The regular season is over in Eastern Pennsylvania Conference football, but for 15 of the 18 teams, there will be at least one more game.
A total of 14 EPC teams have qualified for the District 11 tournament, and since 6A and 5A has nothing but EPC members, it was a lock that those two brackets would have 12 teams.
Bethlehem Catholic and Allentown Central Catholic also qualified in 4A and Pocono Mountain West, which just missed out on a 6A berth, secured a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs and will host Gov. Mifflin from District 3 on Friday night.
So, just three teams can pack away the uniforms and start making plans for 2026.
Here’s a look at where everybody stands after 10 games:
No. 18: East Stroudsburg North
Record: 0-10, 0-7 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 18th
Last game: Lost to East Stroudsburg South 22-16
Next game: Aug. 28, 2026
Comment: The Timberwolves came close to getting the win that would have put them in the District 11 Class 4A playoffs, but came up short against South. Wayne King ended the year throwing for 598 yards and rushing for 629. He scored both of his team’s touchdowns against South — one on a 64-yard run and the other on a 70-yard fumble return. Kendrick Sympson caught 25 passes for 416 yards. Nick Tuzzio led the team with 71 tackles. First-year coach Kenn Cundiff deserves the chance to work with the kids for an entire offseason after being a late hire last spring.
No. 17: Allen
Allen coach Joel Rupp talks to his players during an August preseason practice in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Record: 3-7, 0-7 EPC,
Last week’s rankings: 16th
Last game: Lost to Dieruff 17-2
Next game: Aug. 28 or 29, 2026
Comment: The Canaries ended the season on a 7-game losing streak after a 3-0 start, but third-year coach Joel Rupp felt the team made progress and learned a lot through its struggles. The team won the Eastern Pennsylvania Football Officials Association sportsmanship award. Quarterback Julian Pagan, tight end/defensive end TeShon Gaynair, and running back Michael Taylor are among the key returnees for 2026.
No. 16: Dieruff
Dieruff players who received awards after the Huskies’ 17-2 win over Allen include, from left, Alphy Deris, offensive MVP; Juan Manzano; game MVP; Elijah Dalrymple, defensive MVP. (Contributed photo/David Stoudt)
Record: 2-8, 2-5 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 17th
Last game: Beat Allen 17-2
Next game: Aug. 28 or 29
Comment: The Huskies got a quality, two-touchdown game from quarterback Bruce Billger and a stout defensive effort to beat Allen. Alphy Deris, Juan Manzano, and Elijah Dalrymple all got awards after the game. Coach Dave Lutte said he will take some time before deciding if he’s coming back next season as the frustration with not having a practice field within walking distance of the school and buses not showing up continued n 2025. Lutte said it is not his intention to “keep people hanging,” so he will not take too long with his decision. He was pleased that the team had improved in terms of attitude and composure this season and said that only one player was ever sidelined due to academic issues.
No. 15: East Stroudsburg South
East Stroudsburg South football coach Matt Walters celebrates the last play of the game during the District 11 Class 5A championship game against Whitehall on Thursday, Nov. 07, 2024, at Stroudsburg High School. The teams meet again in Saturday’s District 11 5A semifinals at Whitehall. (Jonathan Broady)
Record: 2-8, 2-5 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 15th
Last game: Beat East Stroudsburg North 22-16
Next game: At Whitehall, 6 p.m. Saturday in the District 11 5A semifinals
Comment: The Cavaliers haven’t had the season they wanted after winning last year’s District 11 5A title that was earned with a 22-17 win over Whitehall. They were routed by Whitehall, 62-21, on Sept. 5 on the night that Saquon Barkley came back to his alma mater to be inducted into Whitehall’s Hall of Fame. In the previous meeting, Whitehall outgained South 323-313, but the Cavs were hurt by nine penalties for 63 yards and gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown, three TD passes by Tanner Dogmanits and three rushing TDs by Jeziah Gregory.
No. 14: Pocono Mountain West
Record: 5-5, 2-5 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 14th
Last game: Lost to Pocono Mountain East 35-21
Next game: Host Gov. Mifflin in an Eastern Conference playoff game, 5 p.m. Friday.
Comment: The Panthers went 1-4 after starting the season 4-1. Against East, they had trouble stopping the Cardinals’ rushing attack and gave up 234 yards on the ground, and 341 yards overall. Christian Stiehler, who is a 1,000-yard rusher and one of the league’s top tacklers, played only a few snaps and had one carry against Pocono Mountain East before going out with an injury. QB Jerel Simms returned from the injured list and completed 18 of 27 passes for 158 yards and also ran for 39 yards. Nicodemus McNeil ran for 60 yards.
