Brian Gilbert has been coaching football long enough to know there are no foregone conclusions.

Even though the final game pits them against the winless Konkrete Kids, merely showing up will not guarantee a win.

Northampton would like nothing better than to topple the Zephyrs chances for a repeat league title, as well as reclaim the Cement Bowl trophy that currently rests at Whitehall High School.

He knows they're capable of playing a good game. They've scored 157 points in nine games this year. They've been in a number of their games, only to lose in the latter stages.

To make sure the team doesn't overlook the Kids, he said that their goals will remain the same. They want to get off to a fast start, play hard, and win the big play battle.

Northampton's roster is replete with good players. They'll feature quarterback Nick Cook who has been running their offense for two years. He's a threat on the ground as well as through the air, supplying a major portion of their offense. He'll team up with back Jared Bauer, as well as receiver Derrick Wruble to give the Kids a potent attack.

"They've done some good things this year," said Gilbert. "They haven't stopped fighting."

Gilbert said that the Kids do a number of things well, and that's always a cause for concern. Moreover, they play in the Lehigh Valley Conference, and the level of competition they face every week prepares them for tough games.

Last year the Zephs won 41-3, but Gilbert said the team was out of sync in the first half. They want to avoid a sluggish start, handing the Kids any momentum that will boost their confidence.

While all signs may point to a Zephyr win, Gilbert wants to stress the importance of this game to the players.

"Understand what's at stake," said Gilbert. "It's a home playoff game, a league title, so just those two things and senior night make it a big game. There's a lot of things riding on it."

The Zephs currently sit in the second spot behind East Stroudsburg Area South High School with 1140 points in the District 11 subregional rankings. A stumble against the Kids could jeopardize a home game.

Senior running back Ryan Bonshak understands that records can be thrown out the window during rivalry games. Northampton will be ready.

"The coaches are going to stick it to us," said Bonshak. "Northampton, you can't overlook them. They have absolutely nothing to lose and we have a lot to lose; we have the LVC title to lose.

"We just have to come out like it's any other week and still play hard and play good football"

Senior quarterback Jeff Charles also acknowledged that every team in the LVC is tough. He said there are no pushovers, and they'll have to prepare like they have all year.

"You can't overlook them," he said. "We just have to be ready and take it to them."

Gilbert said they must maintain the level of play they been accustomed to all year. They can't deviate from what's been successful and expect to win.

"If we don't do that, they can sneak up on us," said Gilbert.