Football season always brings a dose of excitement to the end of summer. It’s one of the gifts we get before we head into colder weather, so as the season opens up this weekend, here’s my gift to you, the readers, with our annual top-10 poll.

Plenty of familiar faces spearhead the top of the poll, but there may be some teams, like Whitehall, that will be contending for top spots this year based on what area coaches are saying.

Then again, talk is cheap at this time of the year. Results speak for themselves, so let’s see who makes their mark in Week 1.

1. Freedom

Pates are universally lauded as the top team coming into the season.

The Pick: Freedom 56 - Allen 0

2. Emmaus

Green Hornets are again a contender, but when will they get over the hump?

The Pick: Emmaus 28 - Stroudsburg 14

3. Parkland

Trojans are always a sleeping giant, who only get stronger as the year progresses.

The Pick: Parkland 42 - Pleasant Valley 7

4. Bethlehem Cath.

The new look Hawks have the most interesting game in week one of the EPC.

The Pick: Bethlehem Catholic 35 - Northampton 17

5. Whitehall

There is plenty of excitement surrounding the Zephyrs this preseason.

The Pick: Whitehall 49 - Pocono Mountain West 20

6. Easton

When will Easton become a top contender again?

The Pick: Easton 35 - Pocono Mountain East 14

7. Nazareth

How this year’s Nazareth team performs will be interesting to watch.

The Pick: Nazareth 28 - East Stroudsburg North 14

8. Northwestern

Tigers are the preseason favorites in the Colonial League.

The Pick: Northwestern 35 - Tamaqua 13

9. Notre Dame GP

In what will be the most competitive game of week one, the Crusaders take on Saucon Valley with early Colonial League ramifications.

The Pick: Notre Dame 31 - Saucon Valley 24

10. Central Catholic

Vikings might be down this year, but this team will get better.

The Pick: Central Catholic 41 - Dieruff 17