Northampton head football coach John Toman knew his team had their work cut out for them when they faced Nazareth last Friday.

It was the final game of a trifecta for the Konkrete Kids that saw them lose games to Easton (42-14), Freedom (42-21), and finally Nazareth (47-21), as they were outscored 131-56 in the process.

The Kids’ latest defeat left them with an overall 4-5 record.

“Yes, those big three were as advertised,” beamed Toman. “We needed to tackle well and we struggled. The offense line played well as a unit. We had 250+ yards on the ground. The offensive continues to improve.”

Against Nazareth, the Kids gained 267 yards rushing, paced by Billy Stuhldreher, who accounted for 160 yards on 28 carries with an eight-yard touchdowns run.

After a solid start against Nazareth, Stuhldreher thought his team was on the right track.

“The game began pretty well for us, and we felt we were moving the ball on them,” he said. “Our defense needs to find a way to generate more turnovers, points, and overall stopping the big plays. “

Quarterback Gavin Taff, who threw for 91 yards with a pair of touchdowns, also sees the Kids being on the right track.

“Obviously, I wasn’t happy with some parts of the game as well as our season so far,” he said. “Every time we come into a new week, we are always trying to improve ourselves. Over the past couple of week, practices have been solid. We come into the games excited about how we are going to perform, but we never end up executing.”

The Kids (4-5) will host Bethlehem Catholic (4-5) Friday at Al Erdosy Stadium for their regular-season finale. They currently hold the eighth and final spot in the district Class 6A bracket.

Beca will enter the game off a 12-7 loss to Liberty, and the Golden Hawks have lost three-straight.

Toman sees another challenge ahead with the Golden Hawks.

“Beca plays great team defense,” said Toman. “They keep it simple but execute their scheme really well. We need to build on our successes the past two weeks offensively. Offensively their offense runs through their quarterback. He has great feet and the ability to extend plays. We need to tackle better and play our responsibilities.”

Stuhldreher and Taff stressed the necessity to play their game.

“Beca is a tough team that has playmakers,” said Stuhldreher. “We’re going to go into the game and execute our game plan.

“We see Beca as must-win to turn the page for our team even though it is late in the season,” added Taff. “But I believe in my teammates and other leaders on the team to help us to start playing Northampton football again.”

PREDICTION (season record 4-5): Toman is confident his team will make the tournament even though Dieruff is on their heels. “Based on how we are playing, everyone poses a threat,” he said ... Bethlehem Catholic is third in the district Class 4A bracket ... Beca quarterback Cayden Vassa threw for 150 yards and touchdown last week against Liberty. He also rushed for a team-high 80 yards. Jeziah Gregory added 61 yards for the Golden Hawks. Rodney Brodie caught three passes for 82 yards with a score. Carter Vassa had two interceptions. Zeke Spencer had 87 yards rushing with a touchdown. Tymir Williams had three receptions for 53 yards with a TD. Owen Stanchock led the team in tackles with four ... Northampton won last year’s meeting, 31-21, and the Kids won, 17-14, in 2021. Before that, the teams last met in 2017 with Beca posting a 48-0 win ... This is a must-win for the Kids to help them gain a district berth. It won’t be easy with Vassa posing as a duel threat to pass and run. But Kids are at home and there should be a good, supporting crowd. Kids have to play ball control and Taff needs a high-percentage game. Kids’ defense needs a big rebound after not being able to slow their last three opponents. This will be a character test. Miss talking football and life with Kids’ assistant head coach Kevin Ronalds, but my friend can send me a couple of pasties from Mr. Pastie in the mail ... K-KIDS, 24-18.