Last weekend, Catasauqua might have felt like they were the hurdler who finally cleared the last hurdle to gain an elevated sense of satisfaction.

This weekend, they will have another major obstacle to overcome to again raise their status to another level.

Until then, however, the Roughies will temporarily relish the moment and look to take another giant leap.

Catasauqua squelched and calmed any recurring memories and fears when they stopped recent nemesis Pen Argyl, 41-14, in the semifinal round of the PIAA District 11 Class 2A playoffs at Alumni Field. It was a year ago when the visiting Green Knights abruptly ended the Roughies season with a victory in the Class 2A final.

The Roughies (10-1) got their first sense of vengeance when they defeated Pen Argyl in the regular season and then accented their point with a much-needed victory in the opening round of the playoffs, a week after Catty was stunned by Northwestern in their senior night and regular season finale.

With the offense apparently back in gear and fully-equipped since the fifth week of the regular season, Catty can comfortably set its sights on capturing its first district crown since 1992 - the final of three consecutive crowns when they host Palisades, which upset top-seeded and undefeated Pine Grove last weekend.

"We really wanted that one," said head coach Tom Falzone about the Pen Argyl victory. "We just knew we would see them again somewhere down the road in the playoffs. We felt a sense of relief beating them before and then again especially in the playoffs.

"We got things going in the second half after we went back-and forth with each other. We had a wake-up call against Northwestern and we knew we would be in a fight (with Pen Argyl). But the kids responded and we had some pretty gutsy performances out there. By beating them again, we got a monkey off our backs."

Quarterback Zack Bradley, who completed 17 of 23 passes for 276 yards and four touchdowns, felt relieved with the win over Pen Argyl and believed his team finally shook off any recurring ghosts of the past.

"We felt we got through one big obstacle and know we have another," said Bradley, who has thrown for 2,022 yards with 31 touchdowns this fall. "It was like we finally got over things with them (Pen Argyl).

"We know if we play 100 percent like we did, we can overcome many things. Last year, we got too complacent heading into the championship game. We have learned from that. We now have our offense all together and we're looking forward to getting a district championship."

Falzone cited the play of running back Ra'Von Burton (PCL knee injury), Paryss Marshall (high ankle sprain) and Brandon Purrone (ACL tear) for their heroic efforts battling through some excruciating injuries. All three are expected to play Friday night at Alumni Field.

Despite being hampered and plagued with their injuries, Burton rushed 20 times for 104 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns and Marshall hauled in nine catches for 137 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Purrone was moved around the offensive line and proved to be effective basically playing on one leg.

"Those guys were very heroic out there," said Falzone. "We knew they would be out there. But we had a few days to get healthy and we used all of them."

Falzone doesn't expect to see too many different looks from Palisades, as the Pirates (8-3) will likely stick to their bread-and-butter plan of running the ball behind backs Christian Gretzinger and J.D. Donnelly.

On their lone touchdown drive in their 10-6 victory over Pine Grove, Palisades pieced together a methodical drive primarily on the ground that accounted for more than nine minutes.

The Pirates also have a large and veteran offensive line that has matured throughout the season. Quarterback Nick Sanders, who also can be a running threat, tends to throw when needed, but he has thrown the ball more often in recent weeks.

Defensively, the Pirates knocked out Pine Grove 2,000-yard rusher Nick Heim on the game's first play and shut down their running game all night.

"We know they (Palisades) will likely look to run the ball," said Falzone. "They have a big line and will likely run the ball and control the clock. Defensively, they are big and physical and can stop the run."

In a meeting during the regular season, Catty led Palisades, 12-6, at the half and then exploded for 33 unanswered points in the second half.

"When we played them (Palisades) the first time, they were focused on our running game," noted Falzone. "It helped open up our passing game. We know we'll get a different look this time around. We tried to see them clearly on the Pine Grove film, but it wasn't that clear.

"We know their running game and their quarterback can move well out of the pocket. He (Sanders) can throw on the run.

"But when we played them, we weren't quite in sync. We had some missed assignments and some dropped passes. It was early in the season and a long time ago. Both of us have changed over time."

Falzone believes his team can continue to withstand the recent rash of injuries that has riddled his team and pull together to bring home the first district title to the town in 21 years.

Assistant Ed Csencsits was the head coach and fellow assistant Bob Bydlon was on his staff. Falzone and current offensive coordinator Rob Petrosky were both freshmen on the last district championship team.

"We are anxious to get out there, but we'll take some days to recoup and rest," said Falzone. "We're hungry after last week. We know if we execute, we can get near the top. Hopefully, we'll have enough to put everything together for us and make the stops we need.

"Last year, we got the silver medal and we have reminded the kids about it all year. This year, we want to be wearing the gold around our necks."