The 12th edition of the Yasso-Rothrock Christmas City Classic will feature a different format, but one that tournament directors hope can be the beginning of a rekindled rivalry between big city schools.

This year’s tournament will take place this Saturday and Sunday at Liberty’s Memorial Gymnasium, with triple headers each day between Bethlehem and Allentown schools.

The new format also allows this weekend’s games to be official league contests, which is something that pleases all head coaches involved with the tournament.

“I think the committee did a great job making it work this year,” said Liberty head boys coach Chad Landis. “By moving this tournament to the second weekend of the season, it allows teams to play in tip-off tournaments, which is something a lot of coaches want to do.

“Plus, by playing against Allentown schools, it fuels the natural rivalries between the schools. Making them leagues games helps us too.”

With the East Penn Conference forming two years ago, figuring out the best way to move forward with the tournament was subject of debate, since the tournament used to be a league-wide event under the old Lehigh Valley Conference.

But with the addition of six teams from the old Mountain Valley Conference, holding a tournament for 18 teams was too large.

Now, Landis feels this tournament provides the perfect mix of competition and flexibility for the teams involved, all while not giving up crucial non-league contests that teams covet.

“It’s a great way for us to move forward with the tournament,” he said.” It also continues to support and recognize two people that I think of very highly in George Yasso and Todd Rothrock.”

This weekend’s slate of games include are as followed:

Girls

Saturday, Dec. 12

2 p.m. Liberty vs. Allen;

4 p.m. Bethlehem Catholic vs. Dieruff

6 p.m. Freedom vs. Central Catholic.

Boys

Sunday, Dec. 13

2 p.m. Bethlehem Catholic vs. Dieruff

4 p.m. Freedom vs. Central Catholic

6 p.m. Liberty vs. Allen