While the Catasauqua football team had a lengthy postseason run this year, a number of the football players who also wrestled didn't get as much preparation going into the season.

Despite some of the wrestlers still making the transition from the football season, the Rough Riders opened up their conference schedule with a victory last week.

Jacob Rusnock's technical fall victory (17-1) over Salisbury's Nicolas Scarcia at 132 in the final bout gave the Rough Riders a 51-24 win over the Falcons last Wednesday night at Salisbury High School. The Falcons forfeited five bouts on the night.

"We're being patient with them because we got until March," head coach Michael Conner said. "It's a long season. You see them each week get a little bit better and in better shape.

"What I really like about this group is their togetherness. These guys are all pushing for each other and pulling for each other. I'm happy where we're at right now. We just have to straighten a few things out, and be patient and we'll get there."

Rusnock was in control from the opening whistle, and capped off the match in convincing fashion. What has been most impressive to Conner is Rusnock's ability to shape his overall game.

"Jacob is starting to wrestle really well, [and he's] putting more than one move together," Conner said of Rusnock. "He is starting to do a great job."

After forfeiting at 138 due to Devin Greene recovering from an injury, the Rough Riders captured victories in four of the next five matches to lead 19-12 going into the 195 bout.

Zachary DeCamp's forfeit victory at 145 and Nathan Doria's 12-2 major decision victory over Salisbury's Matthew Heiserman at 152 put the Rough Riders ahead 10-6.

Joshua Melendez was pinned by Salisbury's Trent Stump in the second period, but the Rough Riders responded with two key victories from Zachary Bradley and Tyler Trobetsky, both of whom played football.

At 170, Bradley was able to pin Salisbury's Christopher Trenge in the second period. Trobetsky then grinded out an 8-3 decision at 182 over Alex Nicholas.

"That first takedown he had was unbelievable," Conner said of Trobetsky. "When he's in shape, he can wrestle like that for three periods."

The Rough Riders were then able to capture forfeit victories in the next four matches 220, 285, 106, and 113 and Ryan Greene prevailed with a 6-4 decision over Salisbury's Zach Adams at 120 to separate Catasauqua.

After being deadlocked 4-4 for much of the third period, Greene was able to secure the reversal in the final seconds.

"He's my 113-pounder, but I bumped him up to 120 to give him a match or he would've had a forfeit," Conner said of Greene. "He needs some tough matches because he's a tough kid. He wrestled good and got that reversal at the end. That was a good match for him."

Results from Wednesday's match against Notre Dame-Green Pond were not available at time of press. The Rough Riders will next host Wilson on Thursday, Jan. 2.