Missing the small details in a football game can lead to lack of execution. That, in, turn, usually doesn’t result in a favorable outcome.

Catasauqua’s football team knows the feeling.

“It’s the little things and breakdowns that have hurt us,” said Roughies’ head coach Mike McClarin. “We start off well and then we shoot ourselves in the foot. We have been so close to finishing drives, and then the other teams comes back with a big play.

“We have had trouble finishing.”

The Roughies (0-5) suffered their latest cause of unforced turnovers in a 53-8 loss at Wilson last Saturday. They beat Wilson last year, marking their lone win over the past two seasons.

Catty will return home to host Salisbury Friday night.

Senior Jacob Smith, who initially didn’t return to the team during the summer, returned last week and took over at quarterback. Starter Adam Reinhart is expected to return at quarterback this week after a bout with mononucleosis. Freshman Christian Fye started in Reinhart’s place.

Smith passed for 20 yards and ran for 37.

“The captains took a vote and his teammates welcomed him back,” said McClarin. “I thought he had a good game.

“He can run the ball and he threw the ball well. We expect him to get more used to the offense and make the adjustments this week.”

Senior Jakeem Jourdain continued to be a threat on returns and he rushed for 35 yards.

“He (Jourdain) ran hard and he really wants to do whatever he can to help the team,” added McClarin. “He has done a lot for us and we see him getting more and more involved with the offense in the next few weeks.

“But we do want to keep spreading the ball around.”

Salisbury (3-2) is coming off a 23-21, surprising win over Notre Dame. Quarterback Quinton Stephens has thrown for 945 yards with 10 touchdowns and has over 100 yards rushing. Tim Buda also has rushed for over 100 yards this season.

The Falcons are still in the hunt for a Class 3A district playoff berth. “They can run and throw the football and have played well,” said McClarin. “They are a good football team that gets overlooked.

“Our kids are still battling and working hard. We are a little nicked up on the offensive line and are working in some of our younger players. But we have to be ready to play.”

PREDICTION: Like most teams they have faced, Catty is meeting Salisbury at the wrong time. The Falcons are flying high and can smell a district berth within their grasp. Salisbury runs the ball effectively, which will spell trouble for the Roughies, who have allowed an average of 212 yards on the ground per game. Catty has had injuries on their line, and the Roughies have had trouble with consistent cohesion. Reinhart likely will return to the lineup, but this doesn’t look like a good spot for the Roughies…SALISBURY, 31-12.