Before the season started, many Lehigh Valley football fans might have predicted that the week four matchup between Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 powers Parkland and Bethlehem Catholic would be a game between unbeaten teams.

However, both teams that will meet Friday night at Parkland School District Stadium have suffered setbacks during the 2018 regular season. Both came at the hands of Freedom.

The Patriots (3-0) defeated Becahi 37-20 in week two, and then followed that up by coming back from a 14-point deficit to beat the Trojans 21-20 last weekend, giving Parkland its first regular season loss since 2016.

This week’s meeting between the Hawks and Trojans is an important clash for both teams, as neither wants that second loss before the midway point in the season.

The Golden Hawks come to Orefield on the heels of a 45-16 thrashing of their other crosstown rival Liberty last Saturday night.

“They have a winning pedigree,” Moncman said. “They’ve played in a lot of important postseason games the last couple of years. It’s going to be a challenge.”

For Becahi last week, quarterback Zamar Brake threw for 142 yards and a game-high four touchdowns. His favorite target was Matt Stianche, who caught four passes for 92 yards and three scores. Paul Carreras had the other touchdown reception, a 50-yarder. Running back Zaheer Seabrooks rushed for 74 yards and had an 81-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

“They have a lot of talent and athleticism,” said Moncman. “They can hurt you all over the field.”