Roughs pound Spartans
When it looked like Catasauqua produced another sterling, shining effort last week against Southern Lehigh, head coach Tom Falzone did find a noticeable scratch.
Taking at 42-8 lead into their locker room at halftime, the last thing the members of Catasauqua's football team thought their head coach would do was to berate them for one of the final plays of the opening half.
With that lead, Catty's Eric Matz had a punt blocked by Southern Lehigh's Andrew Terlingo and the host Spartans soon converted it into their lone score of the game. A successful two-point conversion further fueled Falzone's ire.
The touchdown failed to initially ignite a running clock in the second half for the Roughies. They later benefited from the luxury when Ra'Von Burton scored his fourth touchdown of the game on an 81-yard scamper that gave Catty their final score of the game and a 49-8 victory.
It proved to be a learning experience in which Falzone didn't want his club to lose any of its early focus it has maintained in a season already filled with plenty of postseason earmarks.
"Maybe we let up a little with the big lead and we thought nothing of it," said Falzone about the play. "But I did let them know about it at halftime. We didn't want to give them any life. We worked hard and had the chance to have the running clock throughout the whole second half and it would have sent a nice tone for us after halftime.
"Fortunately, we got the opportunity again and took advantage of it. We just don't want to lose site of the little things. We're on a good run and we want to stay that way."
Being a good run might be an understatement for the Roughies through their first two games of the season. Catty has outscored its opponents by a 86-14 margin and amassed a total of 877 yards of total offense in a scheme that has appeared to be as well balanced in many years for the Roughies.
Burton, who has already gained a large scale of accolades from around the Lehigh Valley, ran for 141 yards against Southern Lehigh and has 292 yards on the ground. Matz, who is in the backfield on a regular basis for the first time in his career, has been the perfect compliment with 180 yards from the other spot.
First-year quarterback Zack Bradley has benefitted from the two-pronged attack and a passing game that has multiple weapons. Bradley went 6-for-16 for 103 yards and a 26-yard touchdown pass to Zach Stopay, who caught three balls for 66 yards.
"He (Bradley) is doing enough and he is growing," Falzone said. "We hold him to a high level and he has responded well. Zack has made the tough throws whne he has had to, and he has made the most of everything so far."
One of Bradley's targets has been Paryss Marshall who caught three passed against Southern Lehigh, but he also intercepted a pass and a made a pivotal play on defense when he punched the ball out of the grasp of Southern Lehigh quarterback Travis Edmond, who appeared to be on his way for a touchdown that would have brought the Spartans to within 14-7 at the start of the second quarter.
"That was an all-out hustle play and a big play in the game," Falzone stated. "(Marshall) has done so many good things on both sides of the ball for us. He (Marshall) has really come into his own and will get better."
Overall, Falzone credited offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach Rob Petrosky for his ssistance simulating opponent's offenses. He also commended the offensive line for another steady job in game in which they were "outsized."
"He (Petrosky) has really helped our defense get a feel for what is coming when he has stepped in and ran plays for us. He also has called great games this year. It has been a big plus for our overall game and helped us get a better look at the Southern Lehigh's Wing-T.
"Our (offensive) line again did a great job against a line that was huge."
Defensively, Falzone again praised the play of this defensive line lead by senior Donald Hunter, who recovered a fumble, along with his entire unit. He also noted the play of practice "look" team that has also helped provide a real-life game situation.
"Our d-line has been getting great pressure and they are such a quick crew," Falzone said. "Our linebackers have been right in the thick of things and our secondary has been really sticking to people."
With Palisades ahead at home Friday night, Falzone remains optimistic his team will keep their momentum swing in their favor. Yet, he won't take anything for granted.
"We're striking quick and making the plays," Falzone said. "It has been a great two games, but we still have a long season ahead."