Every team entering the 2026 football season has their own story. Freedom is looking for redemption after an uncharacteristic down season a year ago. Bethlehem Catholic hopes to build off last year’s appearance in the District 11 4A finals and Liberty wants to prove that their magical 2025 campaign wasn’t just a one-year wonder.

All three teams get a chance to start new chapters this Friday night when the high school football season gets underway.

Bethlehem Catholic is the only team staying in the city this weekend when they host a talented Delaware Valley team on Friday night. Freedom has a tough task traveling to Downingtown West and Liberty faces an always challenging Pennridge squad on the road.

‘Canes head coach Shawn Daignault saw the most losses to graduation of all three city schools and is looking forward to what this year’s iteration of Liberty football looks like.

“Obviously, we are all excited to get back on the field for real against Pennridge,” said Daignault. “School started this week, which is a little different, but Pennridge is an extremely well coached team and looked to be very physical on film in their scrimmage against Southern Lehigh. It is a big test for us for sure.”

The Hurricanes have split their last two meetings with Pennridge, winning in 2024, but losing at home last year 31-21. Daignault announced that senior Alsaiah Gross will start at quarterback, as he hopes the new signal caller can settle in early on.

The ‘Canes bring back four of five starting offensive linemen, but Daignault knows they’ll have growing pains across the roster with new faces this season.

“Our biggest takeaway from our scrimmage is that our inexperience was evident,” said Daignault. “Our kids showed some resilience and coachability but we have a lot to learn very quickly in terms of game speed.”

Freedom went 5-6 last year, but are poised for a massive comeback campaign, as the Pates are viewed as one of the top teams in the East Penn Conference this season.

The Pates have a veteran defense, an all-league running back in Lashawn Johnson and a returning quarterback in Michael Stofanak. A trip to Downingtown West Friday night will give everyone insight on what type of potential this group has.

Bethlehem Catholic enters the year equipped with Axel Burkart under center and Carter Vassa at wideout, giving the Hawks the only Division-I duo at those positions in the conference.

The Hawks have the potential to put up points, but they’ll need a better defense this season after giving up 31 points a game in their final seven games of the season last year.