All season long, Catasauqua has been seeking to play the perfect football game.

Although scoring roughly 51 points per game and allowing just over 14, the Roughies might have an argument about their cause. Still, head coach Tom Falzone has watched his offense dominate the first five games of the season, while his defense has raised its status over the past two games.

Whatever the case, there was little doubt about the most emotional game of the year last Friday when Catty defeated Pen Argyl, 29-14, at Alumni Field.

The Roughies got the revenge on the Knights, who spoiled their undefeated season as well as defeated them in the District 11 Class 2A final last season. On a muddy playing surface, Catty managed to slow down the Knights' recent offensive surge and gained their seventh consecutive win of the season in the process.

"There was no doubt that this one was on the calendar for a while," said Falzone. "This was a big one and it felt good for everyone. It was a little bit deeper and we enjoyed it for a while.

"In the first half, our offense struggled a little bit, but defensively we were able to make some big stops and shut them down most of the night. But we're still looking for that complete game on both sides of the ball.

"It was a big win and a big step, but we still want to keep getting better."

For the record, quarterback Zack Bradley threw for 146 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 18 scoring strikes during the season. Wide receiver Paryss Marshall continued his seasonal assault as he was the recipient of all three touchdown passes and caught seven balls for 134 yards. Ra'Von Burton rushed for a game-high 154 yards and had a 65-yard touchdown run in the process.

With two consecutive poignant games against Bangor and Pen Argyl, Falzone is optimistic his team won't have any letdowns when they host Palmerton Friday night. The Blue Bombers will enter the game with two consecutive losses and an overall 2-5 record.

Running back Tre Nelson has been their main threat with 318 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

"We have to be careful not to get caught up in what we have accomplished and go at it hard," stated Falzone. "(Palmerton) is not a bad team and they have improved since the start of the season. They have some nice skill people and a running back that runs very hard. They will also give us some different looks on defense.

"When you look at records, it looks like a real mismatch, but we can't avoid a letdown."

With Northern Lehigh and Northwestern left on their regular season schedule, Catty appears to have firmly cemented itself into the number-two spot of the district playoffs. Pine Grove, who is also undefeated, continues to hold down the top spot.

With a victory Friday against Palmerton, the Roughies could take another giant step to receive a formal invitation to the playoffs. Catty also was ranked as the 10th team in the PIAA Class 2A state poll. In addition, the Roughies want to take another step to capture their second consecutive Colonial League crown and 13th overall.

"We know it will be tight at the top with Pine Grove," said Falzone about his team's fortunes. "We'll be looking to lock up a spot soon. We know we have to take one step at a time. Our first goal is to win the league and then move on from there.

"We just have to keep working and executing. We still want to get to a complete game this season."