Red White and Blue Eagles: Nazareth Upsets Freedom

Nazareth proves wrong any last doubts in their win at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium on Friday night against the number one ranked Freedom Patriots. Led by Anthony Harris, the Blue Eagles scored five total touchdowns and showed Lehigh Valley football fans that they are the real deal.

They continue to show a dangerous mix between passing and rushing as Harris threw for two touchdowns, one to Tyler O’Hagan and the other to Nate Stefanik. On the 24 yard dart to Stefanik, Harris broke Nazareth’s all-time passing touchdown record. The elusive QB threw 19-22 and had a total of 235 passing yards. When Nazareth kept the ball on the ground, they racked up three rushing touchdowns from three different rushers (Joe Capobianco, Logan Grom and Anthony Harris).

Although they did give up 33 points, Nazareth’s defense was a key part of their victory. Nate Stefanik recorded his seventh interception on the year, which makes him one away from Nazareth’s single-season record as well as the all-time interception leader. Stefanik also broke up arguably the biggest play of the game, as he swatted down Jared Jenkins’ two-point conversion attempt to Matty Russin late in the fourth quarter.

Next week, Nazareth looks to remain undefeated but will have to go through the flashy Bethlehem Catholic Hawks, who are led by senior running back Tavion Banks. It seems as if defending the big plays was Nazareth’s weakness against Freedom, so they are in for yet another challenge against Becahi next Friday night.

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