Catasauqua head football coach Phil Dorn didn't exactly like how his team's 25-23 win over Northern Lehigh ended last week, but it was a scene he had already seen.

Northern Lehigh had rallied for an offensive touchdown late in the game, and then they drew even closer when they recorded a safety to further narrow the gap. But the Roughies held on this time to record their second-straight victory and also evened their overall record at 3-3.

"That really is a microcosm of our season on how the game ended for us," said Dorn. "This time, we were able to hold on. But all season long, we have been right there with teams for most of our games.

"This time around, we were able to come out on top. It was a good thing."

For the past two weeks, life has been good for the Roughies. They registered a much-needed rout of Wilson two weeks ago, and followed with a win that suddenly launched them into the District 11 Class 2A playoff hunt.

"Our kids played really well," added Dorn about the Northern Lehigh game. "We were able to jump on them early. In the second half, we made the most of our opportunities, but we couldn't totally put them away.

"The kids had a good week of practice coming off the Wilson win, and we have been executing.

Now, we just have to work to stay healthy, and we truly have a next-man-up philosophy working here."

Dorn noted the Roughies have lost Eric Gusbish and Devon Greene to injuries for the next few weeks, and Quante Parks could be lost for the remainder of the season with a leg injury.

Over the past few weeks, injuries have been a recurring theme.

"We had 10 kids who didn't dress (against Northern Lehigh)," noted Dorn. "We have had six or seven starters out with injuries at different points this season. But our kids have been resilient.

"(Center) Andrew Gilmartin was out there playing with a broken thumb. Now we have lost a couple of our ends as well as a tight end. That can make things real tough."

Yet, Dorn knows his team has been very determined all season despite a new lineup and a slow start.

"We got to the point where some teams might have packed it in," stressed Dorn. "But that thought never entered their minds. They have worked hard since day one and now things are paying off for them.

"Northern Lehigh was a big win for us, but we just as easily could have been 6-0 this season."

Dorn also has been impressed with the continuing effectiveness of his two-quarterback system of senior Brandon Keks and junior Cristian Burker, both of whose statistics are very similar. Keks has completed 25 of 42 passes for 491 yards for two touchdowns, while Burker has completed 26 of 44 passes for 484 yards and four touchdowns. Burker is also the team's second-leading rusher with 211 yards.

"Both kids have played really well, and it is kind of eerie how close they are with their stats," said Dorn. "We have been going with who has the hot hand. They have both found ways to challenge each other and they support each other. It is kind of neat to see at practice how they both go about their business and they are still competing with each other."

Senior running back and leading rusher Mike Shutta also found his niche again as he ran for a game-high 160 yards on 29 carries. Shutta has 474 yards with five touchdowns for the season.

"Mike (Shutta) ran the ball really hard," said Dorn. "He is one of the better backs around and the line was working for him. We need him to have big games for us to be an effective team."

Shutta will need another big game when the Roughies host Palmerton (4-2) Friday night in a game that carries huge ramifications for both teams. Quarterback Garrett Perschy and running back Tre Nelson have been the team's most consistent performers.

"Palmerton is like many of the teams we have seen in the past few weeks," said Dorn. "They are a physical team with a good running back and a quarterback who can run and distribute the ball well. This will be another tough challenge for us and a big test for us at this point in the season.

"We'll need another good week of practice. It will be a difficult game. But this is week seven and Catty is playing in a big game. That speaks volumes for this program."