About 10 minutes before kickoff at Pen Argyl Saturday, Catasauqua head football coach Mike McClarin finally learned that starting senior quarterback Adam Reinhart wouldn’t be available due to a probable bout of mononucleosis.

Freshman Christian Fye literally got a last-minute nod to step under center, and he did a credible job in the team’s 49-6 defeat to the previous winless host Green Knights (1-2) last Saturday afternoon.

“He (Fye) has been taking reps all year,” said McClarin. “This week, he took the majority of them for about a day-and-a-half when we knew Adam (Reinhart) might not be available.

“It would be difficult for any freshman to step into a starting situation 10 minutes before a game. I thought he did a great job. It is a tough adjustment to make when you don’t have a senior leader out there at the last minute.”

Fye completed three of seven passes for 36 yards, all of them to Riley Reinhard.

“I thought he responded well,” said McClarin of his signal caller. “He did make some plays out there, and he also played a solid game on defense. I’m very proud of him to see what he did on short notice.”

McClarin noted that his defense struggled with dealing with Pen Argyl’s excellent field position most of the game. The Green Knights took advantage of three turnovers and made the most of their 208 yards of total offense, as they scored four of their seven touchdowns inside the 15-yard line.

“Defensively, our guys were inside our own 30 a lot,” said McClarin. “It made it difficult for us. Pen Argyl is a physical team and they came right at us.”

McClarin is hoping to see improvement from his offensive line. The Roughies had a total of 44 net yards of offense.

“They (offensive line) needs to open some more holes for our backs,” he said. “They have to be able to see the linebackers better.

“We have some young players, but we also have some things to clean up.”

The lone bright spot for the Roughies was senior running back Jakeem Jourdain, who gained a game-high 51 yards on six carries, one being a 30-yard dash for a touchdown.

“He is a very good player and he can make things happen when he touches the ball,” said McClarin. “We expect him to only get better as the season moves forward.”

The Roughies (0-3) will return home Friday to host Palisades (0-3), who dropped a 35-7 decision to Northwestern last Friday. Tackle Jacob Scheier

“They have some good players,” said McClarin about Palisades. “Their offense is a little bit different from what we have seen.

PREDICTION – Fye had his baptism under fire last week and did a credible job. Jourdain continues to look like the workhorse back the Roughies need. However, can they generate enough offense for a win?

The Roughies looked better on special teams last week, but they have to curb their fumbles, high snaps, and stop the run. Palisades has improved since an opening-night blowout loss to Northwestern, but they sputtered miserably last week on offense. If the Pirates can open holes for Smeland and apply pressure on defense, the Roughies could be in for another long night. Roughies will put some points on the board, but … PALISADES 21-12.