It was a contest that everyone in the EPC certainly had their eyes on when Phillipsburg came to BASD Stadium last week to take on Freedom.

The result was the best game of the season in the area so far and a 32-31 Patriot victory. The win saved face for the league, which was staring down the barrel of three straight losses to the Stateliners to start the season. It clearly meant something to both sides, because the celebration that endured postgame by Freedom is usually reserved for major wins, which this clearly was.

The rest of the poll went status quo for the most part outside Whitehall taking it to Northampton 34-19 last week. Not a good night to be a K-Kid.

Freedom and Nazareth highlight this week’s slate, but Northampton and Liberty will also have potential for some fireworks on Friday night.

1. Parkland (1-1)

Last week’s rank: #1

Parkland might not have another tough game the rest of the regular season.

The Pick: Parkland 35- Stroudsburg 7

2. Freedom (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #3

Game of the week potential in Nazareth. How do the Pates respond after an emotional win?

The Pick: Freedom 31- Nazareth 21

3. Bethlehem Cath. (3-0)

Last week’s rank: #2

This will be a test for the Hawks, but one that shouldn’t score them.

The Pick: Bethlehem Catholic 35- Easton 17

4. Southern Lehigh (3-0)

Last week’s rank: #4

Another easy one for the Spartans.

The Pick: Solehi 49- Wilson 7

5. Nazareth (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #7

Blue Eagles moving up, but are they built to beat the teams like Freedom or Parkland?

The Pick: Freedom 31- Nazareth 21

6. Northwestern (3-0)

Last week’s rank: #6

Tigers look to flex their muscles again.

The Pick: Northwestern 56- Salisbury 7

7. Notre Dame GP (3-0)

Last week’s rank: #8

It seems like the Colonial League teams are either really good or really bad.

The Pick: Notre Dame 48- Pen Argyl 0

8. Whitehall (2-1)

Last week’s rank: Not ranked

Zephs jump back in after shocking Northampton last week.

The Pick: Whitehall 28- Pleasant Valley 14

9. Northampton (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #5

Kids look for a bounce back game, but are struggling to throw the ball.

The Pick: Liberty 24- Northampton 21

10. Blue Mountain (2-1)

Last week’s rank: #10

The Eagles put up a 50 burger last week and look to get close to that this week.

The Pick: Blue Mountain 51- Pottsville 13

• Teams that dropped: Easton

• Teams that entered: Whitehall

• Last week’s record: 7-2

• Overall record: 21-6