Catasauqua’s football program will be taking a new direction next season.

Mike McClarin, who guided the team the past two seasons, recently resigned his position as head coach.

Under McClarin, the Rough Riders posted a 1-21 mark the past two seasons. He succeeded Phil Dorn, who had a 9-36 record over the previous four seasons.

McClarin, a former Liberty High standout who played at both the Naval Academy and Moravian College, cited differences with the athletic administration that prompted his move.

“We had two meetings and they felt like I should change some things,” said the 31-year-old McClarin who had his first head coaching job. “A few weeks later, we met again and I didn’t feel like I had full support.

“I really didn’t want to change and I felt we were making progress. We were on the path to success on and off the field for these players.”

Athletic director Tom Moll posted a Feb. 14 deadline for candidates, and he appreciated McClarin’s effort.

“I would like to thank Mike, his dad and the rest of the coaching staff for the tremendous amount of time and commitment they put into our football program.

“Our lack of success on the field was not the result of lack of time, effort and preparation from our coaching staff. I wish all of them the best of luck in the future.”

McClarin addressed the team last week, and he expects them to reach the next level, notably playing in the new combined Colonial-Schuylkill League in the fall.

“It’s very exciting for them to be playing in a new league,” he said. “The kids gave me a lot of support and they know I always tried to be positive. A lot of them bought into our system, and there is a very good freshmen class coming this season.

“They will be on the right track.”

Senior Adam Reinhart, who was converted to a quarterback this past fall, has dealt with the reality of the past season and the current state.

“It was not the senior year I was hoping for, but I enjoyed playing with the guys that I grew up with,” he said. “Coach McClarin was a great guy who looked out for us. I wished things could have been different and how they were run.”

McClarin sees himself back on the sidelines in the fall and relishes his Catasauqua experience as in some ways as a positive one.

“I already have had teams reach out to me about next year,” he said. “This is my life passion and I’ll be involved somehow.

“I really feel I grew so much as a person and a coach. I see the kids at Catasauqua as one that will have opportunities to get better.”