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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

Tigers up next for CHS

Throughout the season, Catasauqua's football team has seen its share of various defenses and predictable offenses from their opponents.

For the better part of their first nine games, the Roughies' opponents have given them a new wrinkle on defense and the smash-mouth approach on offense that is typically designed to wear down the usual undersized Catty defensive unit.

Such was the case when the Roughies blanked Northern Lehigh, 40-0, last week to clinch a 2A playoff spot and gain a share of their second consecutive Colonial League title. In the process, they have also held their last four opponents to a combined total of 21 points.

Head coach Tom Falzone was confident his team could take one step further to another undefeated season, but he was annoyed at some of his team's execution.

"We expected to win," said Falzone. "But it was a close game at halftime and they (Northern Lehigh) showed us some things we didn't expect to see.

"But looking back, we played sloppy in the first half. We missed some assignments and we had issues with dropped balls and executing some plays. We managed to make the adjustments we needed at the half."

Falzone was pleased with the play of his defense, which has been stellar down the stretch.

"We again played well defensively," said Falzone. "We were able to create pressure and shut them down. We have continuously faced teams that have been bigger than us and have come right at us.

"These kids deserve a lot of credit for battling through it every week. We have taken a lot of punishment, but we have still come up with the victories."

Falzone expects to see a similar script Friday night when the Roughies host Northwestern on the team's senior night and final regular season game at Alumni Field. However, Northwestern (6-3) looms as a challenge on more than one front as they have worked themselves back into the Class 2A playoff front.

The Tigers are within Pen Argyl for the fourth and final spot and a win could actually keep them in the running for the fourth or even the third spot if Palisades loses its final game. Northwestern will enter Catasauqua off a win 29-22 win over Bangor last week.

Northwestern quarterback Frankie Dangello has thrown for more than 800 yards with 12 touchdowns and running back Harry Hall has just over 900 yards rushing for the season.

"They (Northwestern) have a tendency to run before they pass," said Falzone. "Their quarterback throws the ball well and they have a good set of skill people. They have been playing well and they will be a dangerous team. We know we will have our work cut out for us."

A win will also leave the Roughies undefeated and give them their second straight league title, a mark Falzone believed hasn't been achieved since the late 1970s or early 1980s.

Falzone also expects to have Jacob Stopay play more of an active role than he did in his return last week from an injury. Ra'Von Burton, who missed the last two games due to an appendicitis, is expected to get some reps as well as give a breather to Devin Flores, who has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the team's last two games. Catty will enter Friday's game relatively injury free aside from special teamer James Kober, who is doubtful due to the effects from a concussion.

The fifth-year head coach also stated that Brandon Purrone, who suffered a torn ACL two weeks ago, could seen some time in the postseason if he is properly fitted with a brace.

Catty appears to be headed into the postseason as the second seed in the playoffs, barring top-seeded Pine Grove losing in their finale to Juniata. If Catty does, they likely will host Palisades Nov. 8.

"We really can't worry about what we can't control," added Falzone about the situation. "We know we will have at least one home game. It will be a special night with our senior night and we want to bring home another league title.

"From there, we just have to keep heading in the right direction."