After his team's first scrimmage against Lehighton, Catasauqua head football coach Tom Falzone is beginning to see his squad piece together the big picture for the regular season ahead.

"It went well, and we were pleased," said the fourth-year head coach of Saturday's scrimmage. "That was a good start for us. There were really only two plays that cost us. After those, I thought we took control the rest of the time."

One lone blemish came on the game's opening play when a missed blocking assignment resulted in a tipped ball and an interception return from a Zack Bradley pass. The other was a missed coverage that resulted in another score.

"Zack (Bradley) did well in his first start," said Falzone of his new junior signal caller who threw for tow touchdowns. "The interception wasn't his fault. He made some nice reads and played with a lot of confidence. He wasn't rattled and he will continue to grow in the process. We were pleased with his overall effort."

Falzone also was pleased with the continued progress of his offensive line even though they were noticeably outmanned by a larger Lehighton squad.

"We were definitely the smaller line," Falzone said. "But that will happen to us throughout the season. We are small, but we are quick. These guys are really starting to mesh and jell. They also go some great push. They are able to use their quickness to their advantage."

The Roughies also revealed a new running attack for the fall, as they will rely on a core of smaller, quicker backs aside from the grinders form the recent past such as Nate Falko and Luke Garner.

Junior Ra'Von Burton, who will carry the workload form his recently graduated brother's shadows, was impressive in creating holes with his cutback ability. Eric Matz will also see significant time in the backfield this fall, and the senior has already drawn plenty of attention.

"Ra'Von was all over the place," said Falzone of his back's performance in the scrimmage. "He will have a big year. Matz also stepped it up and ran well. He (Matz) had good speed and can also run hard. It was also a productive day for us on the ground."

Catty will get its final test in the preseason when they tangle with Marian Catholic and Kutztown in a home tri-scrimmage beginning at 6 p.m. It is the finale before the Roughies host Wilson next Friday night.

"These schools are basically the same size as us, and it will be a good test," Falzone said. "We'll look at a couple of more things before the season starts. We were glad to scrimmage on a Thursday because it gives us a few extra days to prepare for Wilson.

"Our guys are ready and they're hungry. We're in a good groove now and we're healthy. That's all we can ask for at this point."