For the Catasauqua football team, the process began.

The young Roughies battled through their season opener against Bangor last week with the kind of moxy head coach Mike McClarin has been seeking, especially on defense.

However, it wasn’t enough in a 34-6 defeat.

“Overall, I thought we played well defensively,” said McClarin. “We had guys flying to the ball. I thought that was the best that we have played defensively in two years.

“It was a good effort.”

Offensively, the Roughies generated only 56 yards. In their defense, they did have eight players starting who never played varsity high school football on both sides of the ball.

“We have to get back to work offensively,” added McClarin. “We had to replace all of our skill people and that isn’t easy.

“There were some positives and their attitude continues to be great.”

Senior quarterback Adam Reinhart made his first start after making the conversion from wide receiver. He struggled with nine yards rushing and a 1-for-15, 11-yard night passing.

“It was a tough role for him to step into,” said McClarin. “But he just kept working through it. He kept very positive the whole game, and he knows he can do better.”

McClarin was impressed with freshman running back Anthonie Hunsicker, who gained 60 yards on 10 carries and had a steady game on defense.

“He didn’t look like a freshman who was a year away from running for the middle school team last year,” noted McClarin. “He ran really well, and made some plays on defense.

“He will keep getting better.”

Despite the loss, McClarin likes the team climate.

“There is a better atmosphere this year,” he stressed. “We were out of gas early last year. We were right there with Bangor being down 13-0 at halftime.

“The attitude is much better and our work ethic is very good.”

The Roughies have a quicker turnaround this week as they will travel to Northern Lehigh Thursday night. Northern Lehigh edged Wilson, 14-10, with a touchdown late in the game. Like the Roughies, the Bulldogs have little depth on their roster with 38 players, but they return senior quarterback Zack Moyer and several skill people around him.

It will be the start of an unorthodox part of Catty’s schedule as they travel to Pen Argyl the following Saturday.

“They are a tough team,” said McClarin about his upcoming opponent. “They will run the football and have running backs who can gain some yardage. They have a senior quarterback and that’s always a plus.

“This is something new for us playing on a Thursday as we hosted them last year. We practiced a lot better last week, and I’m looking forward to it this week.”

PREDICTION: Catty played more sound defensively, but the offense is a major issue. Another game for Reinhart against a comparable opponent should make a difference. If he can run the ball effectively and find some receivers, it could be a good night. The offense needs to log some long drives.

Yet, the Roughies are still growing. This will be another step forward, but not a big one. Look for an entertaining game…NORTHERN LEHIGH, 21-14.