Freedom's football team was plus-seven in the turnover category heading into last week's showdown with Central Catholic.

The Patriots have prided themselves on not turning the ball over, but were able to learn some valuable lessons following a 33-14 victory over the Vikings, where they coughed it up four times in the win.

The four turnovers by Freedom is the most they've given up in any game this year, as they marched to 5-0 heading into this week's tilt against Dieruff (2-3).

The Pates fumbled four times on the night, giving away three of them, as well as an interception by quarterback Joe Young, to give head coach Jason Roeder and company something to feel thankful for after Saturday's win.

"We've been doing a good job at protecting the ball and we've got to clean that aspect up," Roeder said. "It's nice to learn a lesson and get a win at the same time, but we can't afford to have those things happen moving forward."

Freedom's defense stifled Central's defense to 138 yards of total offense, as Central actually took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter following a three-yard TD run by Alvin Pacheco, which came off a Freedom fumble at their own 15-yard line.

After Joe Young threw an interception on Freedom's next possession, senior linebacker John Callahan intercepted Viking quarterback Mason Kholi and returned it 26-yards for the score to help draw the Pates back at 7-7 following the PAT.

The Pates led 20-7 at halftime, but coughed the ball up on their first series of the second half, allowing Central to capitalize with possession at the Freedom 21. Two-plays later, Kholi threw a 21-yard TD pass to Patrick McKellick to make it 20-14 in the third.

But Freedom responded on their next drive, as Young found wide receiver Alkiohn Dunkins for a 19-yard TD pass to build the lead back to 27-14.

Joe Santos would close out the game with a three-yard TD run in the fourth quarter to give the Pates their best start since the 2011 season.

"Our plan is to build everyday," said Roeder. "Nothing changes this week with Dieruff. We want each day of practice to be better and we approach every game the same way, no matter who the opponent is."