Catasauqua head football coach Tom Falzone knows timing can be everything.

Through the first five games of this season, Falzone and his troops have hit all the high notes in timely fashion as they have established themselves as one of the football powers in the Lehigh Valley. One just has to look at their unprecedented 206-17 point differential from offense to defense.

Yet, Falzone has been around long enough and knew injuries may soon enter the picture. In an untimely fashion, two key players may be sidelined from Friday night's clash with undefeated Bangor (5-0) at Alumni Field.

Junior running back Ra'Von Burton - the team's leading rusher - and backfield mate senior Eric Matz will likely be out of the lineup in arguably one of the most hyped showdown this fall.

Burton is suffering from a high ankle sprain and has received treatments all week. Matz presumably suffered a collarbone injury, but further evaluations revealed he needed X-rays on his neck to check for a possible cracked vertebra.

"We have been fortunate all season," noted Falzone. "It is really unfortunate something like this had to happen before we play Bangor. But we have been through this in the past with big games, and it gives someone else the opportunity to prove they deserve more playing time."

Earlier this week, Falzone indicated junior Jacob Stopay, brother senior Zach Stopay, and senior Jimmy Deily could all see some playing time, but the head coach also didn't want to disrupt the overall game plan.

"We'll take a look and see," said Falzone inquisitively. "We have those guys in their positions and it would be a big adjustment for them to step in. The other issue is that both Ra'Von (Burton) and (Eric) Matz both have done a great job on defense with their speed."

However, the Roughies offense won't be without a large amount of firepower. Quarterback Zack Bradley completed 17-of-28 passes for 252 yards with three touchdowns. Primary targets Alex Parker and Paryss Marshall have been rapidly developing into two of the area's top receivers.

"Zack (Bradley) just continues to get better," said Falzone. "Our (offensive) line has given him the time and he has made the most of it. Both Alex (Parker) and Paryss (Marshall) have been running their routes well and both of them have been out jumping defenders to catch pass with their height advantages in most games."

Catty has also benefitted from the consistent kicking from Joe Harakal, who has been among the area's scoring leading in field goals and extra points this season.

"Joe has been one of our secret weapons all year," said Falzone. "He has done a spectacular job and people don't notice it because of our other weapons. But he has helped and will continue to do so in the future."

Falzone also credited the improving play of his special teams, who scored a touchdown against Saucon Valley. Matz, who also punts, has been one of the more consistent booters over the years.

On paper, though, the Roughies will need all of their weapons at full firing range against Bangor, which enters the game off a 42-6 rout over Wilson in which quarterback Brett Albinson threw for a pair of touchdown while Phil Voss continued his assault with 177 yards and three touchdowns.

Falzone expects the Slaters to implement their ground-and-pound style with Voss, who leads all area rushers with 857 yards and nine touchdowns.

"(Phil) Voss is just a special kid," said Falzone. "We know they (Bangor) will likely look to run it right at us. They are bigger than us up front and it will be another challenge for our lines. But they can also throw the ball well. It will be a very physical game."

Defensively, Falzone expects Bangor will seek to keep constant pressure on Bradley. The Slaters have allowed 34 points this season while they have scored 134.

"They (Bangor) like to blitz," said Falzone. "(Bangor) usually can send anywhere from one to three people from all sides. They are looking to get in the backfield quickly and disrupt things. We look for them to come at us hard with our injuries to the backs."

Despite likely being short-handed, Falzone isn't ready to wave any white flags in a contest that features the last two unbeaten Colonial League teams.

"We'll deal with our hand right now," he said. "We have had a good look at Bangor and know what to expect. This will be our toughest test of the season and we'll see what we are made of. We just have to go out there and play, and anything can happen."

He'll just have to worry about the timing.