Like it has in other games this season, Catasauqua appeared to be on the verge of gaining the game’s momentum against Notre Dame, which entered the game with a pair consecutive shutouts.

The Roughies found themselves in a competitive tussle with the unbeaten Crusaders in the opening half and trailed 28-20 at the early stages of the third quarter.

But the Roughies couldn’t find the end zone the rest of the night and they fell to Notre Dame 42-20 last Friday night in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated.

KJ Reiss and Derrick Rodriguez once again proved to be an effective twosome on the ground for Catty. Reiss ran for a team-high 109 yards and scored on touchdown runs of two and three yards. Dylan Mitchell added a one-yard plunge for the Roughies’ other score.

Aside from their impressive win over Wilson the previous week, Catty had trouble taking the lead in a big spot. A high snap on a punt that sailed into the end zone and was recovered for a score by Notre Dame was one of three key turnovers that plagued the Roughies.

Two weeks earlier, they were tied 13-all with Palisades at halftime and had momentum on their side. But the Roughies came out flat at the start of the third quarter and never recovered. It has been a pattern that has left them with a 2-5 record that easily could be stronger.

“Notre Dame is obviously a good team and one of the best in the state,” said Roughies’ quarterback Andrew Brett. “We were hanging in there with them and then we couldn’t keep it going.

“We had a lot of opportunities and we needed to capitalize on them. It really is very frustrating. It has been that way for us all season.”

Brett, who is in his first year under center, has recognized the support of his receiving corps of Ryan Greene, Miguel Hernandez and Corey Raysley, all of whom have had outstanding seasons. They have made his transition easier.

“The biggest adjustment has been dealing with the speed of the game,” said Brett. “I feel more comfortable in each passing game. I feel really good at this point. I also have been very fortunate to have three good receivers who have made it easy. They go and get the ball and make the plays.”

Catty has a crucial game Friday night at home against Palmerton. Even with their 2-5 record, the Roughies are still in the hunt for a District 11 Class 2A playoff spot as they began with the fourth and final seed in the bracket. A win could further tighten their grasp on the postseason.

“It (district berth) is a huge motivation for us,” said Brett. “We are still playing for something important and we want to finish the year on a high note.”