Timing, lately, hasn't been on Catasauqua's side.

Over the past few weeks, the Roughies have been ravaged by injuries, losing as many as 19 players and nearly every starter. The recent rash has severely hampered Catty's offensive output as they have found themselves on the short end of a series of lopsided scores.

This weekend, the Roughies didn't get any breaks either. Senior wide receiver/linebacker Jake Kober was added to the injury list with a bothered ankle.

Catty (3-6) will also line up Friday night against Northwestern (8-1), which will enter Alumni Field with a modest two-game winning streak for the season finale.

However, the visiting Tigers have outscored their opponents, 92-27, during their run and they remain in the hunt for the Colonial League crown with Southern Lehigh, who also has an 8-1 mark. Yet, Southern Lehigh beat Northwestern, 40-37, in a shootout three weeks ago.

Northwestern will feature an explosive veteran backfield featuring quarterback Frankie Dangello, running back/wide receiver Cam Richardson, and running back Harry Hall, all who have been effective on the ground.

"The timing for this game certainly isn't good for us," said Roughies' head coach Phil Dorn. "They are a very good team and still have a shot at the league title. I know they will be very focused and ready to go.

"But our kids have never quit and they continue to show up every Friday night."

The Roughies have had a consistent effort from Cristian Burker, who has thrown for over 600 yards and has been among the team's leading rushers. Wide receiver Ricky Houser also is having a solid season.

Catty's running game was severely affected when senior Mike Shutta suffered a potential season-ending injury a few weeks ago.

Defensively, Satchel Stouffer has been among one of the team's leading tacklers, and Tyler Melendez and Tyler Youssef also have been steady in the field.

One bright spot ahead for the Roughies will be their annual Thanksgiving Day meeting with Northampton, which will enter the final weekend of the season against Whitehall with eight consecutive losses.

By Thanksgiving, the Roughies should have the bulk of their injured players back in the lineup.

"We're all looking forward to the game against Northampton," said Kober. "We have had a tough year, but we can salvage something with a win in our big rivalry game."

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