Well, it only took nine weeks for a new number-one team to take center stage of the poll and that’s Easton after their impressive 25-21 win over Freedom last week.

The Rovers showed signs of being of a contender throughout most of the year, but came through with the biggest win of the Matt Senneca era. Now they need to replicate that performance to hold off Nazareth in the game of the week on Friday.

Parkland and Emmaus also square off on Friday in another key battle for district playoff positioning, while Freedom and Liberty battle for the city title on Saturday afternoon, in what should be one of the best games of the series in recent memory.

1. Easton (8-1)

Last week’s rank: #4

Is there a Freedom victory hangover in store for the Rovers?

The Pick: Easton 31- Nazareth 24

2. Freedom (8-1)

Last week’s rank: #1

Pates look to win the city title.

The Pick: Freedom 27- Liberty 17

3. Parkland (8-1)

Last week’s rank: #2

Parkland seems to be under the radar, but they get a battle this week.

The Pick: Parkland 28- Emmaus 24

4. Nazareth (7-2)

Last week’s rank: #3

Can Nazareth score the upset?

The Pick: Easton 31- Nazareth 24

5. Emmaus (7-2)

Last week’s rank: #5

Emmaus hasn’t registered a signature win this year. This would be great timing.

The Pick: Parkland 28- Emmaus 24

6. Northwestern (9-0)

Last week’s rank: #6

Nobody has scored more than eight points all year on the Tigers, but I think that comes to an end this week.

The Pick: Northwestern 30- Southern Lehigh 14

7. Liberty (7-2)

Last week’s rank: #7

Hurricanes will play inspired, but can they secure the city title?

The Pick: Freedom 27- Liberty 17

8. Bethlehem Catholic (4-5)

Last week’s rank: #8

Hawks need a win.

The Pick: Bethlehem Catholic 21- Northampton 14

9. Northampton (4-5)

Last week’s rank: #9

Toss up game here, but Kids would love to grab this one.

The Pick: Bethlehem Catholic 21- Northampton 14

10. East Stroudsburg South (7-2)

Last week’s rank: #10

Cavs shouldn’t have problems this week.

The Pick: East Stroudsburg South 35- East Stroudsburg North 14

Last week’s record: 6-1

Overall record: 61-8