Northampton and Freedom met last week in a game that neither team deserved to lose. Both teams engaged in a valiant battle that could have swung either way, and they desperately wanted the game to keep some late-season momentum.

In the end, Freedom kicked the game-winning field goal in the closing minute for a 17-14 victory. The Kids has one last drive to try to tie or win the game, but they couldn’t convert on fourth down.

It was Northampton’s fifth one-score game of the season, and the Konkrete Kids’ record dropped to 5-3 overall.

Kids’ running back Chase Kessler, who accumulated 198 yards with a touchdown against Freedom, viewed the game as one of missed opportunities.

“I feel like the defense played great, getting the stops that we needed,” said Kessler. “The offense couldn’t capitalize. The defense got the stop they needed, and the offense couldn’t get the job done. It was an even game, but obviously they capitalized on more plays that we had, and that made the game.’

Kids’ head coach John Toman believed his defense kept Freedom in check all night. They allowed 288 yards, but just one rushing touchdown. The Kids also limited Freedom to 56 yards passing.

“I think we managed their run game all night,” said Toman. “Their quarterback had a big run, but we missed a tackle. We bent, but we didn’t break and gave the offense a chance to win the game.”

Toman wasn’t happy with his team’s offensive showing in the second half. But he was happy with quarterback Luke Stopay, and the overall play of his defense. Stopay was 10 of 17 for 46 yards.

“We just didn’t execute offensively well in the second half,” stated Toman. “Luke played well, but it was still only his second game as a starter. He made some great throws. They were able to get to him a couple of times. Our defensive effort is always there.”

Now Northampton will face a major test when they travel to Nazareth Friday night. The Blue Eagles have won seven straight, and are coming off a 52-49, last-second win over Bethlehem Catholic. Toman isn’t looking for any surprises from Nazareth.

“They are as good as advertised,” deadpanned Toman. “Their offense is a handful, and their defense is very active. We need to play our game.”

“Northampton poses huge challenges for us this week,” said Nazareth head coach Tom Falzone. “They beat us last year in the regular season and could certainly do it again this year. They have one of the strongest run games we’ve seen and an absolutely explosive running back. Their line is huge as usual and that is always difficult for us to contend with.

“The team has surged since switching QBs and they only have one loss in the division. We will need to bring our A-game this Friday or it could be a long night.”

KIDS KUDOS: Northampton dumped Nazareth, 41-28, during the regular season and Nazareth returned the favor, 37-36, in a tight matchup ... Kessler has rushed for 1,225 yards with 12 touchdowns. Stopay is 31 of 51 for 306 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Robert Wambold and Joell Small both have 98 yards rushing. Wambold had nine tackles against Freedom, and Logan Rusnock had five. Wambold also has a team-high 62 tackles and DJ McDonald has 51. Colby Brearman has three interceptions ... Nazareth hasn’t lost since their season opening defeat to Garnet Valley, 63-34. Quarterback Cooper Madson is having a banner season, completing 138 of 188 for 2.030 yards with 23 touchdowns and two interceptions. Luke DiPietro had 49 catches for 823 yards with eight touchdowns. Will Bacelo has 828 yards rushing with 15 touchdowns. Jacks Medlar leads the team in tackles with 49, and Jayden Hutchinson with 41. Matt Leluga has three interceptions.

PREDICTION (My season record 6-2): Kids got over a major hump when they knocked off Nazareth last year, and then suffered a tight loss. They have gained confidence throughout the season, and Stopay has upgraded the passing game, which has made a big difference. Playing in Nazareth always is an uphill battle, and the Blue Eagles have been flying high. The Kids’ defense has raised their game, but they may be overmatched against Madson. Northampton will be within striking range for a while, but coach Ronalds can pick up a small Sicilian pie from Pizza Joe’s in Nazareth, one of my favorite spots ... NAZARETH, 31-20.