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Saturday, October 25, 2008

Freedom - Liberty starts now...
Nazareth couldn't do a whole lot, and Freedom maybe wasn't clicking on all cylindars.  But, the Pates were able to build a 35 point lead and cruised to victory. 
 
A series of calls that went the Blue Eagles way seemed to get the defense fired up in the second half, and Freedom put Nazareth away with a consistent ground game and a couple of big plays.
 
The moment the final horn sounded all thoughts turned to Liberty.  See you at the tail gate.
12:30 pm est

Saturday, October 18, 2008

We expected a battle...
... and we got one.  Bethlehem is producing some great football this year.  Friday's game came down to the final seconds with Greg Taylor kicking the winning field goal with about 5 seconds left on the clock.
 
Freedom had two touchdown leads on a couple of occasions but was unable to put Beca away.  The Pates were able to contain Beca's running game and won the special teams battle, but Beca generated a strong passing attack in the second half and was able to tie the game at 28 in the last few minutes.
 
An interception by Beca near mid field with a little less than two minutes spelled trouble, but the defense came up big and Beca punted.  Freedom had a little over a minute remaining in the game, but was able to march down the field for Taylor's big time field goal.
 
This may be the deepest the LVC has been in a while, and Freedom is playing all of the top teams in both divisions.  In addition, the Northampton division is the strong division this year.  Part of that strength is an improved Nazareth club.  The Blue Eagles had a tough time with Liberty Friday, and will be looking to come back against the Pates next Friday at their home field.  Nazareth is lead by ex - Freedom head coach, Rob Melosky, adding additional interest to the backyard rivalry.
5:58 pm est

Saturday, October 11, 2008

It wasn't pretty...
It wasn't pretty, but it was win over Easton at Cottingham stadium in a very entertaining, sometimes sloppy game.
 
Freedom was able to generate big plays and enough stops to get out of Cottingham with a win despite costly penalties, three fumbles and giving up a kickoff return for a touchdown. 
 
Easton was down by two or three scores a couple of times, but fought back with big plays of their own and had a chance to drive for the tying score late in the fourth quarter but the Freedom defense held and the Pates escaped with a win.
 
Freedom plays its first game in the Bethlehem City Championship on Friday against Becahi.  Becahi has good team speed and will be looking to avenge last year's overtime loss in the city rivalry game.  In addition to the backyard brawl aspect, the game has added importance because of  district seeding for both teams.  Not to mention a certain amount of drama associated with Eddie Mateo's decision to pursue alternate educational opportunies.  It all adds up to another big challenge and great night of football in the LVC.
 
9:10 pm est

Sunday, October 5, 2008

The running game ...
The running game was a theme for Friday night's game for both Freedom and Northampton.  Freedom was able to establish their running game as Eddie Mateo had a breakout game, gaining close to 200 yards.  Freedom also continued to generate big plays in the passing game and was able to put 35 points on a good Northampton defense.
 
On the other side of the ball,  Northampton moved the ball on the ground, but was held out of the end zone and only scored 7.
 
Another big test on Friday night at Cottingham Stadium in Easton.  Easton is coming of a big win over Nazareth in which they gained well over 300 yards on the ground.  Always tough at home, Easton will be looking to knock off the Pates and set themselves up for the stretch run to districts.
12:48 pm est


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Stadium Location:
 
BASD Stadium
1115 Linden St.
From 22 East or West
191 South to Linden St.
Stadium is behind Liberty High School

Visitors

From Coach Roeder...

 

 

To the Freedom Football Family,

 

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season.

 

In preparing this letter, the first thing I did was to look at my remarks from last year at this time (Jan 3, 2008). We were coming off an Eastern conference championship and a school record for wins in a season. In that letter we established the goal and the mindset of wanting to achieve MORE! 

 

It is safe to say that WE accomplished that goal.  In looking back at last year there are many obvious and tangible examples of how we were successful in this endeavor. Accomplishments we should be proud of include another new school record for wins, the school’s first playoff wins, unprecedented individual recognition for our players on the state and local level, and numerous team and individual changes in the Freedom football record book. 

 

In continuing to reflect on this past year, I realized that 2008 was more than just numbers. We did MORE in many ways and we did take Freedom football to a new level.  Improvements were made in many areas that don’t always show up on a stat sheet or in the newspaper. The game day program, booster club involvement, the bonfire, alumni participation and overall community support are just a few areas where I feel we made substantial gains in moving our program forward.

 

These achievements came as a result of the hard work of many people. I would like to personally thank our players, coaches, support staff, the Freedom HS administration and faculty, the band and cheerleaders, Gridiron Club, spaghetti dinner volunteers, Patriot club and all of those associated with the Freedom football family for their contributions to our success.

 

It is now time to move forward again and continue the climb. Many of the names and faces will be different next year, but the philosophy of OUR WAY will not change. I am sure that we all agree that the job is not done and there are more steps to take. We as a program must continue to focus on improving in everything we do. I have challenged our players and staff to take up the motto “COUNT ON ME”. We are looking for those people that we can count on in 2009.  

 

Thanks for your support and let’s work to make every day, A Great Day to be a Patriot!