Football – Hornets begin second half of season looking to return to their winning ways with rare Saturday game at Central Catholic. PREVIEW

Junior quarterback Jerek Cooper and the Hornets are looking to bounce back following last week's overtime loss to Easton. Photo: Tom Ashelman.

Who: Emmaus (3-2) vs Central Catholic (2-3)

When/Where: Saturday 7 p.m./J. Birney Crum Stadium, Allentown

Coverage: LIVE Internet webcast: The Eastern Pa. Sports Network (Pregame: 6:30 p.m.). Link: https://easternpasportsnet1.mixlr.com/events/3723102

Coaches: Emmaus: (Harold Fairclough, 9th season), CCHS: (Rob Melosky, 2nd season)

To date: Emmaus – lost to Easton 28-21 OT, defeated Stroudsburg 42-7, defeated Reading 38-7, defeated Becahi 31-21, lost to Neshaminy 20-17 OT

CCHS – lost to Becahi 27-0, defeated PME 35-16, lost to Freedom 49-15, lost to Liberty 17-16, defeated Trinity 18-0

PF – Em 29.8, CC 16.8

PA – Em 16.6, CC 21.8

Players to keep an eye on: Emmaus – Jr. QB Jerek Cooper (34 of 74, 498 yards, 5 TD/3 Int), Sr. RB/LB Reilly Bechtel (61 rushes, 523 yards, 5 TD), Sr. WR/CB Daniel Duggan (4 recept., 60 yards, 2 TD), Jr. OL/DL Robert Edwards (leading tackler), Sr. K/P Will Buck, Soph. WR Kai Jefferson-Rushing (10-173-2), Sr. RB/LB Neo Michel.

CCHS – Soph. QB Patrick Cahill (35 of 62, 307 yards, 1 TD, 3 Int; 59 rushes, 227 yards), Sr. QB Kyle Fleshman (14-23, 276, 3 TD), Sr. WR Aidan Sorrentino (16 recept., 170 yards), Jr. RB Tate Shoemaker (38-165-1), Sr. LB Maksim Godbolt (20.5 tackles), Jr. LB Manny Rosario (16.5 tackles), Jr. WR/LB Tommy Roth

Last 5 meetings:

2023 – @ JBC Stadium (CCHS 27-24)

2022 – @ Emmaus (Emmaus 12-7)

2021 – @ JBC Stadium (CCHS 21-0)

2020 – @ JBC Stadium (Emmaus 24-7)

2019 – @ Emmaus (CCHS 35-17)