Catty cruises to Turkey Day victory over NHS
Days before the game, Catasauqua head football coach Tom Falzone was concerned that some of the luster of his team's annual Thanksgiving Day tilt with Northampton might have begun to rust.
His players apparently had focused more of their attention on the upcoming state playoff game against Imhotep Charter two days later.
"We wanted to stress to them the importance of this game to everyone," said the fifth-year head coach. "We gained a sense that some of them might take the game for granted.
"But we reminded them that they will likely see these Northampton players years after this game around the area, and there would be a good chance they will never see a Imhotep (Charter) player again.
"This game has been around forever and it is a wonderful tradition. It is the typical way that we end our season, but this year was different. We didn't want them to forget the fact about how many people have been involved in this game and what it means to everyone in these two towns."
Fortunately, his players took the nod and a recorded a convincing 43-28 victory over the arch-rival Konkrete Kids at Muhlenberg College in the 91st meeting between the two clubs. It was the third straight victory for the Roughies in the series, which is led by Northampton, 54-33-4.
With the win, the Roughies notched their 13th win of the season, a new mark in Catty football lore, while Northampton finished with a 0-12 mark in a season in which they allowed 40 or more points in 10 different contests.
Falzone stated how his team achieved its three goals for the season - winning the Colonial League, a district title, and beating Northampton - that have been a staple in the program through the years.
Senior Paryss Marshall was named his team's Most Valuable Player as he caught four passes for 125 yards, scored a touchdown, and also returned an interception for a touchdown. Fellow senior Devin Flores, filling in for starter Ra'Von Burton, rushed for a game-high 133 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Overall, the Roughies had a tight grip on their neighborhood rivals at halftime with a 30-0 lead, and their 43-point total marked the 10th time this season they topped that mark. Also, they raised their overall point season total to 608, as they became the first Colonial League team to pass the 600-point threshold.
In the end, the seniors realized the significance of their annual clash with their visitors across the bridge and began to cherish one of their more likely memorable moments of their football career at Catty.
For the first time in their four-year career for the seniors, the thought of an upcoming second-round state playoff game clouded their perception of the game that normally ends a Roughie football season.
"We're glad we went out and won this game," noted senior Jacob Stopay. "There was a lot of talk about us playing in the (state) playoff game and it was easy for us to turn our attention toward that.
"But once we got out on the field, we knew we had to win this game. This win always makes the season end on a high note for us. It still means so much to so many people. You never forget a game and series like this one and you want to come back and watch it someday."
Quarterback Zack Bradley, who threw for a pair of touchdowns passes and has 43 overall, stretched out over more than 2,900 yards in the air, appreciated the efforts of his teammates all season. He also was anxious to have another battle with Northampton punctuate his season.
"We have playmakers like Paryss (Marshall), Stopay, and Ra'Von (Burton) who have made the big plays all season," he said. "We knew we had the game ahead, but you can't downplay a game like this.
"No matter what happens in our season, there is always this game. In my freshman year, it snowed and that was special. This was special because it was the last one. It is always special because both towns are watching you."
Falzone was hopeful his departing seniors stay in the moment as the Roughies won their third straight game against their rivals.
"Thanksgiving Day usually means the end of the season," said Falzone. "This year, we had a couple of extra bonus games. There were a number of seniors who had the chance to play in this game as freshman and sophomore and make a big impact.
"Those memories will stay with them. You always tend to remember what happened in this game rather than some of the other ones. Once they have been away for a bit, they (seniors) will know a better appreciation of the game and know what everyone feels about this game."