If Catasauqua defeats Palisades in the District 11 Class 2A championship Friday night, Ed Csencsits will have a first in his career on two fronts.

The longtime coach, who has been a fixture in the Roughies' football program as a two-time head coach and assistant coach dating back to his first position in 1969, will make his first trip to the state playoffs.

At the helm of four district titles with the last one in 1992, Csencsits and his teams didn't make the trip to the state postseason due to some snafus in the system. He can also win a title for the first time as an assistant coach after being a head coach.

Still, he would be satisfied to be a part of another district title team.

"Anytime you get to this point of the season it is special," said Csencsits, who returned to the program when head coach Tom Falzone was hired five years ago. "I'm happy for the program and happy for the players.

"There isn't much of a difference when you and your team win one or two of these. But it's nice to see someone else at the top win one."

Csencsits's last team to win a title was in 1992 when that team finished with an overall 10-2 and was led by former University of North Carolina standout and NFL player Jonathan Linton. Falzone and offensive coordinator Rob Petrosky were freshmen on the '92 squad.

"We lost two games during the regular season that year, but I can't remember who beat us," mused Csencsits. "We had a guy (Linton) who played in the NFL, but we really had a true team out there. It was a typical Catty team that worked hard and got the most out of everything."

"We made the most of our opportunities and we really didn't have the injuries that the current team has. The kids we had then and the ones we have now are very coachable and have a blue-collar approach to them.

"It is very gratifying to see them succeed because they do what you ask them to do."

Csencsits also acknowledged the overall tight-knit cohesiveness that has permeated throughout the program for the past 40 years between players and coaches. Current assistant Brad Bloszinsky also played for Csencsits through the years, and the veteran coach also worked with fellow assistants Bob Bydlon and Jim Schaffer. Assistant Bob Panny was a former head coach at Whitehall.

Falzone and Petrosky also began their coaching careers under Csencsits.

"Catasauqua has always been unique because of the players and coaches who have been loyal to the program," said Csencsits. "Over the years, it has always been a tight group here. Everyone has a high regard of the program."

Winning a district title could be a perfect exit for Csencsits. Yet, the grizzled veteran doesn't appear to be leaning toward leaving the game.

"I still enjoy coaching at this point," said Csencsits. "I really appreciate what (Falzone, Petrosky, and Bydlon) do on the offensive side of the ball with the Xs and Os. I'm a Neanderthal compared to what those guys do with the technology available.

"The kids make (coaching) fun. We're all looking forward to the title game."

For Csencsits, one more win will lead to a long-awaited trip.