Catasauqua head football coach Tom Falzone knows his team is ready.

The Roughies tuned up for the season opener Saturday afternoon at Wilson with an impressive scrimmage against both Marian and Kutztown last week. Falzone stated his team dominated in every phase of the game against both clubs. However, it was a performance he didn't totally expect.

"We played very well," said Falzone. "But we really didn't practice well in the days before the scrimmage. We looked good in all phases of our game and there were a number of players who really excelled.

"It was the showing that we wanted to have."

Falzone was impressed with the running of senior Ra'Von Burton, who looms as one of the Roughies' main playmakers this fall.

"Ra'Von ran especially hard and that was the hardest I have seen him run in quite some time," added Falzone. "He really ran with a purpose and he is to prove something this year."

Senior wide receiver Paryss Marshall, who will be another playmaker this fall, caught two touchdown passes from quarterback Zack Bradley, who hit a number of receivers on the day. Senior Devin Flores, who will also see time in the backfield, also had a strong showing.

"Devin (Flores) looked god running the ball and played well on both sides of the ball," said Falzone. "He (Flores) looks like he is going to take the place of (Eric) Matz this season."

Falzone also credited the play of his defense, which limited the offensive output of both teams.

"Our defense also came up with a series of big plays," stated Falzone. "We really stopped up both teams and neither could get going. We were able to penetrate and shut them own with our quickness."

Looking ahead to Wilson, Falzone and his staff can appreciate the Warriors' overall size. Wilson is coming off a 3-7 season last year.

"They're big and they have some nice size," said Falzone of his opening day opponent. "They run a 4-3 (defensively) with a two-shell over top of it."

Falzone knows his team will need to shut down running back Nick Labatch, who has been receiving some preseason raves. Sophomore Nick Matson and freshman Mike Glovas are both still in the hunt for the quarterback spot.

"(Labatch) is a key player in the (Colonial) league and he is a big kid who will be one of the larger running backs we will see this year," noted Falzone. "They have some skill people and we will need to be able to get to one of their young quarterbacks."

Defensively, Falzone likes Wilson's defensive line and linebacking unit.

"That is where their strength is," stressed Falzone. "They are pretty solid up front. We'll have to exploit their secondary and I believe we can."

Lineman Rey Paulino injured his shoulder in the scrimmage, but Falzone believes he should be ready for the opener. Fellow lineman Brandon Purrone is nursing an ankle injury, but should be a starter against Wilson. Satchel Stauffer is also expected to be ready and should play battling a slight tear in his PCL.

Falzone expects his team to be able to adjust like they did last season en route to a sterling 12-win season.

"We'll do what we have to do," he said. "But we'll be ready. We have had enough practices and scrimmages. We're excited to get it going and would lay now if we could. Getting the extra day throws us coaches off a bit, but it really doesn't affect the players that much.

"We're set for a big year ahead."