Blue Eagles look to repeat regular-season success against Patriots with a trip to the District 11 Class 6A semifinals on the line
The stakes continue to rise as two Eastern Pennsylvania Conference rivals prepare to square off in the second round of the 2026 District 11 Class 6A football playoffs.
Nazareth Area (9-2) and Bethlehem Freedom (8-3) will meet for the second time this season, with the winner advancing to face the winner of the Parkland vs. Whitehall matchup in the District 11 6A Finals.
The Blue Eagles dominated the first meeting between the two teams on September 18, shutting out the Patriots 31-0. However, with the season on the line, Freedom will be looking for redemption, while Nazareth hopes to continue its postseason run.
Both programs have enjoyed successful seasons under their respective head coaches. Tom Falzone has guided Nazareth to nine victories, while Jason Roeder has led Freedom to eight wins.
Nazareth finished 4-1 in the EPC Northampton Division, while Freedom posted a 3-2 divisional record.
Both teams enter the matchup with offenses capable of putting points on the scoreboard.
Nazareth is averaging an impressive 39.7 points per game, while its defense has allowed 22.4 points per contest.
Freedom has also been productive offensively, averaging 32.8 points per game, while surrendering 23.4 points per game defensively.
The Blue Eagles have relied heavily on their explosive passing attack, while the Patriots have established themselves as one of the area’s most dangerous rushing teams.
Nazareth’s Explosive Offense Led by Madson
The Blue Eagles enter the matchup with one of the area’s most productive passing attacks, led by junior quarterback Cooper Madson.
Madson has completed 190 of 259 passes for 2,702 yards and 29 touchdowns while throwing just four interceptions. His accuracy and ability to spread the football around have made Nazareth difficult to defend throughout the season.
One of Madson’s favorite targets has been junior wide receiver Luke DePietro, who has put together an outstanding campaign.
DePietro leads the Blue Eagles with 62 receptions for 1,002 yards and 12 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the area’s most dangerous receiving threats.
Senior Matt Leluga has also been a major contributor, hauling in 45 passes for 768 yards and nine touchdowns.
Junior Mason Marinelli has added 23 receptions for 355 yards and five scores, while senior Lance Zuercher has contributed 35 catches for 407 yards and two touchdowns.
With multiple receivers capable of making big plays, Nazareth presents a difficult challenge for Freedom’s secondary.
However, the Blue Eagles are far from a one-dimensional offense.
Junior running back Will Bacolo has provided balance with 1,118 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on 199 carries. His ability to pick up tough yards and finish drives in the end zone gives Nazareth another dangerous weapon.
As a team, the Blue Eagles have accumulated 2,710 passing yards and 1,498 rushing yards, producing 4,208 yards of total offense.
With an offense averaging nearly 40 points per game, Nazareth will look to establish its rhythm early and put pressure on the Patriots’ defense.
Freedom Looking for Redemption Behind Johnson
Freedom enters the rematch hoping to produce a much different result than its September 18 meeting with Nazareth.
Despite being shut out 31-0 in that contest, the Patriots have demonstrated throughout the season that they possess an offense capable of putting up big numbers.
Freedom is averaging 32.8 points per game, led by its powerful rushing attack.
Senior running back Lashawn Johnson has been the centerpiece of the Patriots’ offense, rushing for 1,479 yards and 19 touchdowns on 221 carries.
Johnson has averaged approximately 6.7 yards per carry, making him one of the most productive running backs in the area.
Senior Jahaire Hughes has added 417 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 63 attempts, while sophomore Amory Sangster has contributed 282 yards and two scores.
Senior quarterback Michael Stofanak has also demonstrated his ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for 232 yards.
As a team, Freedom has rushed for an impressive 2,559 yards and 32 touchdowns on 415 carries.
The Patriots’ ability to control the line of scrimmage, sustain drives and keep Nazareth’s explosive offense on the sidelines could be one of the biggest factors in determining the outcome.
Although Freedom has leaned heavily on its rushing attack, Stofanak has shown that he can make plays through the air.
The senior quarterback has completed 68 of 146 passes for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns.
His top receiving target has been senior Davyan Moore, who has caught 25 passes for 619 yards and eight touchdowns.
Junior Marquise Chapman has contributed 17 receptions for 282 yards and four scores, while sophomore Christian Engelhardt has added 11 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown.
Freedom’s passing game could prove especially important if Nazareth commits additional defenders to stopping Johnson and the running attack.
Defensive Playmakers Could Decide the Outcome
Both teams feature defensive players capable of making game-changing plays.
For Nazareth, senior Cooper Wenrich has been a tackling machine, leading the Blue Eagles with 130 total tackles, including seven tackles for loss and three sacks.
Junior Tucker Wenrich has also been outstanding, recording 101 tackles, nine tackles for loss and two sacks.
