Liberty had little trouble dispatching Northampton during a 38-14 victory last week, but the Hurricanes (4-3) will have their hands full when they take on Easton (7-0) Friday night at Cottingham Stadium.

The Red Rovers are fresh off a 28-21 win over Parkland and have knocked off Whitehall this season as well, to put the Rovers at the top of the EPC South Division alongside undefeated Freedom (7-0).

But everyone knows that Easton appears to be the team to beat this season and 'Canes head coach John Truby will need a full effort and maybe some luck, to leave Cottingham with the biggest upset of the year.

"Easton is really good, and playing them at their place adds in another dimension of issues," said Truby. "My guys have to play the entire 48 minutes with great effort. Defensively, we have to try and keep their play makers in front of us and gang tackle. Offensively, we have to control the line scrimmage and keep our QB upright."

Saying and doing are two different animals in sports and Liberty will truly need a special effort this week to slow down the Rovers, who feature running back Shane Simpson.

Simpson tied the school record for touchdowns last week, giving him 65 for his career, as he was 'bottled' up for 131 yards last week on 20 carries. The Easton senior broke an 86-yard score in the fourth quarter to help the Rovers secure a 28-21 over Parkland.

Keeping Simpson in check is possible, but not having him break one play is the tough part.

Liberty already has seen the likes of Whitehall's Saquon Barkley first hand, as he ran for 209 yards and four total touchdowns against the Hurricanes during a 56-20 romp on September 19.

Having that experience on hand could help Truby and company heading into this week.

"Simpson and Barkley are both great football players," he said. "Both are home run hitters and are able to make plays. I think that Simpson is just as good on defense. On film he doesn't shy away from contact and gives effort every play. Their coaches do a nice job of moving him around offensively, I've seen him at RB, slot and WR."

But at the end of the day, facing Easton always comes down to toughness and physicality, as the Rovers have shown this season, they may be the toughest team in the league.

"Easton is physical," said Truby. "Their offensive line is big and does a nice job getting to the second and third level. The QB is able to beat you with his feet and arm. Defensively, their d-line is fast and physical. Number 55, looks great on tape with a high motor and play making ability. Their secondary might be the best in the league. They are going to hit you for 48 minutes."