Emmaus football (1-0) travels north in the season’s second encounter to battle the Nazareth Blue Eagles (1-0), who proved dominant in their opener defeating Pocono Mountain East 35-7.

Nazareth coach Tom Falzone’s roster presents a challenge, according to Emmaus coach Harold Fairclough. The Blue Eagles saw some serious offensive talent leave the field after the 2017 campaign when Jahan Dotson graduated and went to Happy Valley.

In addition, the Eagles also graduated the sure-handed Zac Keifer. But don’t fret for the Blue Eagles, as they return most of the team’s nucleus from a District 11 playoff team.

Leading the potent passing attack is junior quarterback Anthony Harris, who threw some frozen ropes and was solid in dissecting Pocono Mountain East on Aug. 24. Senior receiver Tommy Manos is Harris’ top target and made eight catches for 137 years and a 53-yard touchdown reception in the opener. Receiver Nathan Stefanik is a nice compliment to Manos. The Blue Eagles’ prodigious passing game is ahead of their rushing attack, which is steadily improving behind an offensive line that is still coming together.

Fairclough said he always stresses for his team to be “physical and the tougher team on the field” and that will continue in practice leading up to the Nazareth game.

Even after dismantling William Allen 62-6 in the opener, Fairclough said “there are a few things we can work on to be a better football team this week.”

Nazareth is primarily a finesse team and if the Hornets muscle up on defense and consistently handle the rushing attack, they can use their quickness and toughness on likely passing situations to implement confusing coverage and put a ferocious rush on Harris.

Defensively, the Blue Eagles will focus on stopping the diverse Hornet running attack with defensive lineman Jake Wilson, linebacker Cole Osmun and defensive back Stefanik on run support, one of many two-way players on the Nazareth roster.

Emmaus ran wild over Allen’s defense. This week they will have to contend with a tough Blue Eagle defense that boasts good team speed and sure tacklers, but only average size and physicality.

The Hornets remain a favorite to win the EPC South and this week’s game should start to reveal if that prognostication is right. Being physical could be the key to beating Nazareth.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Aug. 31.