The Emmaus Green Hornets (3-1) head east Friday night for a big matchup with a big, bad dog in EPC football.

The Easton Red Rovers (4-0) are a legitimate conference contender because they have a legitimate offensive line that opens holes for a legitimate running back time almost anytime, all the time.

Coach Jeff Braido, in his third season at Easton, has studs in the coal mines. Patrick Shupp, Josh Arias, RJ Gisler, Joey Heckel, Gio Raso and Derek Frinzi comprise the mean blocking machines paving the way for running back Nahjee Adams. Any time a team can consistently run the football, it is going to be a problem and during 2019 the Rovers have been a serious problem for opponents.

Adams also gets good blocking from fullback Alex Smith.

Last week the Rovers ran over and through Liberty in a 44-7 blowout. Adams acquired ground with relative ease, gaining 241 yards on 24 carries and scoring four touchdowns.

Stopping Adams cold is not realistic. But the Emmaus defense does need to mitigate his damage.

Behind center is sophomore quarterback Cole Transue, who played efficiently against the Hurricanes, completing six of eight passes for 85 yards and one touchdown. The young signal caller has plenty of talent around him, allowing him to contribute rather than lead the attack. Wide receiver Chase Holmes and Kyle Evancho get open and have good hands.

The Rover defense is no slouch either. Their defensive line does not have stars, but does have depth.

Braido often rotates youngsters who are well-versed in trench warfare. The Easton linebackers are good, make that real good. Dom Falcone is a ball hawk and a hitter. Tamir Jackson reads well and gets the ball quickly..

Easton’s defense manhandled the Liberty offense, holding the Hurricanes to just 104 yards through 48 minutes.