Northampton has seen its share of games slip away from them this season.

In a high profiled and near must-win situation against Nazareth, the Konkrete Kids didn’t let this lead leave their grasp.

During a seesaw battle throughout, the Kids got the final, upward swing in a 41-28 victory over the Blue Eagles.

With the win, Northampton (4-5) snapped a two-game losing streak, and they kept their District 11 Class 6A playoff hopes alive. The Kids, who are seeded seventh in the district standings, will travel to meet Bethlehem Catholic (5-4) Friday night.

Sophomore running back Chase Kessler was a difference maker, as he ran for a career-high 315 yards and scored three touchdowns.

Kessler couldn’t recall a similar effort in his youth, and he believes his team has turned the tide.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had one of these games, but it feels good,” noted Kessler. “It’s very uplifting because we can use this motivation and confidence for next week and the week after.

“The difference was that we became more confident after every play and very drive. That’s what I think made us come out with a win.”

Kids’ head coach John Toman knows he has a different kind of back in Kessler.

“Kessler is showing his ability against the top-level programs,” said Toman. “He’s developing into a top running back in the league, but he will tell you there is a group of offensive lineman dong an awesome job opening holes for him.

“His vision, acceleration getting extra yards gets better and better each week. I’m not sure he reminds me of any of my former running backs. He is a unique, special kid.”

Toman definitely will remember the Nazareth win. He compared it to his first season in 2021 with the Kids when he went 10-0 during the regular season.

“This win is right up there with the first game in my first year beating Beca (Bethlehem Catholic) and Whitehall in Week 10 to secure he undefeated season,” stressed Toman. “But this one against Nazareth, and all of their recent success, may be the best.”

Toman also saw his season as a possible catalyst.

“We have been in back and forth games all year long,” said Toman. “Maybe that helped us fight through and do the things necessary to get the big win.”

In addition, Toman credited his defense, which managed to keep relative control over Nazareth running back Marquez Wimberly, who rushed for 180 yards with a pair of touchdowns, but he didn’t catch a pass. He highlighted the contributions from Sincere Wadlington, Ryan Heckman, and Dylan Stuhldreher

“Defensively, it was a group effort,” stated Toman. “We finally made plays in the secondary and forced them to earn it each play. Wadlington and Heckman did a nice job spying Marquez during pass situations, and Stuhldreher did a nice job with his first start at free safety.”

Against Becahi this Friday, Toman expects to have another tussle.

“Like anything else, each week is a unique challenge,” added Toman. “If we don’t turn the page and get ready for it, it will be a long night. They have our size up front and have athletes.”

KIDS KUDOS: Kessler has rushed for 919 yards on the season with nine touchdowns ... The Kids ran for 477 yards with quarterback Gavin Taff adding 85 yards and Zander Rickert had 52 ... Rickert has 479 yards this season with six touchdowns ... Taff has completed 83 of 130 passes for 1,092 yards with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions ... Cam Hersch has caught a team-high 24 passes for 348 yards with a pair of touchdowns ... Stuhldreher had five tackles against Nazareth ... Bethlehem Catholic has lost three-straight, their last a 35-20 defeat to Liberty ... The Kids have won the last three against Becahi, posting a 21-20 victory last year ... Beca quarterback Axel Burkart has completed 71 of 126 passes for 1.096 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions ... Beca running back Cayden Vassa has rushed for 715 yards and 10 touchdowns.

PREDICTION (season record 4-5): Last week, I was wrong. I didn’t think the Kids could slow Nazareth. It easily could have been their signature win of the season, and they fought through plenty of adversity. This week, they desperately need an encore, and the same type of effort. Kessler may be slowed a bit, but Taff will need another one of his precision passing shows. Coach Ronalds can pick me up a cheesesteak from nearby Carl’s Corner in Bethlehem, and he and I will get back to Seward’s in Allentown soon ... K-KIDS, 28-24.