For once, the momentum shifter was on Catasauqua’s side.

Down to Wilson, 31-18, with 1:30 left in the game, the Roughies appeared to remain winless and head to their fifth straight defeat.

But their determination and will eventually paid off.

Wilquon Clemons forced and returned a fumble 53 yards and Adam Reinhart caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Martinez with 52 seconds left that tied the game at 31 and sent it into overtime.

After Wilson responded with a field goal in the extra period, the Roughies kept it going when Martinez hit Jacob Smith with a 10-yard scoring strike to win it 34-31.

“I saw their running back was carrying the ball loosely and I decided to take my chances and try and strip it,” said Clemons. “I got and it just took off.

“This was definitely a huge moment for us and we had a really good week of practice.”

Earlier, Clemons broke free on a 77-yard run in the opening quarter. He finished the game as the team’s leading rusher with 91 yards on nine carries.

The Roughies trailed 14-12 at halftime to winless Wilson (0-5), and they trailed 28-18 with just under five minutes left in the game.

“These kids kept fighting and found a way to pull this off,” said head coach Mike McClarin, who picked up his first varsity win. “This was a big confidence booster to them, and it proved that if they stay in the game, they can do it.

“Wilquon (Clemons) has been doing a phenomenal job for us, and he has become a real leader for us.”

McClain cited the play of Reinhart, Smith and Riley Reinhard. Martinez also had a big game as he threw for 121 yards with three touchdowns.

“Adam Reinhart had a big run for us late (46-yard touchdown) and he is such a weapon on offense,” said McClarin. “Smith is a kid who does everything right out there, and Reinhard made some big plays for us late in the game.”

The first-year head coach also noted the play of Brad Panto, who guided the defensive effort.

“Brad Panto get everyone to work every day,” said McClarin. “We’re getting better defensively and they aren’t letting down. The guys up front are getting better each week and they are getting more cohesive.”

McClarin also was pleased to register a win on Youth Night. It was a link to the future and a disconnect from the past.

“It was great to have the whole community here and the kids ran on the field after the game,” said McClarin. “Our future is bright.

“Before, all of us wouldn’t play it through,” added Clemons. “All of us are buying in and believing in ourselves. We just try to get better every day.”