WEST DEER TWP — Freeport is playing each game as if it were fighting for its playoff life.

Actually, it is.

Since a heartbreaking four-point loss to Valley in Week 3, the Yellowjackets (4-3, 4-3) have rattled off four straight wins, including a 21-0 decision over Deer Lakes Friday, to inch closer to the fourth and final playoff berth in the Allegheny Conference.

"Every game is a playoff game for us," Freeport head coach Bill Dillen said.

Freeport's winning streak can be attributed to its defense, especially against the run.

Against Deer Lakes, the Lancers were able to muster only 4 yards rushing on 10 carries.

"We have been playing well against the run against everybody," Dillen said. "(Matt) Latronica is a good running back. We were hoping we could stop him."

Latronica had a team-high nine yards rushing on four carries.

Deer Lakes head coach Todd Hazlett was aware that Freeport had a stingy run defense and he had his offense come out throwing the in an attempt to soften the defense.

It didn't work.

Deer Lakes quarterback Geoff Landry completed only four passes for 37 yards, but he was the victim of numerous drops.

"We wanted to try to open it up as a team," Hazlett said. "It was tough running."

On the opening drive, Deer Lakes moved the ball 31 yards for its total offensive output in the game. But Landry's receivers missed two passes that would have kept the drive alive.

Freeport's offense moved the ball as well in the first half, but on four consecutive possessions before the half, it bogged down in the red zone.

Deer Lakes' defense forced a fumble, stopped Freeport on the 3-yard line and watched two field goal attempts sail wide.

"We don't panic," Dillen said. "We just made little blocking adjustments."

Those adjustments helped Freeport finally find the end zone in the third quarter.

On the open drive of the second half, Freeport marched 51 yards for a touchdown. Kirk Naedele, who ran for a game-high 94 yards, scored from a yard out.

Cameron Betush, who rushed for 62 yards on 19 carries, scored the second touchdown on a 1-yard plunge.

Tyler Collins sealed the win with a 14-yard touchdown reception with a minute remaining.