when Freedom hosts Bethlehem Catholic at 7 p.m.

The Patriots (6-0) come in as the top team in the area and seek their ninth straight win over Bethlehem Catholic (4-2). Jason Roeder and the Pates have had city bragging rights since 2011, as the Pates look to extend their streak starting with Thursday’s clash.

“Every year one of our goals is to win the city title,” said Roeder. “It means a lot to us and everyone gets a little more amped up for these type of games. It’s a good setting for this type of game.”

With games being played every week on Thursday’s this year because of referee shortages, having a city rivalry showdown like this puts the spotlight on BASD Stadium. The Pates are fresh off a 40-14 demolition at East Stroudsburg South last week and Becahi throttled Pocono Mountain East 41-7 a week ago.

Having two lopsided games certainly helps keep bodies fresher for a game like this where teams lose a day of preparation during the week and Hawks’ head coach Tyler Ward understands the unique challenges that come with playing on Thursday.

“These games are a bit more challenging for us because of our numbers and not having the JV team to practice with us on Monday,” said Ward. “It forces us to be creative getting ready for this one, but I think it’s fun for the kids. Good chance to have a really good following at the game. It should be a great atmosphere.”

Freedom won last year’s meeting in the series 12-0, but don’t expect the Pates to be limited in their point total, as they’ve eclipsed 30 points in every game this season since their season opener against California’s Torrey Pines. The Pates have dominated every game since and last week was no different, jumping out to a 33-0 lead against East Stroudsburg South at halftime. Chase Walker threw for 227 yards and two scores and ran in for a touchdown as well in the rout of the Cavs.

Ward knows his team will have their hands full trying to tame a Freedom offense that has big play potential on every series.

“I think they’re the most complete team in the Valley,” said Ward of Freedom. “Hard to find a weak spot. Big and well coached up front and they control both lines of scrimmage. And they’re defense is very good every year. They’re playing the way they are for a reason.

“We have to be the best version of ourselves that day and play efficient and clean football. I think anybody in our league can beat anybody and it’s going to come down to which team can be more consistent and efficient.”

The Hawks have outscored Central Catholic and Pocono Mountain East 68-7 the last two weeks and Roeder knows that it’ll be a battle on Thursday night, just like it usually is when these two teams meet every year.

“We know they have a dual threat quarterback that can extend plays and we have to be sound on defense,” Roeder said. “We’re executing pretty well right now and we need to continue that this week.”