No. 13: Stroudsburg
Former Stroudsburg football coach Fred Ross led the Mounties program for 42 seasons. (Patricia Hess / The Morning Call)
Record: 5-5, 4-3 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 11th
Last game: Lost to Pleasant Valley 10-6
Next game: At Parkland, 7 p.m. Friday in the District 11 6A quarterfinals.
Comment: The Mounties are back in the district playoffs and looking for a better showing than last year, when they lost to Easton 42-7 in the quarterfinals. They have gone 0-11 in their last 11 playoff games. Against Pleasant Valley, they managed only a Keyen Johnson touchdown run and just 77 yards rushing and 91 passing. Johnson had 78 yards rushing. Essam Alrefai had five catches for 30 yards.
No. 12: Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley’s Christopher Ward runs the ball down the field Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, against Parkland at Parkland Stadium in Orefield. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Record: 5-5, 4-3 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 13th
Last game: Beat Stroudsburg 10-6
Next game: Play at Pocono Mountain East, 5 p.m. Saturday in the 5A semifinals.
Comment: The Bears got an interception by William Breuer as time ran out to secure the team’s win over Stroudsburg. It gave PV a share of the EPC’s Monroe Division title along with Stroudsburg and Pocono Mountain East. No matter what happens Blaec Saeger’s program has made a vast turnaround after going 0-11 in 2024. Saeger always gives his defensive coordinator, Brian Miller, a lot of credit. Niko Payan’s 15-yard TD run and Ethan Duran kicked a 25-yard field goal for the other team’s other points.
No. 11: Pocono Mountain East
Record: 7-3, 4-3 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 12th
Last game: Beat Pocono Mountain West 35-21
Next game: Host Pleasant Valley, 5 p.m. Saturday in the 5A semifinals.
Comment: The Cardinals are having one of their best seasons since going 12-0 and winning the District 11 title under Frank Scagliotta in 1988. They have made a remarkable turnaround after winning just one game last season. Amari Green ran for 249 yards and two TDs against Pocono West, while Justin Williams caught eight passes for 83 yards and three TDs. Ceejay Serfass completed 9 of 12 passes for 107 yards in the win. East won the first meeting with Pleasant Valley on Oct. 10.
No. 10: Emmaus
Emmaus’ Robert Edwards, 87, had eight tackles and a sack against Parkland. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)
Record: 4-6, 3-4 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 10th
Last game: Lost to Parkland 34-13
Next game: At Easton, 7 p.m. Friday in the District 11 6A quarterfinals.
Comment: The Green Hornets came up with a competitive, spirited effort against Parkland. Jerek Cooper threw for 121 yards, and Jay Santos ran for 68 yards and two scores. Robert Edwards was a force on defense with eight tackles, including a sack. Emmaus now has to raise its level of play even more to have a chance at Easton, where the Green Hornets lost 42-7 on Sept. 19. In that one, Emmaus surrendered three passing TDs by Cole Ordway and the record-breaking quarterback also ran for two TDs. Emmaus completed just two of 19 passes in that one and was held to 110 yards rushing.
No. 9: Allentown Central Catholic
Allentown Central Catholic Tate Shoemaker runs for yardage against Bethlehem Catholic Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)
Record: 5-5, 4-3 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 9th
Last game: Lost to Whitehall 49-14
Next game: Host Jim Thorpe, 7 p.m. Thursday in a District 11 4A quarterfinal.
Comment: It was an up-and-down regular season for the Vikings, and it ended on a down note with a lopsided loss to Whitehall. ACC was limited to 170 yards and had just three completions and 63 yards passing. The Vikings are looking for a deeper run in districts after losing to Pottsville 14-7 in the quarterfinals last season.
No. 8: Northampton
Northampton’s Jeremiah Strowder celebrates a touchdown against Easton on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, during an EPC football game in Northampton. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)
Record: 4-6, 2-5 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 6th
Last game: Lost to Bethlehem Catholic 24-21
Next game: At Nazareth, 7 p.m. Friday in the District 11 6A quarterfinals.
Comment: The Konkrete Kids finished 1-4 in the Northampton County Division and now get a rematch in the 6A quarterfinals against the one team they beat, Nazareth. QB Gavin Taff threw for 215 yards and two TDs in the loss to Bethlehem Catholic. Cameron Hersch and Sincere Wadlington combined for 8 catches and 127 yards. One week after he ran for a school-record 317 yards against Nazareth, sophomore Chase Kessler was limited to 37 yards against Becahi.
No. 7: Bethlehem Catholic
Bethlehem Catholic’s Cayden Vassa hands the ball to Antonio Salamoni Friday Oct.10 2025, against Nazareth at Nazareth. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)
Record: 6-4, 3-4 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 7th
Last game: Beat Northampton 24-21
Next game: Host Pottsville, 7 p.m. Thursday in the District 11 4A semifinals.
