5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT FREEDOM

1. The Patriots could have one of the EPC South’s strongest kicking games. Nick Stannard returns for his third season as Freedom’s kicker. Roeder praised his offseason work and the improved depth of his kickoffs.

Quarterback Jared Jenkins also returns to handle punting. He averaged 37.4 yards per boot last season.

2. Roeder offered glowing assessments of Jenkins, a senior entering his third season as a starter. Jenkins threw for 2,196 yards and 29 touchdowns with only four picks as a junior.

“He’s bigger, faster, stronger than he was last year,” Roeder said. “He’s got another year of experience under his belt. He’s still extremely coachable. He’s been a leader for years now, but now it’s that senior leadership role. He’s everything you would expect from him.”

3. Freedom likes its depth along the offensive line and defensive line even as it replaces multiple starters. Senior Kaden Moore, a Bowling Green recruit, gives the Patriots one of the Lehigh Valley’s top two-way linemen. Junior Jacob Schwind also returns on the O-line.

Freedom features a mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors who could factor into the line rotations.

4. Senior Vince Reph may see time at linebacker after playing defensive back as a junior. Reph is also one of Freedom’s top returning wide receivers. He caught 31 passes for 401 yards and a team-best 11 touchdowns. 5. Senior Judah Rock gives Freedom another experienced linebacker. He posted 35 tackles as a junior.