Last Friday's game against Northwestern is certainly one the Salisbury football team would like to forget.

A week after the Falcons' 43-8 loss to the Tigers, Salisbury (1-1) will look to put that defeat behind them with a matchup against Palmerton (1-1) in Week 3. The Falcons defeated the Blue Bombers last year for their only win, 13-7.

One ingredient that was key to the Tigers' success was a 28-point second quarter, a number the Falcons can't allow if they hope to get their second win of the season.

"Bottom line, we didn't play well throughout the whole game," said Falcon head coach Andy Cerco. "That's on us as coaches to make sure that our kids are prepared. We have to do a better job of that."

Despite having the best practice on Tuesday of last week in Cerco's eyes, that play just simply didn't translate against the Tigers. Unlike their victory against Bangor in which the Falcons dominated special teams and the turnover battle, Salisbury was plagued in both those areas against the Tigers. That has to change as well.

"We felt throughout the week that we had some of the better practices we've had since we've been here as a staff," said Cerco. "Tuesday, we told the kids it was the best practice we had since we've been at Salisbury. We were crisp. Our tempo was up. We were doing the right things.

"First of all, special teams is essential. This past week we didn't do a great job in that area as well. Our first punt was blocked. Those things definitely have a factor. Special teams I think is key [and] taking care of the football is definitely something that has to happen."

Tre Nelson leads the Blue Bombers out of the backfield. Despite tallying just 22 rushing attempts, Nelson has made the most of those opportunities. His 219 rushing yards also leads the Blue Bombers. He has added three touchdowns as well.

"They have a good team and they have a good running back," said Cerco. "Their quarterback is a pretty good kid.

"I liked their linebackers - they're pretty aggressive kids. They run a basic 4-4 on defense, and offensively they run a couple different formations, some of what we run and some other different things. Ultimately, they're a good football team."

While the game plan will revolve around stopping the Blue Bombers, much of the emphasis remains on the Falcons executing what they can control.

"We're just worried about ourselves and getting better in those areas - blocking, taking care of the football and tackling," said Cerco. "If we get better in those areas, we're going to have a better result.

"You can look at the film and see what they do and those kinds of things, but ultimately it comes down to what we can control. And that's what we try to do with our players."

Game time is set for 7 p.m. on Friday at Salisbury High School.