Liberty will have a chance to capture a marquee victory this Friday night when Parkland rolls into Frank Banko Field.

The Trojans (5-0) are fresh off a 42-28 win over rival Whitehall last week, while the Hurricanes (4-1) squeaked out a 34-31 victory over Emmaus last Thursday.

With those results behind both schools, the focus is now on this week’s clash against two of the biggest programs in the East Penn Conference.

Liberty head coach John Truby knows this week’s test will be the biggest his team has faced all season and understands that it can only be a statement game if his team can come out on top.

“Only if we win,” he said. “Every week we give our opponents the respect of preparing ourselves to the best of our ability, no matter who it is. Parkland is next on the schedule, it’s a big game because of the success both of us are having.”

Part of Parkland’s success can be traced to senior quarterback Devante Cross, who ran for 146 yards and five touchdowns in last week’s win over Whitehall, while throwing for 277 yards and another TD. The duel-threat QB is similar to his Liberty counterpart Doug Erney, as both are veteran signal callers who can beat a defense with their arm or legs.

“Offensively, their skill positions are some of the best that we have faced,” Truby said. “Cross can run and throw the football, and can escape the pocket. Big time wide receiver in Kenny Yeboah that can make plays. Offensive line can dominate a game and allow their offense to really get moving.”

After playing Emmaus last week, Liberty should be prepped to face another physical offensive and defensive front.

“Emmaus is a very physical team in the trenches and this week Parkland will be a very physical team in the trenches,” Truby said. “We have to win in the trenches to have a chance to win the game.

“This is a very good defensive group for Parkland. Their defensive line has nice size and great motors. Their linebackers fly around to the football and do a nice job in coverage. Their secondary is big and will be a challenge to pass around.”

With that said, the fundamentals of football will come into play for both teams, as winning the turnover battle are part of Truby’s keys to victory, but also winning the battle up front.

However, the Hurricanes don’t lack any confidence as they gear up for this challenge.

“We are healthy and we understand that this is a very big game and hopefully we can have a good full week to prepare for Parkland,” said Truby. “This group plays the entire 48 minutes. Last year in a few close games at half, we didn’t come back out of the locker room. This group keeps playing till the final whistle.”