It is approaching season’s end, but we still have three games on the docket as we head into the Thanksgiving week. Freedom, obviously, highlights the biggest game of the week Friday night in the PIAA 6A quarterfinals against St. Joe’s Prep, while Northern Lehigh is taking on Philly’s West Catholic. Big weekend for Valley teams taking on District 12 opponents.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t been a good thing for local teams over the years.

Thanksgiving also presents us with an exciting Northampton-Catasauqua matchup, despite the K-Kids coming in as heavy favorites. Should be a great day for both communities.

Enjoy your turkeys and stuffing.

1. Freedom (11-2)

Last week’s rank: #1

Pates get the gift of playing the obnoxious recruiting factory from Philly this week. If Freedom can get their passing game going, they can hang tough in this one.

The Pick: St. Joe’s Prep 31- Freedom 21

2. Emmaus (9-4)

Last week’s rank: #2

Hornets should be back next year, but they missed a golden opportunity last week.

3. Parkland (9-2)

Last week’s rank: #3

4. Nazareth (7-4)

Last week’s rank: #4

5. N’ampton (11-1)

Last week’s rank: #5

Should be a great crowd for this year’s game. Not sure the game will be good though.

The Pick: Northampton 35- Catasauqua 14

6. Central Catholic (8-4)

Last week’s rank: #6

Vikes gave a valiant effort but didn’t have enough ammunition against a scrappy Jersey Shore team.

7. N’western (11-1)

Last week’s rank: #6

8. Easton (5-4)

Last week’s rank: #8

9. East Stroudsburg South (9-4)

Last week’s rank: #9

Cavs didn’t give Monroe County teams any added respect by getting routed in last week’s PIAA opener.

10. Northern Lehigh (9-3)

Last week’s rank: #10

How is a 4-7 West Catholic team playing this deep in the state tournament?

The Pick: Northern Lehigh 5- West Catholic 14

Last week’s pick: 4-0

Season records: 76-16