If his team's season were to follow a preseason designated script, Catasauqua head football coach Phil Dorn would be inserting some of his younger players into the lineup.

However, due to an increasing rash of injuries that has spread throughout the Roughies' program in recent weeks, Dorn has had to expedite the process.

Heading into Friday night's game against Southern Lehigh, Catty likely will dress 30 players and have 13 players out of the lineup with various injuries. Among those wounded have been as many as 10 starters, recently losing running back Mike Shutta and Brandon Keks.

With their 49-10 loss to Salisbury last weekend, Catty's record fell to 3-5 and they are mired in a two-game losing streak in which they have been outscored 93-17. They suffered a 44-7 defeat to Palmerton two weeks ago.

"This is a difficult time for us with the injuries," said Dorn. "We just have had too many kids out this season. In the preseason, we lost our left tackle, left guard, and a cornerback. We've lost three tight ends to injuries.

"It has given us the ability to play a lot of the younger kids and they are gaining valuable experience."

Dorn cited the play of underclassmen linemen Tyler Youssef, Brandon Bly, and Kyle Zimpfer along with running back Dylan Mitchell, wide receiver Ryan Greene, and quarterback Cristian Burker.

Burker has completed 36 of 72 passes for 616 yards with five touchdowns and interceptions apiece.

"Those guys have been doing a good job up front for us," said Dorn. "Dylan (Mitchell) has been running the ball well for us especially since we have had a young line up front. Ryan (Greene) has been doing a nice job for us on the outside, and Cristian (Burker) has been consistent all season."

The Roughies will travel to Center Valley Friday night to meet a soaring Southern Lehigh squad, which has won five straight games and has averaged just over 40 points per contest during the run. Catty will then meet Northwestern, which is also in contention for the Colonial League crown.

"The timing of this game for us is horrific," said Dorn. "This is a huge challenge for us. But they have everything to lose and we have nothing. Our kids can just go out there and be comfortable. We then have Northwestern who is also looking to get the league title.

"It will be a big game for both of them against us. We did have a couple of good days of practice and our kids will go out and battle. We'll go out and play as hard as we can."