Comment: The Golden Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak with a hard-fought win over Northampton. Playing without both Cayden and Carter Vassa, the Golden Hawks got 157 yards passing from Axel Burkart and 127 yards rushing from sophomore Antonio Salomoni. Becahi has won 14 district titles, with the most recent coming in 2023. They beat East Stroudsburg North and Lehighton last season before being routed by Southern Lehigh 28-7 in the title game.
No. 6: Freedom
Freedom’s Jacob Hauze runs the ball down the field Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, against Liberty at Bethlehem School District Stadium. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)
Record: 5-5, 4-3 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 4th
Last game: Lost to Liberty 42-14
Next game: Play Liberty at 12 noon Saturday in the District 11 6A quarterfinals.
Comment: The Patriots began the regular season with two losses and ended it with two losses. They will have to regroup after having few answers defensively against Liberty. They have to come up with major adjustments to have a shot in Saturday’s rematch and must find a way to get more out of a passing game that had three interceptions. Abraham Pla and Jahaire Hughes, who have replaced the injured Lashawn Johnson in the backfield, combined for 86 yards rushing against Liberty.
No. 5: Whitehall
Whitehall finished the regular season at 8-2. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)
Record: 8-2, 6-1 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 9th
Last game: Beat ACCHS 49-14
Next game: Host East Stroudsburg South, 6 p.m. Saturday
Comment: Whitehall has had two lopsided losses this season and has responded well each time it happened. They bounced back from a 53-7 loss to Parkland with an impressive victory over Allentown Central Catholic as Tanner Dogmanits threw 3 TD passes and Jeziah Gregory ran for 126 yards and a pair of scores. Whitehall beat South 62-21 earlier this season and has to feel confident going into the rematch as the Zephs seek their sixth 5A title since the PIAA expanded to six classes in 2016.
No. 4: Liberty
Liberty’s Antonio Fontanez throws a pass Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, against Freedom at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)
Record: 7-3, 5-2 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 5th
Last game: Beat Freedom 42-14
Next game: Play Freedom at noon Saturday in the District 11 6A quarterfinals.
Comment: The Hurricanes ended a six-game losing streak to rival Freedom and won an outright Christmas City title, meaning they beat both Becahi and Freedom in the same year, for the first time since 2010. Quarterback Antonio Fontanez threw four touchdown passes and ran for another. Fontanez set a school single-game record with 382 yards passing. He has 64 career TDs and more than 6,300 career passing yards. The same two teams will meet again Saturday in the District 11 6A quarterfinals. Liberty hasn’t beaten Freedom twice in one season since 2008, when it won the state title.
No. 3: Nazareth
Nazareth’s Marquez Wimberly runs the ball down the field Friday Sept. 18,2025 against Parkland at Nazareth High School.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)
Record: 7-3, 4-3 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 3rd
Last game: Lost to Easton 51-14
Next game: Host Northampton, 7 p.m. Friday in the District 11 6A quarterfinals.
Comment: The Blue Eagles lost for the second straight week and continue to give up big rushing performances. They gave up a school record for rushing yards in a single game when Chase Kessler ran for 317 yards, and then gave up a school-record 7 TDs by Easton’s Cole Ordway. The Blue Eagles are dealing with some key injuries on the defensive side and need to get going on offense after Easton’s defense limited Nazareth to 21 yards rushing.
No. 2: Easton
Easton’s players get ready to kick the ball off on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, during an EPC football game in Easton. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)
Record: 10-0, 7-0 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 2nd
Last game: Beat Nazareth 51-14
Next game: Host Emmaus, 7 p.m. Friday in the District 11 6A quarterfinals.
Comment: The Red Rovers completed their first perfect regular season since 2014 and claimed the EPC Northampton County title with a rout of Nazareth. Cole Ordway set a school record with seven touchdowns and had 231 on the ground. He now has 992 yards passing and 1,468 rushing. Easton ran for 438 yards against Nazareth. Chris Martinez is over the 1,000-yard rushing mark with 1,061. In the first game against Emmaus, Ordway passed for 162 yards and ran for 108.
No. 1: Parkland
Parkland completed a 10-0 regular season with a win over Emmaus on Friday. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)
Record: 10-0, 7-0 EPC
Last week’s rankings: 1st
Last game: Beat Emmaus 34-13
Next game: Host Stroudsburg 7 p.m. Friday in the District 6A quarterfinals.
Comment: The Trojans registered a perfect regular season for the second time in three years. Against Emmaus, Parkland got down 6-0 but scored the next 27 points. TJ Lawrence led the way with 141 yards and three rushing TDs while Finn Coen chipped in a pair of TD tosses. The defense was led throughout the regular season by Liam Spang, who had 64 tackles, 10 for loss, and three sacks. Dom Martrich and Michael Car have combined for 11 sacks and 17 TFLs.