Junior Jackson Medlar has been a disruptive force along the defensive front, collecting 85 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and nine sacks.
Medlar’s ability to penetrate the backfield could be especially important against Freedom’s powerful rushing attack.
The Blue Eagles have recorded 22 sacks, 73 tackles for loss and eight interceptions as a team.
Leluga has been particularly dangerous in the secondary, leading Nazareth with five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
For Freedom, senior Reshaun Jones leads the Patriots with 60 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four sacks.
Hughes has been another defensive standout, recording 59 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Junior Ky Moore has been one of Freedom’s most disruptive defenders, registering 55 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and five sacks.
The Patriots have recorded 23 sacks, 69 tackles for loss and 10 interceptions as a team.
Although Nazareth held Freedom scoreless in their first meeting, the Blue Eagles have allowed an average of 22.4 points per game this season. Freedom, meanwhile, has surrendered 23.4 points per contest.
Both defenses will be challenged by offenses that have consistently demonstrated the ability to move the football and score points.
Special Teams Could Make the Difference
In a postseason matchup between two talented teams, special teams could play a major role.
Nazareth has received outstanding production from senior kicker Owen Hall, who has converted seven field goals and 56 extra points.
The Blue Eagles have also demonstrated their ability to score in the return game, with DePietro and Leluga each credited with a kickoff return touchdown.
Freedom counters with senior kicker Nathan Stannard, who has made seven field goals and 38 extra points.
With both teams possessing reliable kickers, field position and opportunities to capitalize on scoring chances could become critical.
Key Matchups to Watch
Nazareth’s Passing Game vs. Freedom’s Secondary
Madson and his talented group of receivers will look to attack a Freedom defense that has recorded 10 interceptions. The Patriots must find ways to pressure Madson and limit big plays from DePietro, Leluga and Marinelli.
Freedom’s Rushing Attack vs. Nazareth’s Defensive Front
Johnson and Hughes will look to establish the running game early. Nazareth will need strong performances from Cooper Wenrich, Tucker Wenrich and Medlar to slow down the Patriots’ ground attack.
Will Bacolo vs. Freedom’s Front Seven
Bacolo’s ability to run between the tackles and produce in short-yardage situations could help Nazareth maintain offensive balance. Freedom’s defense must avoid becoming too focused on stopping Madson and the passing attack.
Can Freedom Reverse the First Meeting?
Nazareth’s 31-0 victory on September 18 gives the Blue Eagles confidence heading into the rematch. However, Freedom has an opportunity to make adjustments and show how much it has improved since that meeting.
The Patriots must find ways to generate offensive production against a Nazareth defense that shut them out earlier this season.
Turnovers and Field Position
Both defenses have shown an ability to force turnovers. Nazareth has recorded eight interceptions, while Freedom has collected 10. Protecting the football and taking advantage of scoring opportunities will be essential.
By the Numbers
| Category | Nazareth | Freedom |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 9-2 | 8-3 |
| EPC Northampton Record | 4-1 | 3-2 |
| Points Per Game | 39.7 | 32.8 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 22.4 | 23.4 |
| Passing Yards | 2,710 | 1,234 |
| Rushing Yards | 1,498 | 2,559 |
| Total Offensive Yards | 4,208 | 3,793 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 30 | 16 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 25 | 32 |
| Defensive Sacks | 22 | 23 |
| Tackles for Loss | 73 | 69 |
| Interceptions | 8 | 10 |
Previous Meeting — September 18, 2026: Nazareth 31, Freedom 0.
What’s at Stake?
With a spot in the finals of the District 11 Class 6A playoffs on the line, both teams understand the importance of executing in all three phases of the game.
The winner of the Nazareth-Freedom matchup will advance to face the winner of Parkland and Whitehall, bringing the surviving team one step closer to a District 11 championship.
For Nazareth, the formula for success will likely involve establishing an early offensive rhythm, protecting Madson and creating opportunities for its talented receivers to make plays.
For Freedom, controlling the clock behind Johnson and its offensive line could be the key to keeping the Blue Eagles’ high-powered passing attack off the field.
The Patriots will also be motivated by their 31-point shutout loss to Nazareth earlier this season. A playoff victory would not only avenge that defeat but also keep Freedom’s championship hopes alive.
The matchup presents an intriguing contrast in offensive styles, with Nazareth’s aerial attack going head-to-head against Freedom’s physical ground game.
Whichever team controls the line of scrimmage, protects the football and capitalizes on its opportunities will put itself in the best position to advance.
Nazareth won the first meeting convincingly, but the second meeting carries much bigger consequences. It’s win or go home.
Stats provided by both schools stat man
2 Responses
is the Freedom vs. Nazareth football game going to be on tv tonight on channel ATVN ( 4 ) ? OR is another game going to be on that channel. Please e-mail me back ASAP. thank you.
Hi Sue. I am not sure if they are or Service Electric is