Freedom’s football team had a slow start to the season, but the Patriots are warming up at the right time.

Freedom took home the first installment of the Bethlehem city series last Thursday night, dominating Bethlehem Catholic in a 28-0 shutout victory.

After a 1-3 start to the year, Freedom now sits at 4-3 with a defense that hasn’t given up a point the last two weeks and momentum.

Pates head coach Jason Roeder wasn’t sure his team was ready to win big games early in the year, but feels his group is back on the grid.

“We were coming off the grid the past few weeks and we had to come back a better football team,” said Roeder. “We put a lot of stock in these city games. We don’t shy away from them and this is our first signature win of the season against a city rival. It’s really important.”

Quarterback Michael Stofanak threw two touchdowns and Jahaire Hughes and Abraham Pla each added rushing scores for the Pates.

Freedom was without star running back Lashawn Johnson due to injury, but didn’t miss a beat on the ground game, as Pla ran for 98 yards and Hughes added 87 yards.

Beca’s offense felt limited all night without quarterback Cayden Vassa out with injury, which got even worse when his brother, Carter, left early with a leg injury.

Freedom held the Hawks to 194 total yards on offense and registered two turnovers.

With a home game against Northampton (3-4) on deck this Friday, Roeder and company hope they can keep building off this current three game win streak.

“We’re back playing under the bright lights and we wanted to be a better team when that time came around,” said Roeder. “Kids and coaches stayed together and now we’re taking some momentum into the last part of the season.”