Head coach Andy Cerco called last week’s win over Northern Lehigh “a pretty significant win for our program.”

But last week is now in the rear view mirror, and Salisbury is looking out of the windshield against the task at hand.

The Falcons (4-3) look to build on their district playoff aspirations with a meeting against Catasauqua (1-6) on Friday night at the Rough Riders’ Alumni Field.

“It was two evenly matched teams, and our players were able to find a way to win,” Cerco said. “Just being able to play against a team that is a good team like Northern Lehigh and come back from some deficits, it’s definitely a good step for our program.”

You’ll sometimes see teams get sucked into a trap game after a significant win the week before. But Cerco and the Falcons are well aware of what the Rough Riders are capable of on the field, despite losing six straight games after a 27-0 win over Bangor to start the season.

“I think it’s how we handle things as an organization,” Cerco said. “The mentality that we set on our opponent doesn’t necessarily matter; the kids know within ourselves what we need to get better at. Our goal every week is to play a complete game.”

The Rough Riders run an offense very similar to Salisbury.

“They run a spread offense,” Cerco said. “Part of their game plan is some of the stuff that we do. They line the formation and count where the players are aligned with how many are in the box. If there are too many players in the box, they’re going to throw the ball outside somewhere. It’s a part of their scheme.”

Leading the attack is quarterback Christian Barker, who has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in seven games. To go along with his 1,028 yards through the air, Barker has tossed eight scores for a Rough Riders’ team desperate to end its losing skid.

“He [Barker] has a decent arm and he makes good decisions,” Cerco said. “He reads the defense well and is typically throwing to open receivers. He seems to be smart, and he is pretty mobile.”

Barker’s main targets are wide receivers Corey Raysely, who leads the Roughs in catches (35), yards (511) and receiving touchdowns (5), and Ryan Greene (30 catches for 298 yards and two touchdowns). Miguel Hernandez has reeled in three touchdowns and 203 yards, while Cory Hicks caught four balls for 164 yards and two scores against Palmerton.

Barker also leads the Rough Riders on the ground, carrying a team-high 82 times for 355 yards and four touchdowns, also bests on the team. Running back KJ Reiss adds a nice one-two punch with 281 rushing yards on the year.

Despite all of Catasauqua’s weapons, Cerco and the Falcons are familiar with this style of play and are up to the challenge that lies ahead.

“Our kids are accustomed to that philosophy,” Cerco said. “In a way they know how to defend it. In their particular scheme, their routes are different and the run plays are a little different.”