Patriots Win Battle of Bethlehem

Freedom kicker Sean Wrobel knocked through a 35-yard field goal with 27 seconds left Saturday to give the Patriots a 45-42 win, its first victory over cross-town rival Liberty in nine years and a slot in the PIAA 4A playoffs.

With city bragging rights and a playoff spot on the line at for both teams, the Patriots and Hurricanes played a classic nail-biter at the BASD Stadium that featured turnovers, big plays, seven lead changes and six tied scores.

The Morning Call captured the game's final seconds in which a turnover sealed Liberty's fate, while The Express-Times focused on Wrobel's focus under fourth-quarter pressure. Check out the game statistics on this Express-Times box score.

The Patriots finish the regular season with an 8-2 record and are expected to meet the Easton Red Rovers in a rematch of a regular season matchup which Easton won 21-14. Liberty (6-4) will likely be invited to the Eastern Conference playoffs.